Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide
Kyoto
Visit Downtown Kyoto
Popular places to visit
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
This institution is the home of manga in Kyoto. It holds exhibitions, workshops and events devoted to the promotion of Japanese literary art.
Kiyamachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto with a trip to Kiyamachi Street. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its shops.
Ryoma Shopping Street
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Ryoma Shopping Street during your visit to Kyoto.
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
The breakfast was excellent but it was always crowded.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Spacious room, very kind staff, amazingly accessible to shopping/restaurants. The cleanliness lacked attention to detail, but didn’t warrant a complaint nor room change.
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Good location close to many sights.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Clean rooms staff friendly location good
Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
Used the laundry service. Came in handy. AC worked just fine.
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Cross Hotel Kyoto
This was our second stay at the Cross. The hotel has a great central location, the rooms are comfortable and stylish, the staff is very helpful, and the breakfast buffet is a must.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle are top sights in Nakagyo Ward, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station to see more sights in the area.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Kitano Tenmangū are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
