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.
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.
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.
Kawaramachi Street
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Kawaramachi Street, a favourite shopping spot in Kyoto. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
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
Cross Hotel Kyoto
An amazing property, staff were very helpful and location was perfect.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel was in a fabulous location walking distance to everything within reason all very close to subway stations. Super friendly. There was a Starbucks 7-Eleven and Tully‘s coffee place right underneath.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Great buffet breakfast. Decent sized room and the onsen was great
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Centrally located. Clean and comfortable with reasonable rates. This is my second visit and would come back again in future visits.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO
Excellent breakfast, friendly staff, convenient location.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike
Clean room
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Kawaramachi Street and Sanjo Street 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.
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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Kamishichiken Kabukai are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
