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.
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Clean room, decent size. Good location.
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
The room was nice. It wasn’t a big room but it was spacious enough to feel comfortable. I love that they provided a humidifier because the Japan winters are very dry. The amenities were great and abundant. No need to bring toiletries. The restaurant food was a little pricey but the food was well ...
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
This hotel is really affordable and the service it provides at the price point is honestly a bargain. Maybe its because i went in january but still..
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Wonderful staff
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Hilton Kyoto
Clean room, great location, excellent staff and service
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO
Love that big public bath and excellent breakfast!
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Shijo Kyo Machiya, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Nishiki Market 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 Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Nijō Castle.
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 Kamishichiken Kabukai 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.
