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.
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.
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.
Kawaramachi Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Kawaramachi Street. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
All around very nice
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
All the stores and restaurants
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Lovely little hotel in a wonderful part of Kyoto. Was very close to all the shopping and the Nishiki Market. The rooms were a nice size and very comfortable. The 4 stars is because they clean the room every 3 days (although you can request more but got the feeling this was bit frowned upon)
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Very clean and well located. Just around the corner from train station with good eateries nearby and many sites within walking distance or a train/bus ride away. Rooms are generously sized for Japan standards (didn't feel like a closet). We enjoyed our stay and would come back again.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER
The property is extremely clean, quiet and the staff was very professional. The hotel is conveniently located in central Kyoto with Nishiki market only a few minutes walk away.
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Great elegant and super comfortable hotel! It has a public bath but if you have tattoes you cant use. Rate 4
Reviewed on 8 Mar 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
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.
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.
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.
