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.
Teramachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Teramachi Street. Visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Rokakkudo Temple
After visiting Rokakkudo Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
From Osaka: Fushimi Inari -taisha, Omihachiman and La Collina
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Kyoto: Full Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
Osaka & Kyoto Highlights Tour with Traditional Kimono Experience
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Well located, just off the main street. The rest are all reasonably good. If I ever come back to Kyoto, I will stay here again.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel in a great location, good rooms and amenities. Helpful staff.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Nice rooms, good lobby. Great location
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
The room was a bit small, but normal for Japanese rooms. The bed was comfortable and the hotel had lots of toiletries to take if you needed them! It was also convenient to have laundry in the building as we had already been in Japan for a week and needed to do some laundry. Great location within ...
Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
Third stay here. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Great location!
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Nicely designed room.
Reviewed on 27 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.
