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.
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.
Mikane Shrine
Mikane Shrine is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
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
Osaka & Kyoto Highlights Tour with Traditional Kimono Experience
Kyoto Full day Tour Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
The room was very clean. The location was good for getting out to see the sites.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Great hotel
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Air con was not effective, it was too hot. The rooms have bathrooms that make noise and you can hear other rooms. It was overall however a good hotel.
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
This hotel was fabulous! 5 stars all the way! Service and the spa amenity was over the top! Breakfast buffet was amazing, both cultures represented in taste, with great assortment as not to become boring after many days of indulgence! Highly recommended and can’t wait to explore the other boutique ...
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Very nicely appointed modern design and a great location near shopping areas and Sanjo subway and bus stops. We would have liked a room with a view of the city instead of the inside parking courtyard and more vegetable breakfast options for pure vegetarian/vegan folks. For non-veg folks the breakfast ...
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
This was such a cute little quaint hotel! The breakfast is the only thing I don’t think is worth it, especially considering it’s so close to many restaurants that you can just walk 10-12 minutes to the Nishiki market or the Terramachi market.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, 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 Uhoin.
Kamigyo Ward
Noted for its historical sites and gardens, there's plenty to explore in Kamigyo Ward. Top attractions like Nishijin Textile Center and Uhoin are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
