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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
KIYOTO’s Kyoto E-Cycling: Highlights & Hidden Gems
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
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Fabulous!
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Big spacious rooms, staff amazing, perfect location, really comfortable bed
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Yes.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
One of our favourite hotels from our 14 night tour. Welcomed our group with a taste of sake. The rooms were spacious, clean and modern. Good facilities for laundry and although I didn't have breakfast in the restaurant, others in our group really enjoyed it. Located close to metro, good dining options ...
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Spa was very nice from the lounge afterwards. Had great views. Location was pretty Central to most walkability was
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
My 2nd stay during 2025. Perfect location in Kyoto. Big rooms. Great dining room experience.
Reviewed on 6 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
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 Kitano Tenmangū are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station to see more of the city.
