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.
Honnoji Temple
After visiting Honnoji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Kyoto Essentials Private Tour: Perfect for First-Time Visitors
Kyoto Full-Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Excellent hotel, very clean and have a great location, with shops nearby. Staff very nice and kind.
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Traveling with 3 young children, room was spacious enough, baby crib offered, and clean room and hotel. Overall met all of our needs.
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
All the stores and restaurants
Reviewed on 6 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
Great
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Loved Staff! Very friendly and spoke English very well. Also enjoyed the spa there as well! Great stay!
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
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.
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.
