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.
Museum of Kyoto
You can browse the exhibits at Museum of Kyoto, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Kyoto. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples 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
Perfect Kyoto 1Day Bus Tour
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Kyoto Kimono Rental CHAMATSU|Kimono/Yukata Rental FamilyPlan
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
"Super clean room. Delicious breakfast. Lots of shops and restaurants right outside the hotel. Short walk to Gion and easy bus rides to major attractions. Useful amenities including premium lounge and laundry. Very highly recommended."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
"Rooms are clean, modern, spacious and comfortable. The self-serve check in-out misses out on a personal welcome touch. Location is outstanding and is just a block away from the four covered shopping arcades such as the Teramachi. Also central to many temples, shrines, Imperial Palace etc. Subway ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
"We truly had an amazing 4 night stay, staff super helpful, was easy to forward luggage from previous hotel and then forward onto Osaka through the hotel. Price to send two large bags to Osaka was 7000 jyp onsen was brilliant very easy to use. Every day from 3-5pm free beer at the spa linger which ..."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
"This hotel you are really just paying for the location. Location is fantastic. Otherwise it left a lot to be desired; beds were so hard all members of our party of seven were complaining of pain by the second night; the WiFi would go down every other day for what seemed like a full day; the TV system ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
"Great location"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
"Fantastic location, good clean rooms, super helpful staff. Highly recommend"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Kyoto
Fudocho
When in Fudocho, you can plan a visit to Kawaramachi Street and Museum of Kyoto, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Nakagyo Ward
Kawaramachi Street and Sanjo Street 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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
