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
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
"Excellent location"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
"We loved the room for being clean and a nice big bathroom! Great staff that were so approachable to help with checking in and out, sending luggage to the next location and very generous in helping us plan around Kyoto as well."
Reviewed on 20 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
"The room was clean and the staff were extremely helpful with luggage forwarding. The hotel is located in a convenient area. As others have mentioned, the breakfast buffet does not have a huge range of options, but if you’re staying ~3 days I think it’s perfectly fine."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
"Great location"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
"Everything was clean and the staff was amazing, they let you store your bags there after check out so you can do some more exploring of Kyoto and all it has to offer!"
Reviewed on 14 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.
