Downtown Kyoto
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.
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.
Kawaramachi Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Kawaramachi Street. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants 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
Kyoto Full-Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
The Royal Park Hotel and Kyoto is an excellent accommodation in a very good neighborhood. The rooms are very nicely decorated and modern. The bed is very comfortable and the amenities are refreshed every day. One can also decide on whether one wishes to have the bedsheets changed every 3 days or ...
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Clean room, comfy bed, nice bath, amazing breakfast buffet, near a lot of shops and restaurants
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
ok
Reviewed on 16 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
Clean room, WiFi was provided and all staff were helpful and very professional. Only small down side in my opinion was the breakfast. Don’t stay at hotels much so not sure this is the norm, but the choice of main breakfast did not change. Buffett choices were great though
Reviewed on 15 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.
