Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Downtown Kyoto

Downtown Kyoto is loaded with hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s not a main sightseeing destination, but there are some good sights scattered about.

Nishiki Market. Editorial credit: Sinseeho / Shutterstock.com
Nishiki Market: Sinseeho / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Kyoto Area Description:

Downtown Kyoto is a roughly square area bounded on the east by the Kamo-gawa River, on the west by Karasuma-dori, on the north by Oike-dori, and on the south by Shijo-dori. Because of its small size, it lends itself to exploration on foot. And, with lots of covered arcades, this is one of the best places to spend a rainy day in the city.

Things to See And Do in Downtown Kyoto

  • Nishiki Market
    Known to locals as “Kyoto’s pantry”, Nishiki Market is easily the best traditional food market in the city
  • Daimaru Basement Food Floor
    Daimaru Department Store’s basement food floor is arguably the best food market in the entire city
  • Takashimaya Basement Food Floor
    Takashimaya Basement Food Floor is one of the most impressive food markets you’ll find anywhere
  • Pontocho Alley
    Arguably the single most atmospheric street in all of Kyoto, Pontocho Alley is a great place to do some geisha spotting in the evening
  • The Kyoto International Manga Museum
    The Kyoto International Manga Museum is the best manga museum in the entire country. If you’re a fan of Japanese comics, don’t miss it!
  • Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades
    These two covered shopping arcades are the most popular shopping streets in all of Kyoto, and they’re often crammed with kids out on school excursions
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Places to Eat in Downtown Kyoto

  • Kane-yo
    Kane-yo is one the best places in Kyoto to sample unagi (eel). The place positively oozes “old Kyoto” charm and the unagi is delicious
  • Kerala
    Kerala is one of the best Indian restaurants in Kyoto, and its downtown location make it the perfect place to fuel up while doing some shopping
  • No Name Ramen
    This ramen shop may be nameless, but it’s made a name for itself in Kyoto.
  • Tenyu
    Fresh ingredients superbly deep-fried in crisp batter – what’s not to like about tempura? Tenyu near Kyotoshiyakushomae Station has some of the best in Kyoto. Head over there to have your idea of tempura redefined.
  • Katsukura Sanjo Main Shop
    Widely known as Katsukura, this restaurant’s tonkatsu is a cut above many places: the pork is excellent, and the sauce is homemade. Plus, the Sanjo main shop in downtown Kyoto serves tasty crab croquettes and chicken cutlets – perfect when not everyone wants to eat the same thing!
  • Akagakiya
    If you’re into non-touristy dining, you’re in luck. Ultra-local Akagakiya near Sanjo serves up a slice of old-school Kyoto atmosphere along with its tasty izakaya classics.
  • Anzukko
    Anzukko, a gyoza bar located down a small alley near Sanjo Station, merits multiple visits. We love this pocket-sized slip of a restaurant for their excellent, inventive gyoza.
  • Kushikura
    For refined yakitori in traditional surroundings, Kushikura is a sure bet. Because they can do shio-yaki (salt-grilled) chicken, it’s a good choice gluten-free diners.
  • Mumokuteki Café
    Mumokuteki Café is one of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Kyoto. The food is great and it’s right in the middle of downtown.
  • Yoshikawa Tempura
    Yoshikawa Tempura serves Kyoto’s best tempura in a beautiful old wooden building built around a sublime Japanese garden
  • Misoka-an Kawamichi-ya
    For excellent soba and udon in superb traditional Kyoto surroundings, check out this longstanding Kyoto classic.
  • Tousuiro
    If you think you know tofu, think again! The artisans at this branch of a famed Kyoto tofu restaurant chain do more with tofu than you’d have thought possible.
  • Kikkoya
    Eating out in Kyoto doesn’t have to be fancy, multi-course affairs all the time. We love obanzai places like Kikkoya in downtown Kyoto, which serve up homestyle cooking that’s heavy on the vegetables as well as flavour.
  • Honke Owariya
    Located in an atmospheric old wooden building, Honke Owariya is arguably the best soba restaurant in all of Kyoto
  • Ippudo Ramen
    Ippudo Ramen is our favorite ramen joint in all of Kyoto. The soup and noodles are sublime and the accompanying dumplings crispy and delicious
  • Toriyasu
    There’s a reason Toriyasu has been in business for over 50 years: their oyako-don (chicken and egg rice bowl) is quick, affordable and consistently delicious.
  • Inoichi
    Inoichi is a tiny 10-seater ramen joint in downtown Kyoto that’s completely worth the wait
  • river ramen
    This sleek, chic ramen restaurant tucked away in Kyoto’s backstreets serves a phenomenal chicken yuzu ramen. The best time to hit up river ramen? On a cold, rainy weeknight, when everyone else stays home.
  • Bajitofu
    You won’t have to wander far out of downtown Kyoto to find great yakitori. Bajitofu is a centrally-located izakaya serving some of the best in town. Reservations recommended.
  • Guilo Guilo Hitoshina
    Located in a renovated warehouse south of Gion-Shijo Station, Guilo Guilo Hitoshina offers a delicious, modern take on kaiseki cuisine at ridiculously affordable prices.
  • Suiba Shijo Karawamachiten
    For a fun, inexpensive night out with friends, try a standing izakaya like Suiba in Shijo Kawaramachi. Good, cheap food and drink – what more could you ask for from dinner?
  • Tiger Gyoza Kawaramachi
    We don’t believe in being snobby about chain restaurants – some in Japan serve excellent food. One of our favourites is Tiger Gyoza, where you can eat a wide variety of great dumplings. Whether they’re pan-fried, boiled, fried, or vegetarian, this place has it all.
  • Ganko Sushi
    A vast downtown sushi specialist, Ganko Sushi is one of the most approachable and reasonably priced sushi places in Kyoto
  • Smart Coffee
    Retro kissaten Smart Coffee in Teramachi Shopping Arcade not only serves fantastic coffee, their egg sandwiches are also killer. Sparing some time for breakfast or tea here is a no-brainer!
  • % Arabica Fujii Daimaru
    For a quick cup of excellent coffee downtown, head to this ultra-stylish coffee shop on the ground floor of Fujii Daimaru department store.
  • Renkon-ya
    Centrally located, friendly, and serves delicious homestyle food – what’s not to like about Renkon-ya? This izakaya in downtown Kyoto near Sanjo Station is a cozy little restaurant that’s popular with the locals.
  • Otafuku
    For a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kyoto, drop by Otafuku in Kawaramachi. Though it’s right in the heart of the city, you’ll be whisked away to another world in this retro kissaten.
  • Pontocho Izumoya
    Located along the Kamogawa River, Pontocho Izumoya has been serving up deliciously tender and smoky eel for over a century now. As a bonus, it’s pretty tourist-friendly, too.
  • Yukei Salon de The
    If you’re a fan of the Tawaraya aesthetic, you might want to check out this lovely little tearoom curated by the famed ryokan. It’s not cheap, but the tea and sweets are superb and the room is very relaxing.
  • Ain Soph Journey
    For easily acccessible vegan food, head to Ain Soph Journey right off Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade. The food is decent, but their desserts are even better.

Shopping in Downtown Kyoto

  • Ippodo
    Ippodo is the best place in Kyoto to buy green tea, including both leaf tea and powdered tea (matcha). The store is incredibly atmospheric and samples are available
  • Morita Washi
    Morita Washi is our favorite shop in Kyoto. Full stop. Specializing in washi (Japanese handmade paper), this place is an artist’s dream come true
  • Kamiji Kakimoto
    Kamiji Kakimoto is one of the best places in Kyoto to buy washi (Japanese handmade paper)
  • Aritsugu
    Japan is known the world over for the quality of its knives, and Aritsugu, a knife specialist in Nishiki Market, makes some of the best in the country
  • Takashiyama
    The Takashimiya Resutoran-gai (restaurant floor) is a great place to eat while exploring downtown Kyoto
  • Daimaru
    Daimaru is one of Kyoto’s two largest and most opulent department stores, with everything from elite international brands to one of the best food floors in all of Japan
  • Bel Amer Sanjo Store
    Bel Amer is the Kyoto outpost of a famed Tokyo chocolatier. They sell distinctive sweets with Kyoto themes, flavors and packaging.
  • Muji BAL Building Branch
    A great shop for travel goods, interior goods, clothes and gifts, Muji is definitely worth checking one when you’re downtown.
  • Nomura Tailor
    If you’re interested in sewing or other needlecrafts, then you must pay a visit to the fantastic Nomura Tailor shop when in Kyoto.
  • Zohiko
    As much a museum as a shop, Zohiko is Kyoto’s finest lacquerware store. If you’re after a really high quality piece of lacquerware, look no further
  • Fujii-Daimaru Department Store
    Fujii-Daimaru is a small department store in downtown Kyoto with a strong focus on youth fashion. The basement food floor (known as Tavelt) is quite good here.
  • Tavelt Food Floor
    Located in the basement of Fujii-Daimaru Department Store, Tavelt is a small but excellent food floor. The takeaway sushi and sashimi is especially strong.
  • Yaoichi
    Yaoichi is an elegant and slightly posh supermarket right in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown shopping district. It’s a fantastic place to buy fixings for a picnic lunch or a great dinner back at your hotel.
  • Pagong Sanjo Branch
    Pagong sells shirts, blouses and dresses made of traditional yuzen-dyed kimono fabrics. They make truly distinctive souvenirs and gifts.
  • Apple Kyoto
    If you’re in need of something for your Mac or a whole new Mac, then head to Apple Kyoto. It’s right downtown on Shijo, in the heart of Kyoto’s shopping district.
  • Issey Miyake Kyoto
    If you’re a fan of Japanese designer Issey Miyake, you must visit the new Issey Miyake store in downtown Kyoto. It’s in a superb old Kyoto machiya.

Best Luxury Hotels and Ryokan in Downtown Kyoto

  • Tawaraya
    Tawaraya is the finest ryokan in Kyoto and, arguably, the finest in all Japan. Private gardens and incredible attention to detail make it a very special Kyoto experience
  • Hiiragiya
    The Hiiragiya is one of the finest ryokan in Kyoto. The service, décor and common areas are impeccable
  • Kyoto Hotel Okura
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    The Kyoto Hotel Okura is a fine hotel with extremely reasonable rates and an unbeatable downtown location (it’s directly connected to the Kyotoshiyakusho-mae subway station in the middle of downtown). It’s highly recommended
  • Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A true international luxury hotel on the banks of the Kamo-gawa River in the heart of the city, the Ritz-Carlton is easily one of the best hotels in Kyoto.

Best Vacation Rentals and Machiya in Downtown Kyoto

  • Iori Machiya Stay
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    For a true Kyoto experience, nothing beats a stay in a real Kyoto machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse). Iori offers 11 superb machiya rentals in central Kyoto.
  • Aoi Kyoto Stay
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Aoi Kyoto Stay is a collection of beautifully restored Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouses) that have been converted into accommodations. While they retain their classic Kyoto interiors, Western comforts like beds, showers and floor heating have been added. These houses offer you the rare chance to experience traditional Japanese living without sacrificing your comfort. They are perfect for couples and families. Highly recommended!

Best Mid-Range Hotels and Ryokan in Downtown Kyoto

Best Budget Hotels, Ryokan and Guesthouses in Downtown Kyoto

  • Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto Oike Fuyacho
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A modern mid-range hotel conveniently located in downtown Kyoto, Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto Oikefuyacho offers clean, tastefully decorated rooms in the heart of the city. We love the public bath!
  • Hearton Hotel
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    If you’re looking for a central Kyoto location, spacious rooms and really competitive prices, the Hearton Hotel Kyoto is a great choice.
  • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto ShijoKarasuma
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A decent economy hotel located in the heart of downtown Kyoto, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma is a comfortable city hotel that’s good value for money. We suggest skipping breakfast; the amenities are good.
  • Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A stay at Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premium Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is like signing up for a spa retreat. Amazing baths, comfortable beds, great breakfast, peaceful surroundings – capsule hotel experiences don’t get better than this!
  • Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Situated a short walk west of Shijo-Karasuma and Shijo stations, Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo is a good and inexpensive downtown hotel. Rooms are comfortable, and the multiple bus connections nearby make it a great base for exploring the rest of the city.
  • ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo (formerly Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma)
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Located a little west of Shijo-Karasuma Station, ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo (formerly Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma) is well-run budget hotel offering compact, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It’s a good value for money.
  • Super Hotel Shijyo Kawaramachi
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    The Super Hotel Shijyo Kawaramachi is a no-frills business hotel that is perfect for single travelers. It’s right downtown, very close to Nishiki Market
  • Hotel Gimmond Kyoto
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    The Hotel Gimmond is a decent business hotel on Oike-dori, a short walk from the Karasuma-Oike subway station. It’s a bit dated, but the price is right.
  • The Millennials Kyoto
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Its name might be a little groan-inducing, but The Millennials Kyoto isn’t a bad choice if you’re looking for a capsule hotel experience. It’s comfortable, clean, and great for meeting fellow travelers.
  • We Base Kyoto
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Who said hostels had to be low-quality? WeBase Kyoto near Shijo Station is comfortable without feeling cheap, and beautifully designed to boot. It’s great for discerning backpackers travelling on a budget.
  • Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
    With its central location and clean, stylish rooms, Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is a good choice in the mid-range category.
  • The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Located a stone’s throw from Karasuma Station, the Pocket Hotel is a decent budget option for travelers who want to be in downtown Kyoto. It’s cheap and clean, and will satisfy most travelers. Just don’t expect perfection.

Getting to Downtown Kyoto:

  • From Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station (preferred) or Karasuma-Oike Station.
  • On foot from Kyoto Station: Walk straight north on Karasuma-dori or along the Kamo-gawa River for about 20 minutes.
  • By Hankyu Line (from Osaka etc): Get off at Karasuma or Kawaramachi stations.
  • By Keihan Line (from Osaka etc): Get off at Gion Shijo or Sanjo Keihan Stations.
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