Kyoto Station Access & Transportation 2026: How to Transfer & Guide of Kyoto Station Building w/map
Kyoto is often described as the city with the deepest history and richest cultural heritage in Japan. Packed with places where you can truly feel the essence of Japan, it is one of the must-visit destinations for anyone traveling in the country.
However, I have seen many of my foreign friends visit Kyoto and leave without fully enjoying it. In reality, Kyoto’s profound history and traditions can be difficult to grasp, and many people come away thinking, “It feels amazing somehow, but I don’t really understand what makes it special.”
That’s why I recommend exploring the city with locals who truly know the real Kyoto. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor’s The Best of the Best in both 2024 and 2025—you’ll be able to leave Kyoto with unforgettable memories.
Start by checking out the tours that interest you most. Magical Trip offers exciting and authentic experiences that even many Japanese people have never tried.
-Kyoto Gion Tea ceremony & Wabi-sabi Walking Tour
-Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunch
-Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour
If you’re interested in Kyoto’s food culture, the “Kyoto Night Foodie Tour,” where you can enjoy traditional Kyoto home-style dishes known as obanzai, is highly recommended.
If you love drinking, choose the “Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho,” where you can savor delicious food and drinks in one of Kyoto’s most traditional areas.
Introduction
When you think of Kyoto, you might imagine traditional streetscapes, but Kyoto Station has a modern and sophisticated atmosphere.
When I lived in Kyoto, I used Kyoto Station almost every time I moved around the Kansai region. With railways, buses, and taxis all converging here, it's incredibly accessible no matter where you're going.
The shopping area inside the station building is like a city you can enjoy all day long. Kyoto Isetan offers brands from around the world and Kyoto's long-established stores, making it perfect for souvenir shopping.
If you want to keep your budget a bit lower, I recommend Kyoto Porta. It's packed with popular Kyoto stores offering everything from fashion to general goods and gourmet food.
When I lived in Kyoto, I always took my visiting friends to the Ramen Street in Kyoto Station. It features ramen from all over Japan.
The area around Kyoto Station is also full of attractions. I still can't forget the panoramic view from Kyoto Tower. The grand architecture of Higashi Honganji Temple overwhelmed me even though I was used to Kyoto.
And the numerous tourist spots easily accessible from Kyoto Station are also appealing. Fushimi Inari Shrine, the atmospheric Arashiyama, the beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the charming tea fields of Uji are all easily accessible from this station.
In this guide, I'll share the charms of transportation, shopping, dining, accommodation, and sightseeing centered around Kyoto Station, drawing from my own experiences.
Table of Contents
・What is Kyoto Station?
・Transportation Available at Kyoto Station
・How to Enjoy Kyoto Station
・Recommended Accommodations Around Kyoto Station
・Tourist Spots Around the Station
・Recommended Tourist Spots Easily Accessible from Kyoto Station
・Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Station
What is Kyoto Station?
Kyoto Station serves as the gateway to Kyoto and plays a role as a major transportation hub. With various transportation options including trains, buses, and taxis, it's an ideal base for sightseeing in Kyoto.
One of its attractions is its modern architectural design featuring an open atrium space, along with large shopping malls and restaurants.
It's also convenient for foreign travelers with currency exchange facilities. The station itself often becomes a tourist spot with seasonal illuminations.
Kyoto Station Is the Gateway to Kyoto and a Major Transportation Hub
Source：Kyoto Station Official
Kyoto Station is divided primarily into two areas: the "Karasuma Exit" to the north and the "Hachijo Exit" to the south. The main bus terminal is located at the Karasuma Exit, while the Shinkansen ticket gates are found at the Hachijo Exit. The two exits are connected by passageways on the second floor of the west side and on the basement level of the east side.
Large coin lockers capable of storing full-size suitcases are available at each exit and in the underground passageways, so you can easily explore nearby shops and sightseeing spots hands-free. The basement and upper floors of Kyoto Station are home to a variety of commercial facilities, including souvenir shops and restaurants.
Transportation Available at Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is a transportation hub where various means of transportation including trains, buses, and taxis converge. Here, I'll introduce three types of transportation available from Kyoto Station.
Railways
At Kyoto Station, you can use the JR Tokaido Main Line, San'in Main Line, Nara Line, and Kosei Line. It's also a station for Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama), making access from all over Japan excellent.
The connection with Kintetsu Railway makes it convenient to access Nara and Ise-Shima. Using the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line makes it easy to move around the city. Multilingual information boards and staff are available in the station, making it easy for foreign travelers to use.
Buses
While Kyoto buses can be quite crowded and sometimes you might not be able to board even after waiting in line, so I basically recommend trains and walking, but if you're going somewhere that can only be reached by bus, Kyoto Station is convenient.
Major bus routes including city buses, Kyoto buses, and Keihan buses converge here. It's also used as a starting and ending point for bus tours. Long-distance bus terminals are also attached, making it convenient for travel to distant places.
Taxis
There are multiple taxi stands around the station. While more expensive than other transportation means, it's convenient for those with a lot of luggage or for late-night travel.
6 Train Lines at Kyoto Station: Features and Uses Explained
There are a total of 6 train lines that provide transport access to Kyoto Station. Here, we'll introduce the features and uses of each line, as well as recommended tourist spots along each route.
Each heading below includes a symbol that serves as a marker for each line. When traveling from Kyoto Station using local lines, look for these symbols to find the line you need.
JR Kyoto Line
Source:Wikipedia
The JR Kyoto Line is operated by JR, Japan's major railway company with a nationwide rail network, running between JR Kyoto Station and JR Osaka Station. This line is frequently used when visiting tourist spots around Kyoto Station. It's also commonly used for access to and sightseeing in the Osaka area.
The JR Kyoto Line is identified by trains with blue-lined bodies. You can access the JR Kyoto Line by entering through the JR Line gates at Kyoto Station's West Exit, Hachijo Exit, or Central Exit. The Central Exit gates are the largest and easiest to find, making them recommended for travelers.
Komyo-ji Temple
A temple where you can see beautiful autumn foliage. It's famous for "Momiji Sando," a stunning street lined with maple trees.
- Address: 26-1 Saijo no Uchi, Ao, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-955-0002
- Official Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/
Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Nagaokakyo Station and take a bus (approximately 45 minutes)
Kyoto Aquarium
An aquarium with easy access from Kyoto Station. It's famous for its exhibit of giant salamanders, which are designated as a national natural monument.
- Address: 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (inside Umekoji Park)
- Hours: 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-354-3130
- Official Website: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/
Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Umekoji Kyoto-Nishi Station (approximately 10 minutes)
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
The distillery of Yamazaki, a globally popular Japanese whisky. Tours with tastings are available by reservation, and there's also a gift shop on site.
- Address: 5-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM 4:45 PM
- Closed: New Year's holidays, factory holidays (temporary closures may occur)
- Phone: 075-962-1423
- Official Website: http://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/yamazaki/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Yamazaki Station (approximately 23 minutes)
JR Sanin Main Line
Source:Wikipedia
The JR Sanin Main Line is a train that connects Kyoto Station along the Sea of Japan coast to Yamaguchi Prefecture at the western tip of Honshu.
The section of the JR Sanin Main Line running from Kyoto Station to Sonobe Station in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture is commonly called the Sagano Line.
The Sagano Line passes through representative Kyoto sightseeing areas such as Nijo, Uzumasa, and Arashiyama, making it a frequently used transport line for Kyoto tourism.
This line also provides access to regions further west of Kyoto, such as Hiroshima Prefecture and Izumo, where Izumo Taisha Shrine is located.
Tenryuji Temple
A historic temple with a classical Japanese garden. The view of the garden integrated with the mountains and nature of the Arashiyama area is a must-see.
- Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-881-1235
- Official Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station (approximately 20 minutes)
Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle
A castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who ruled all of Japan in the 17th century. You can tour the beautiful gardens and historic structures.
- Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 8:45 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-841-0096
- Official Website: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Nijo Castle Station (approximately 20 minutes)
Sagano Scenic Train
A special train where you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Arashiyama and Sagano area. The autumn foliage and spring cherry blossom seasons are especially popular.
- Address: Shado-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:02 AM 4:02 PM (varies by season)
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/station/saga/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station (approximately 20 minutes)
JR Kosei Line
Source:Wikipedia
The JR Kosei Line is a railway line that connects Yamashina Station in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto Prefecture to Omi-Shiotsu Station in Shiga Prefecture. Shiga Prefecture is located right next to Kyoto and is a region known for its beautiful Lake Biwa.
The JR Kosei Line is known as a transport route that runs along the western shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. You can use this line when visiting tourist spots around Mount Hiei and Lake Biwa, located between Kyoto and Shiga.
In Shiga Prefecture, you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Biwa from the train window while riding this line.
Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei
This is one of Japan's most famous temples, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately 100 temple halls are scattered across the vast Mount Hiei, where you can explore historic temple architecture.
- Address: 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 077-578-0001
- Official Website: https://www.hieizan.or.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Hieizan Sakamoto Station and transfer to the cable car (approximately 1 hour 25 minutes)
Bishamon-do
This historic temple was founded in the 8th century. It is famous for its weeping cherry trees over 150 years old and the autumn foliage that blankets the approach path like a carpet.
- Address: 18 Anjuinariyama-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-581-0328
- Official Website: http://www.bishamon.or.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at JR Yamashina Station (approximately 25 minutes)
Yamashina Canal
This canal was built to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. Cherry trees and rapeseed flowers are planted along the promenade, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the flowers in spring.
- Address: 607-8006 Anjubaba-no-Higashi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://biwakososui.city.kyoto.lg.jp/place/detail/10
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at JR Yamashina Station (approximately 20 minutes)
JR Nara Line
Source:Wikipedia
The JR Nara Line is a train that connects Kyoto and Nara. It is one of the main transport options available when traveling from Kyoto to explore Nara. By using the rapid train called Miyakoji Rapid, you can access JR Nara Station from Kyoto Station in approximately 45 minutes.
You can also use this line to access the Uji area, one of Kyoto's major tourist areas. At Kyoto Station, you can board the train by entering through the JR Line ticket gates located at the West Exit, Hachijo Exit, or Central Exit, just like other JR Lines.
Byodo-in Temple in Uji
This beautiful temple located in the Uji area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Phoenix Hall, featuring phoenix sculptures, is particularly famous.
- Address: 116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0774-21-2861
- Official Website: https://www.byodoin.or.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Uji Station (approximately 32 minutes)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This famous shrine, representative of Kyoto, features hundreds of red torii gates lined up in succession. Torii gates and shrines are spread across the entire mountain called Mount Inari.
- Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunochi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-641-7331
- Official Website: https://inari.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at JR Inari Station (approximately 10 minutes)
Nara Park
This vast park in Nara is recommended for access via the JR Nara Line. Within its grounds are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are must-sees for Nara sightseeing, including Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- Address: 30 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0742-22-0375
- Official Website: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at JR Nara Station (approximately 1 hour)
Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line
Source:Wikipedia
The Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line is a major subway running within Kyoto City, connecting Kokusaikaikan Station in Sakyo Ward to Takeda Station in Fushimi Ward. This is a transport line you will frequently use when traveling and sightseeing within Kyoto City.
The line color is green, and it is depicted as a green line on route maps at stations and other locations in Kyoto. It connects with other lines such as JR Lines and the Tozai Line at major stations like Kyoto Station and Karasuma Oike Station, making transfers easy.
Kyoto Gyoen and Kyoto Imperial Palace
You can tour the residence where Japanese emperors once lived and its expansive gardens. You can experience the court culture of Kyoto that has been cultivated for over 1,000 years.
- Address: Inside Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:20 PM
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 – January 4), Event preparation days (check the official website calendar)
- Phone: 075-211-1215
- Official Website: https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Imadegawa Station (approximately 20 minutes)
Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden
This is a vast botanical garden operated by Kyoto Prefecture. Various entertainment events are held depending on the season, such as nighttime botanical garden events and illumination events.
- Address: Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-701-0141
- Official Website: https://www.kyotobotanicalgardens.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Kitayama Station (approximately 23 minutes)
Nishiki Market
This shopping street offers foods and gifts unique to Kyoto, including Kyoto vegetables, fresh fish, light meals, and Japanese sweets. Also known as Kyoto's Kitchen, it bustles with tourists and locals alike.
- Address: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: Varies by store
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone: 075-211-3882
- Official Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Shijo Station (approximately 10 minutes)
Kintetsu Kyoto Line
Source:Wikipedia
The Kintetsu Kyoto Line is a transport line connecting Kyoto Station in Kyoto to Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara Prefecture. From Yamato-Saidaiji Station, it connects with the Kintetsu Nara Line. When boarding from Kyoto, you can access Kintetsu Nara Station without transferring.
This line is frequently used along with the JR Nara Line when traveling from Kyoto to Nara. From Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station, it takes 45 minutes by express train or 35 minutes by limited express (which requires an additional limited express fee).
If you want to get from Kyoto to Nara in as little time as possible, be sure to use the Kintetsu Kyoto Line/Kintetsu Nara Line.
Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum
This museum is operated by the famous sake manufacturer Gekkeikan. You can learn about the history of sake brewing in Fushimi, where many sake breweries are gathered, and enjoy tasting high-quality sake.
- Address: 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Obon period (August 13–16), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 – January 4), and other temporary closure days
- Phone: 075-623-2056
- Official Website: https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/enjoy/museum/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Momoyama-Goryo-mae Station (approximately 20 minutes)
Jonangu Shrine
This historic shrine features beautiful seasonal flowers. It is especially famous for its beauty in spring when camellias and plum blossoms are in bloom.
- Address: 7 Nakajima Toba Rikyu-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-623-0846
- Official Website: http://www.jonangu.com/
- Access from Kyoto Station: Get off at Takeda Station (approximately 25 minutes)
Tourist Express "Aoniyoshi"
This is a tourist express with luxurious interior design operating on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. It runs between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. It is recommended when visiting the Osaka and Nara areas from Kyoto.
- Official Website: https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/aoniyoshi/
- Boarding available from Kyoto Station. Approximately 35 minutes to Kintetsu Nara Station
Kyoto Station Itself Is a Tourist Attraction! 3 Recommended Spots Around Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station and its surrounding area can be enjoyed as tourist attractions in their own right.
Be sure to check out the beautiful Kyoto Station building, the station complex where you can enjoy shopping, and Kyoto Tower, a symbol of Kyoto City.
Kyoto Station Building
Source:Wikipedia
First-time visitors to Kyoto Station will be amazed by its gorgeous architecture. From the station entrance, designed with the concept of "Kyoto is the gateway to history," to the modern art-like design throughout, Kyoto Station is impressively sophisticated.
In addition to restaurants and souvenir shops, the station features walkways with panoramic views of Kyoto and an art museum, making it an entertainment destination in itself.
When traveling from Kyoto Station to various destinations, be sure to enjoy exploring the station as well. Personally, when I return to my family home in Tokyo, I arrive at the station at least three hours early to enjoy dining and shopping before departure.
There are many commercial facilities within the station building, and the one I frequently visit is Porta, which houses popular boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The gift corner in front of the JR Line west ticket gate is a perfect spot to buy Kyoto souvenirs.
The famous long-established department store Isetan is also connected to the station. You can purchase high-quality sweets and deli items from basement level 1 to the 2nd floor.
There are many well-maintained plazas throughout the station building where you can rest between shopping. From Karasuma Koji Square on the 4th floor, you can see Kyoto Tower right in front of you.
- Address: Kamadono-cho, Higashishiokoji, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: Varies by store/facility
- Closed: Varies by store/facility
- Phone: -
- Official Website: https://www.jr-odekake.net/eki/top.php?id=0610116
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is located a few minutes' walk from Kyoto Station. It's known as a scenic spot where you can overlook the entire Kyoto city from its observation deck. The night view is also beautiful, making it perfect for dates. With restaurants and souvenir shops inside the tower, it's also ideal for taking breaks between sightseeing.
Website: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/
STAR BRIDGE
Source:Official website
STAR BRIDGE is an installation located on the aerial walkway of the Kyoto Station building. The aerial walkway is a 185-meter-long passage that connects the west and east sides of Kyoto Station.
The aerial walkway is 45 meters high, roughly equivalent to a 10-story building, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto City as you walk. You can also get a beautiful view of Kyoto Tower from here.
Every day after 5:00 PM, the illuminations light up, and you can enjoy the beautiful installation known as STAR BRIDGE. You can admire Kyoto's night view while walking through the fantastical pathway lit by colorful LED tubes.
The eastern entrance of the aerial walkway is located at the East Plaza on the 7th floor of the station building. There is a piano here, and you can relax while enjoying views of Kyoto Tower and the illuminations.
- Address: Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM 10:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: -
- Official Website: https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/lp/square/#square03
Must-See Tourist Spots Within Walking Distance from Kyoto Station - Handpicked by the Author
There are several famous temples within walking access from Kyoto Station, including To-ji Temple. I will introduce a selection of traditional temples and spots that I highly recommend.
To-ji Temple
To-ji Temple is a historic temple built in the 8th century, famous for its beautiful five-storied pagoda. You can access it in about 15 minutes on foot from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
The five-storied pagoda stands 54.8 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden structure in Japan, and it has been designated as a National Treasure. During the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, the pagoda is illuminated along with the surrounding flowers and trees, creating a solemn and beautiful spectacle.
The sight of the five-storied pagoda with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves reflected in the nearby Hyotan Pond is an iconic Kyoto scene and one of my favorite photo spots. If you visit Kyoto Station, be sure to check out To-ji Temple first.
- Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-691-3325
- Official Website: https://toji.or.jp/
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple is a temple with easy access, just about a 5-minute walk from the Karasuma Exit of Kyoto Station. Locally, it is affectionately known as "Ohigashi-san." The main highlights of this temple are the Miei-do Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and the Miei-do Gate standing before it. When I first saw them, I was so overwhelmed by their sheer scale that I found myself standing in awe.
The interior, covered with tatami mats, is quiet and spacious, making it a recommended spot for those who want to experience the peaceful world of Buddhism.
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple offers convenient access, about a 17-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple was established in the 16th century. The Miei-do Hall, designated as a National Treasure, is a wooden structure adorned with magnificent decorations.
The vast grounds also contain many other historically valuable buildings, including Amida Hall and Hiunkaku, which is built over a pond. All of these buildings feature the gorgeous architectural style that was favored in late 16th-century Japan.
If you are interested in Japanese historical buildings and temple architecture, I encourage you to extend your visit from Kyoto Station to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.
- Address: Honganji Monzen-cho, Horikawa-dori Hanayacho-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 5:30 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-371-5181
- Official Website: https://www.hongwanji.kyoto/
Kyoto Railway Museum
Source:Official website
The Kyoto Railway Museum is located about a 20-minute walk from the Central Exit of Kyoto Station, offering easy access via this transport hub. This museum displays railway cars, train dioramas, and historical materials, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Japanese railways in detail.
The most popular attraction at the Kyoto Railway Museum is the display of various railway cars that were actually used in Japan. The museum houses a total of 53 cars, including Japan's first-generation Shinkansen and vintage steam locomotives.
In the driving simulator corner, you can experience operating a train as if you were a real train driver. This museum is enjoyable for both children and railway-loving adults. When I visited, I was impressed by how both children and adults were gazing at the exhibits with sparkling eyes.
This is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Japanese railways.
- Address: Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 0570-080-462
- Official Website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/
Recommended Accommodations Around Kyoto Station
Here, I'll introduce three recommended hotels for staying around Kyoto Station.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Source:Official website
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is directly connected to Kyoto Station. It has the most convenient location in this area, but the price is a bit higher. In return, you can fully enjoy your hotel stay.
As I mentioned earlier, I used it when my parents came to visit during my student days. In addition to the excellent location directly connected to the station, my parents were very satisfied with the hotel's facilities and services.
If you want to use Kyoto Station as a base for sightseeing and enjoy a luxurious hotel stay, I recommend Hotel Granvia Kyoto.
Website: https://www.granvia-kyoto.co.jp/
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto is located a 1-minute walk from the north exit of Kyoto Station. It's one of the cheaper hotels in this area, offering excellent cost performance. I also recommend their breakfast buffet where you can casually enjoy "obanzai," traditional Kyoto home-style dishes.
While the room quality is inferior to Granvia, it's priced more reasonably. It's perfect for those who just want to sleep at the hotel and fully enjoy sightseeing.
Website: https://www.hokke.co.jp/kyoto/
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Source: Google Map
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is located right at the south Hachijo exit of Kyoto Station. The budget is slightly cheaper than Granvia, but it boasts spacious rooms and comfortable facilities. With restaurants and bars, it's also recommended for those who want to enjoy their hotel stay.
If you found Granvia too expensive, please check this one out.
Website: https://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/kyoto-hachijo/
Recommended Tourist Spots Easily Accessible from Kyoto Station
Here, I'll introduce tourist spots in Kyoto that are easy to access from Kyoto Station. These are mainly accessible by JR Nara Line and buses.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is about a 5-minute ride on the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, right after getting off at Inari Station. It's popular among foreign tourists as a shrine known for its impressive vermilion torii gates. The thousand torii gates and the scenic spot of Mount Inari are perfect for taking photos.
I love photography, so during my student days, I often went there to take pictures. The contrast of the vermilion torii gates is so beautiful that you can't help but press the shutter. If you're looking for a tourist spot that's easily accessible from Kyoto Station, I recommend Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Website: https://inari.jp/en/
If you are interested in Fushimi Inari Taisya Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is the recommended place to enjoy the combination of nature and history in Kyoto. You can get there in about 16 minutes from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR San'in Main Line.
The beautiful scenery created by the Togetsukyo Bridge and the mountains in the background is truly spectacular. It's a perfect area for sightseeing with concentrated tourist spots like the Bamboo Grove Path and Tenryuji Temple.
Rickshaw tours are also popular. If you want to indulge in nature and history by extending your feet a bit from Kyoto Station, Arashiyama is a recommended spot.
If you are interested in Arashiyama, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Gion and Kiyomizu Temple
The historical streetscape of "Kyoto" that you imagine is in the Gion and Kiyomizu Temple area. It's also where maiko and geisha are active.
However, it's a bit inconvenient to access from Kyoto Station. First, you need to take the Karasuma Line subway to Shijo Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Railway and get off at Kawaramachi Station to reach the Gion area. Kiyomizu Temple is about a 25-minute walk from there.
Since the area around Kyoto Station is modernized, if you want to stay in a place where you can feel the traditional streetscape, look for a hotel in the Gion area instead of Kyoto Station.
If you are interested in Gion, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Gion as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is right after getting off at the "Kinkakuji-michi" bus stop. Although it can only be reached by bus, Kyoto Station is close to the bus terminal, so you can avoid crowds better than boarding from other bus stops. Take bus number 205 from in front of Kyoto Station to head to Kinkaku-ji.
The vivid golden Shariden is a must-see. Combined with the beautiful Japanese garden, it's truly spectacular. Kinkaku-ji is especially popular during the autumn foliage season.
I remember visiting during the autumn foliage season when I was a student and being moved by the beautiful contrast of gold and crimson. While you should be prepared for crowds, its beauty is worth seeing.
Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/
If you are interested in Kinkaku-ji Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Uji
Uji, famous for Kyoto's tea, is about a 20-minute ride on the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji Station. It's an area rich in sights related to nature, history, and tea, including World Heritage sites like Byodoin Temple's Phoenix Hall.
While Arashiyama is famous as Kyoto's nature area, I actually prefer Uji. It's relatively less crowded, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto's nature at a relaxed pace.
If you are interested in Uji, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Uji as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Station
Finally, I'll answer some common questions that travelers often have about Kyoto Station.
How Can I Store Luggage at Kyoto Station?
There are numerous coin lockers installed at Kyoto Station, making it convenient to store luggage while sightseeing. However, large suitcases might not fit. In such cases, I recommend staying at a hotel near Kyoto Station. Many hotels will keep your luggage before check-in or after check-out.
Can I Go to Other Prefectures from Kyoto Station?
Using JR, you can move to major spots in the Kansai area like Osaka and Nara in less than an hour. Also, since Shinkansen stops at Kyoto Station, it's easy to move to areas outside the Kansai region like Tokyo.
As introduced in this article, Kyoto Station not only has various transportation options converging but also has numerous accommodation facilities directly connected or within walking distance, making it exceptionally convenient as a base for sightseeing.
There are many attractions around the station, including Kyoto Tower and Higashi Honganji Temple. Furthermore, it offers good access to popular Kyoto tourist spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Arashiyama.
However, it takes a bit of time to move to the Gion area, so if you want to fully enjoy Gion, aim for Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway or Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Railway.
Please enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing to your heart's content at Kyoto Station, taking advantage of the convenient transportation!
