Recommended Spots to Pass the Time at Kyoto Station <5

Kyoto" is one of Japan's ancient capitals and is very popular among foreign tourists.

Around "Kyoto Station," the gateway to Kyoto, there are many tourist attractions and gourmet spots.

In this article, I will recommend five carefully selected spots within 10 minutes from Kyoto Station that I live in Kyoto!

1. Kyoto Station Building

The Kyoto Station Building, directly connected to Kyoto Station, is an impressive modern atrium covered with glass and metal.

The building has a shopping mall and many restaurants and cafes.

The Kyoto Station Building has a dynamic grand staircase, an "aerial route" that connects the east and west sides of the station building and includes observation spots, and various plazas, all of which are "free" to enjoy.

It is a good place to take a break and enjoy the view.

The architecture itself is beautiful, and would be a good place to take pictures. It is also available from early in the morning until late at night!

▼ Kyoto Station Bldg.
Official website:https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/

Nidec Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower, the symbol of Kyoto, stands across from Kyoto Station.

The name has been changed to "Nidec Kyoto Tower" from 2024.

From the observation deck on the 5th floor, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city of Kyoto and its representative shrines and temples such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, To-dera Temple, and Chion-in Temple. The fifth-floor observatory also offers a beautiful view of the entire city of Kyoto.

The "night view" is especially beautiful, so a visit in the evening or at night is recommended.

At night, Kyoto Tower itself is "lit up".

It is also recommended to view Kyoto Tower from outside when it is illuminated, as it changes to yellow-green or pink during World No Smoking Day, Breast Cancer Awareness and other educational activities.

▼ Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Business hours: 10:00 - 21:00 (last admission 20:30)
Fees: Adults/900 yen, High school students/700 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students/600 yen, Infants (3 years and older)/200 yen
Access: 2 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station Central Exit
Official website:https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/

5. kyoto tower sandwich

The "Kyoto Tower Sandwich" located on the first and second basement floors of Nidec Kyoto Tower, introduced earlier, is a collection of many souvenir and gourmet stores.

On the second floor of Kyoto Tower Sand, visitors can try their hand at making Japanese and Western sweets, making sushi, painting Kiyomizuyaki ceramics, and other unique Kyoto experiences.

Each experience takes about an hour, but is popular with children and adults alike because it offers a Japanese activity that is unique to Kyoto.

Advance reservations can be made via the web, so it is recommended to schedule in advance!

▼ Kyoto Tower Sandwich
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours of operation: Varies from store to store, check official website.
Access: 4-minute walk from Shinkansen Central Exit, 3-minute walk from Central Exit, 2-minute walk directly from East Exit of underground
Official website:https://www.kyoto-tower-sando.jp/

4. higashi honganji temple

Higashi Honganji Temple is located about a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

In 1602, the 12th Kyonyo Shonin received a donation of this land from the shogun "Tokugawa Ieyasu" and built the temple.

The "Goeido" is one of the world's largest wooden structures and is designated as a national "Important Cultural Property.

In the center of the front of the building, the image of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the sect, is enshrined.

In the vast precincts of the temple, there are buildings designated as important cultural properties, such as "Mikageido," "Mikageido-mon Gate," "Amidado-mon Gate," and "Belfry " and other buildings designated as important cultural properties stand in the temple, making it a good place to visit for those who want to experience Japanese history.

▼ Higashi Hongwanji Temple
Address: Shichijo Kamigaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-371-9181 (*Open hours: 9:00 - 17:00 / excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, etc.)
Closed: No holidays
Admission: Free
Opening and closing hours: 5:50-17:30 / 6:20-16:30
Access: 7 min. walk from JR Kyoto Sta.
Official website:https://www.higashihonganji.or.jp/

5. kyoto Porta

Kyoto Porta" is a shopping mall located in the basement of Kyoto Station.

"Kyoto Porta" has many fashion and souvenir stores for shopping.

There are also many cafes and restaurants to eat and rest.

It is directly connected to Kyoto Station, so even if it rains, you will not get wet!

▼ Kyoto Porta
Address: 902 Higashishioji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone:075-365-7528
Hours of operation: Varies from store to store, check official website.
Official website:https://www.porta.co.jp/

There are many places to enjoy in the Kyoto Station area!

As you can see, there are many places around Kyoto Station where you can pass the time happily.

It is often the case that you have subtle extra time at Kyoto Station, such as when transferring from one station to another.

If this is the case, we encourage you to make the most of your time by shopping, eating, taking a break in the plaza, enjoying the view of Kyoto, visiting a nearby temple, or experiencing Japanese culture!