Kyoto Station Guide: Enjoying Modern Architecture in Kyoto
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.
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
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.
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.
If you are interested in access to Kyoto Station, check the article below! I summarized in more details.
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How to Enjoy Kyoto Station
At Kyoto Station, you can enjoy shopping and dining. Here, I'll introduce some recommended spots for each.
Shopping
Kyoto Isetan
Source: Google Map by Kyoto Isetan
Kyoto Isetan is a large department store directly connected to the station building. It features famous brands from Japan and abroad, and you can purchase products from Kyoto's long-established stores in the basement food floor.
It also has a rich selection of Kyoto souvenirs and Japanese goods, making it ideal for souvenir shopping. With duty-free counters and staff who can speak foreign languages, foreign travelers can shop with peace of mind.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/kyoto.html
Kyoto Porta
Source: Google Map by ts
Kyoto Porta is a shopping mall directly connected to Kyoto Station. It's a spot where popular Kyoto stores converge, with many shops lined up offering fashion, general goods, and dining.
One of its charms is that you can enjoy dishes and sweets from popular Kyoto stores. It's often cheaper for both shopping and dining compared to Isetan, which is a nice point.
When I was a student, I often went shopping and enjoyed meals at Porta with my friends. I think it's a spot where foreign travelers can experience modern Kyoto.
Website: https://www.porta.co.jp.e.sd.hp.transer.com/
Omiyage Koji
Source: Google Map by マツコデトックス
Omiyage Koji is a popular souvenir area inside Kyoto Station. Its charm is that you can purchase representative Kyoto sweets like Yatsuhashi. It's hard to see on Google Maps, so the route in the video below, although in Japanese, is easy to understand.
I often used it when returning to my hometown. It was fun to choose elegant Kyoto-style sweets as souvenirs for my family.
If you are interested in Kyoto Shopping Streets, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto Shopping Streets I recommend and how I felt each Kyoto Shopping Streets.
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Dining
Kyoto Porta
Source: Google Map by heromichi
Kyoto Porta is the commercial facility with the most restaurants in Kyoto Station. It's mainly divided into the following areas, so please refer to these when dining.
Station Front Underground Mall
The underground mall of Porta spreads beneath Kyoto Station. It's full of restaurants where you can easily eat, mainly Japanese food. If you're unsure where to eat at Kyoto Station, I recommend checking here first. I often used it because you can enjoy delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Porta Sky Dining 11F
The restaurant area on the 11th floor of Porta. It's characterized by slightly more upscale and sophisticated stores compared to the underground mall. It's less crowded than the underground mall, so I recommend it if you want to avoid crowds.
Ramen Street
Source: Google Map by Landy Lan
Ramen Street is a ramen-specialized floor on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station building. It's an irresistible spot for ramen lovers, with 9 carefully selected shops from all over Japan lined up. The charm is that you can enjoy various styles of ramen including tonkotsu, chicken paitan, miso, and salt.
It's open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which is a nice point as you can use it until late. Although I'm familiar with the gourmet spots in Kyoto Station, I always end up eating ramen here.
Kyoto Isetan
Source: Google Map by Pipineko
There are cafes and restaurants scattered on each floor of Kyoto Isetan. If you want to enjoy a meal, I recommend the 10th and 11th floors. While the overall budget is higher than Porta, the charm is that you can enjoy meals in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Even as a student, I used Isetan's restaurants as an occasional luxury. The time spent enjoying delicious food in a high-quality space remains a special memory even now. If you want to enjoy a slightly luxurious meal at Kyoto Station, I recommend the restaurants in Kyoto Isetan.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto, directly connected to Kyoto Station, also has many restaurants. However, the budget is the highest among these, and many restaurants require reservations, so be careful. I basically recommend having meals at Porta or Isetan and using the hotel when staying there.
When I was a student, I used the restaurants at Granvia Kyoto a few times when my parents came to visit Kyoto. My parents were very satisfied with the high-quality service and delicious food unique to hotels.
Recommended Accommodations Around Kyoto Station
Here, I'll introduce three recommended hotels for staying around Kyoto Station.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Source: Google Map by we
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/
If you are interested in Kyoto's Attraction at Night, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Attraction at Night I recommend and how I felt each Spots.
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Tourist Spots Around the Station
While not as numerous as the Gion area, there are several tourist attractions scattered around Kyoto Station. Here, I'll introduce three spots you should visit.
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/
Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji Temple is about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The vast temple grounds, which you wouldn't expect to find so close to Kyoto Station, are the main attraction. The grandeur of the large-scale wooden architecture was overwhelming even for me, who was used to Kyoto. You can't help but feel the weight of history.
I have fond memories of visiting with friends during my student days to calm our minds. The time spent in the solemn atmosphere made us forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Website: https://www.honganji.or.jp/
Toji Temple
Toji Temple, built in the 9th century, is a temple with a long history. It's registered as a World Heritage site. The "five-storied pagoda," which is the tallest wooden building in Japan, is a must-see. As a spot where you can experience the history and culture of the ancient capital firsthand, I recommend it to foreign travelers as well.
I learned about Toji Temple in my history class during high school. When I actually visited, I was able to experience the solemn atmosphere that I couldn't feel from the textbook. If you want to touch Japanese history around Kyoto Station, Toji Temple is a must-visit spot.
Website: https://toji.or.jp/
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/
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.
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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!
