Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide
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.
Teramachi Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Teramachi Street. Visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Rokakkudo Temple
After visiting Rokakkudo Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Honnoji Temple
After visiting Honnoji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion Gold Repair Art
Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
"We enjoyed our stay in the Kabuki room. The staff are helpful and friendly. The room was clean and comfortable. We would stay there again!!"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
"Every hotel service excellent and hotel maintenance was very clean"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto
"Excellent hotel, thank you to all staff for an excellent service and facilities!"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
"Clean room. Great location."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Ace Hotel Kyoto
"Appreciate the aesthetics of the place, the cleanliness, the accessibility to coffee and shops"
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
"We stayed here after four days in Tokyo and the hotel is located right in the thick of Kyoto. You are a short walk from Gion and around the corner from A+ shopping but still very much on the heart of Kyoto which we enjoyed. The property is quiet and beautiful and shipping luggage to the airport was ..."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto
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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishijin Textile Center.
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.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Sumiya Pleasure House. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Higashiyama Ward
Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
