Central Kyoto contains two of the most important tourist sites in the city: the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace) and Nijo Castle, as well as a few smaller sights and attractions.
Where Is Central Kyoto?
Central Kyoto is basically everything in the wide plain in the middle of Kyoto, with the exception of the areas we cover in the Downtown Kyoto, Kyoto Station Area, and Nishijin sections of this guide.
Top Activities In Kyoto
Central Kyoto Highlights
Things To Do And See In Central Kyoto
- Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace)
Kyoto’s Imperial Palace (known as Gosho in Japanese) is the Emperor’s official residence in Kyoto. The structures, though modern reconstructions, are lovely. - Sento Gosho
The Sento Gosho is a sprawling walled garden with gorgeous ponds and meandering walkways through towering trees and blooming plants of every sort. - Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park – the park that surrounds the Kyoto Gosho)
A green sanctuary in the middle of the drab plain of Kyoto, the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is Kyoto’s Central Park. - Gosho Imperial Palace Playground
If you need some fresh air and the kids need a good play in the great outdoors, you cannot beat this playground at the north end of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (Gosho). It’s our go-to spot when we’re in Kyoto with the kids.
- Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is second only to Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine as Kyoto’s best and most beautiful Shinto Shrine. It’s a brilliant place for a stroll.
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Often overlooked by visitors, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s hidden treasures. It’s great for picnics, strolling or cherry blossom viewing. - Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
One of Kyoto’s least visited but most historically important shrines, Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is a great place to catch your thoughts up north.
- Nijo-jo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights. It shows the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors throughout the Edo Period. - Funaoka Onsen
Funaoka Onsen, which is actually a sento, is the best public bath in Kyoto. It’s well worth a trip across town to relax in this beautiful bath house. - Kamo-gawa Riverside
The Kamo-gawa riverside is really just one long park which Kyotoites use for relaxation, exercise and contemplation. - Goko-yu Sento
Goko-yu Sento is a large public bath on the southwest side of Downtown Kyoto. It’s a “destination sento” with a wide variety of baths spread over two floors. - Sumiya Pleasure House
A beautifully preserved ageya (geisha entertainment house), Sumiya is a truly sublime showcase of Japanese architecture, design and decorative traditions. - Kamigamo-jinja Shrine Handicraft Market
One of Kyoto’s least visited but most historically important shrines, Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is a great place to catch your thoughts up north. - Sauna no Umeyu Sento
Sauna no Umeyu is one of the most approachable sentos (public baths) in Kyoto. It’s crowded, friendly and fun and it’s right in the middle of one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Kyoto. - Samurai Kembu Theater
Kembu is a Japanese martial art that combines sword play with dance. At the Samurai Kembu Theater in Kyoto you can watch a performance of this traditional dance and enter the world of the samurai warrior.
Recommended Hotels In Central Kyoto
Places To Eat In Central Kyoto
- Den Shichi
One of the best and most approachable sushi bars in Kyoto, Den Shichi serves mouth-watering sushi in a classic sushi-bar atmosphere. - Izusen
Looking for a vegan meal in beautiful surroundings? Try a shojin-ryori lunch at Izusen in Daitoku-ji Temple. Their gorgeous and elaborate meals are sure to be a highlight of your visit to Kyoto. - Ajiro Honten
Whether you’re vegan or not, gourmands should head to Ajiro Honten near Myoshin-ji Temple to enjoy gorgeously cooked, multi-course Buddhist temple vegan meals. One of their claims to fame: they’re the longest running vegan restaurant in the city to keep their Michelin star. - Towzen
If you’ve always avoided ramen because you’re vegetarian or vegan, you no longer have to worry. Towzen serves up one of Kyoto’s most delicious bowls of soy milk ramen, and it’s completely vegan! - Grand Burger
Kyoto’s best hamburgers are served at Grand Burger restaurant, just a short walk east of the north end of the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace Park. - Daitokuji Ikkyu
For great shojin ryori, look no further than Daitokuji Ikkyu. This Zen temple vegetarian restaurant is the oldest existing one of its kind in Kyoto – it’s over 500 years old! - Toraya Ichijoji
Not far from the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, this superb and tranquil tearoom is a great place to sample some traditional Kyoto sweets and excellent green tea. - Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Tea Shop and Teahouse Motoan
At Teahouse Motoan, you can have your cake and eat it – along with a cup of green tea. - Saryo Housen
You’d have to know where to go to find Saryo Housen. One of the city’s finest shops for tea and sweets is located in the suburbs of Central Kyoto, and it’s well worth seeking out. - Zenkashoin
For some wonderful Japanese takes on Western pastries paired with excellent green tea, check out this gallery/café on Muramachi, a short walk northwest of downtown.
Recommended Budget Accommodation In Central Kyoto
Best Budget Hotels, Ryokan And Guesthouses In Central Kyoto
- Imu Hotel Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
A short walk west of downtown, the Imu Hotel Kyoto is one of the cheapest places to stay in all of Kyoto. With a lively lounge/restaurant/bar area, the Imu feels like a friendly hostel. - Len Kyoto Kawaramachi
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi is one of the coolest and most sociable hostels in the city. It’s a short walk of downtown in a very interesting neighborhood with some great restaurants and bars. It’s a great choice for backpackers and solo travelers. - PLAY!! Resi Stay
(View on Booking.com.)
For travelers visiting central Kyoto with small children, PLAY!! Resi Stay is the perfect choice. With child-friendly theme rooms and a great location near the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, it’s one of the best family hotels in Kyoto. - Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo-Karasuma
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Like all the other branches in this chain, the Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo Karasuma is a great value for the money. The rooms are small but packed with features. It’s within walking distance of both Shijo and Gojo subways stations, as well as downtown. - Hotel Mystays Kyoto
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Hotel Mystays Kyoto is a good budget business hotel on Shijo-dori, just west of downtown. It’s within easy walking distance of Karasuma Shijo subway station. - Moxy Kyoto
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Located near Nijo Station, the Moxy is a stylish hotel with extremely reasonable rates and a casual boutique feel. It’s a good choice for those on a budget. - First Cabin Kyoto Nijo
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If budget is your main consideration, you’ll love this capsule hotel. With rates as low as US$20 per night, it’s an astonishing bargain. The facilities are pretty nice and the location isn’t too bad. - Ryokan Rakucho
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A cheap traveler’s guesthouse at the north end of town, Ryokan Rakucho is popular with long-termers and returnees. It’s a friendly place in a pleasant suburban neighborhood. - Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
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Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is a pleasant ryokan-style hotel (hotel-style ryokan?) in central Kyoto, not far south of downtown. If you want Japanese style at budget hotel rates, give Urushitei a close look. - Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-Omiya
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The Toyoko Inn chain offers clean and efficient hotel rooms for rock-bottom prices. This branch on Shijo-Omiya is a bit out of the way, but it’s right on the Hankyu Line, which will get you to downtown Kyoto in a few short minutes. - Fauchon Hotel Kyoto
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An inexpensive hotel within walking distance of downtown Kyoto, the Fauchon Hotel Kyoto (formerly Hotel Sunroute) offers great value for the money.
For more good budget options, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Recommended Mid-Range Accommodation In Central Kyoto
Best Mid-Range Hotels And Ryokan In Central Kyoto
- Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto
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The Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto is a beautiful, small boutique hotel in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown. Rooms are large and comfortable, the service is great and personal and the rates are reasonable for what you get. - The Blossom Kyoto
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The Blossom is a large and stylish hotel with extremely reasonable rates, an “onsen” bath on site, laundry facilities and efficient service. It’s a short walk south of downtown. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
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Located down a quiet side street slightly west of the main shopping district, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei is a lovely hotel at the upper end of the mid-range category. Rooms here are beautifully outfitted, the staff are great, and breakfast is delicious! - Hyatt Place Kyoto
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The Hyatt Place Kyoto is a good mid-range hotel with a convenient location almost directly above a subway station and within walking distance of downtown and the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
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The Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo is a slightly upscale business hotel located just a bit west of the city center, but within walking distance of Shijo subway station. - Hotel Mondonce Kyoto Gojo
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The Mondonce is an apartment-style hotel with spacious rooms that are perfect for families and small groups. With kitchens, washers/dryers and dining areas, the rooms here will feel a bit like home. - Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
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With its comfortable and relatively spacious rooms, Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi is decent value for money in the mid-range budget category. We like the free coffee in the lobby and super central location! - Vessel Hotel Campana Kyoto Gojo
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If you’re looking for an efficient and reasonably priced business hotel in the middle of Kyoto, the Vessel Hotel Campana Kyoto Gojo is a great choice. - Noku Hotel
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Located at the southwest corner of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and directly above Marutamachi subway station, the Noku Hotel Kyoto is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel. - ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
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Overlooking Nijo-jo Castle, the ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto is a good mid-range hotel with a variety of onsite facilities. It’s very close to Nijojo-mae subway station. The swimming pool is a nice touch. - Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijokarasuma
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The Daiwa Roynet is an oddly named but decent hotel just south of the main downtown area. It’s within relatively easy walking distance of the southern Higashiyama sights and the restaurants downtown. - Nishiyama Ryokan
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Nishiyama Ryokan is modern moderately priced ryokan in Central Kyoto, just north of downtown, good for those who want to try the ryokan experience without breaking the bank. - Hotel Daiwa Roynet Kyoto Shijokarasuma
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The brand-new Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijokarasuma is a brilliant new midrange business hotel within walking distance of downtown.
For more good moderate options nearby, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Recommended Luxury Accommodation In Central Kyoto
Best Luxury Hotels, Ryokan And Machiya In Central Kyoto
- Genji Kyoto
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The Genji Kyoto is a stylish new boutique hotel overlooking the Kamo-gawa Hotel with reasonable prices and excellent service. - Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
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Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is a stunning ryokan in a quiet area near the lovely Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (Gosho). It’s a stylish place with all the amenities modern travelers expect. - The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West
The Junei Hotel is a superb eight-room boutique hotel located across from Nijo-jo Castle. For intimate service, superb Japanese design and fantastic food, the Junei is a great choice. - Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
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One of the best family-friendly apartments in Kyoto, the Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle can handle families or groups of up to 8 people in comfortable rooms with separate sleeping and living areas. - Kyoto Machiya Zeniyacho
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If you want the convenience of a vacation rental with the authenticity of a traditional Japanese house, you’ll love Kyoto Machiya Zeniyacho. It’s a traditional Japanese house that’s been divided into two superb apartments complete with private indoor and outdoor baths. - Hotel Kanra Kyoto
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The Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a beautiful Japanese-themed boutique hotel a short walk south of Gojo subway station. Rooms are spacious, well kept and superbly appointed. Have a look and see why this hotel is attracting a lot of attention lately in Kyoto. - Kyo-Akari Inn
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If you’d like to try living in a Japanese house, this is your chance. Kyo-Akari is a two-bedroom machiya townhouse in central Kyoto with all you need for a comfortable stay. - Kyoto Brighton Hotel
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The Kyoto Brighton Hotel is a large five-star hotel located somewhat inconveniently a few blocks west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.
For more good luxury options, see the Downtown Kyoto and Southern Higashiyama accommodation sections.
See also the list of Central Kyoto hotels on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Getting To Central Kyoto
- By subway from Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Stations (for the Kyoto Gosho) or to Kitayama Station (for the Kyoto Botanical Garden). Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station, switch to the Tozai.
Subway line going west and get off at Nijo-jo-mae for Nijo-jo Castle.
- By bus from Kyoto Station: Kyoto City Bus #4 to Kawaramachi-Marutamachi (about 25 minutes).
- By Keihan Line: Take the Keihan Line north to the last stop, Demachiyanagi, for Shimogamo-jinja Shrine.
- By taxi from Kyoto Station: A taxi from Kyoto Station to the Kyoto Gosho or Nijo-jo Castle will cost about ¥1200.
- By bicycle from Kyoto Station: Cycle up the Kamo-gawa River (scenic and uncrowded) or go straight up Karasuma-dori (where you’ll jostle with traffic and wait at lights).
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
