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.
Palazzo Imperiale di Kyoto (Kyoto Gosho) © lucamascaro
What’s In 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.
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 - 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.
Places to Eat in Central Kyoto
- 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. - 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 - 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. - Prinz
Arguably the best and hippest café in all of Kyoto, Prinz café is well worth the long trip to get there, especially if you have a bicycle - Bon Bon Cafe
A casual riverside café in the Demachiyanagi area, Bon Bon Café is a great spot for a light meal or a cuppa while in north-central Kyoto - 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. - 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.
Best Budget Hotels, Ryokan and Guesthouses in Central Kyoto
- Hotel Sunroute Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Hotel Sunroute Kyoto is an excellent-value budget to moderate hotel located just south of the downtown shopping district on Kawaramachi-dori. It’s one of the best hotel values in the city - Palace Side Hotel
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An inexpensive traveler’s hotel next to the Imperial Palace, The Palace Side Hotel is a decent choice for budget travelers who want to be based in midtown. - Aranvert Hotel Kyoto
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The Aranvert Hotel Kyoto is an excellent and reasonably priced business hotel in downtown Kyoto, very close to a subway station. The large public baths on the top floor are a huge selling point - 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 - Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura
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An inexpensive ryokan-style guesthouse on the west side of town, the Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakuraya is a good choice if you don’t mind traveling a bit to see the sights - 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 - 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
For more good budget options, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Recommended Hotels In Central Kyoto
Best Mid-Range Hotels and Ryokan in Central Kyoto
- Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto
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The Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto is an excellent serviced apartment-style hotel on Gojo-dori, in the heart of Kyoto. It’s close to Gojo subway station and within walking distance of downtown. It’s highly recommended - 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. - 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 - Kyoto Kokusai Hotel
Across from Nijo-jo Castle, the Kyoto Kokusai Hotel is a large mid-range hotel that has a long history of welcoming foreign guests. It’s quite close to Nijojo-mae subway station
For more good moderate options nearby, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Best Luxury Hotels and Ryokan in Central Kyoto
- Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku
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Shiki Juraku is a “hotel” composed of 10 beautifully restored Kyoto machiya (townhouses). This truly special accommodation offers the chance to experience Kyoto living and the convenience of a hotel. - 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 - Kyoto Brighton Hotel
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A reasonably priced luxury hotel not far from the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace), Kyoto Brighton Hotel is often overlooked but deserves more attention for its excellent restaurant, large rooms and capable staff
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 Y1200.
- 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 - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router.
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass - here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- Get travel insurance for Japan - we recommend World Nomads (and here's why)
