If you love independent movies and want to take in a flick while you’re in Kyoto, you’ll love this little arthouse cinema in downtown Kyoto.
Kyoto Cinema: Yasu / Wikimedia Commons
Most of the big movie theatres in Kyoto run standard Hollywood fare with a smattering of local Japanese big-budget productions. But, for serious fans of independent cinema, we strongly recommend checking out what’s showing at Kyoto Cinema. It’s located on the 3rd floor of the Cocon shopping center in the heart of downtown Kyoto.
The website (see below) is in Japanese, but you can tell what’s showing by the pictures and, usually, the names of the films. They run a wide variety of independent movies from around the world. The catch is this: If the movie is not in English, it will be subtitled, but only in Japanese. Still, about half of the movies they show here are in English and you may well catch a rare gem of a film that would be hard to see anywhere else.
English name:
Kyoto Cinema
Japanese name:
京都シネマ
English address:
3F COCON Karasuma, 620 Suigin’ya-cho, Karasuma-dori-Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区烏丸通四条下ル水銀屋町620 COCON烏丸3F
Opening hours:
10am-10pm (depends on the film)
Admission:
Adults: JPY1,800
60 years old and over: JPY1,200
Students: JPY1,000
Persons with disabilities: JPY1,000
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
Directly connected to Shijo Station Exit 2, Karasuma subway line or Karasuma Station Exit 23, Hankyu line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Kyoto Cinema on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 353-4723
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Kyoto Cinema is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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
