Kyoto’s main entry point, the Kyoto Station Area is a major transport hub and shopping/dining district. It’s also packed with good hotels in all price ranges and it’s a convenient place to stay.

Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Station Area Description
Comprising the Kyoto Station Building and the surrounding blocks, the Kyoto Station Area is not exactly a sightseeing destination, but odds are, you’ll wind up spending some time here. The shinkansen (bullet train), the Haruka airport express train and several other train lines all operate out of Kyoto Station, meaning you’ll almost certainly arrive here.
A quick word of advice:
The view of Kyoto from the train platforms is pretty grim – a lot of concrete, neon and ugly billboards. But please avoid the urge to get back on the train and go home. Once you get out into the city, you’ll find the beauty you’ve come looking for.
The main activities here are shopping in the giant malls and electronics emporiums in and around the station or visiting three of the vast temples that lie within walking distance of the station.
Kyoto Station Area Highlights
Things To Do And See In The Kyoto Station Area
- The Kyoto Station Building
The gateway to Kyoto is far more than just a train station: It’s an attraction in its own right and it’s packed with shops, restaurants and things to see.
- Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple
Japanese temples don’t come much grander than Higashi-Hongan-ji. It’s one of the best sights near Kyoto Station. Five minutes walk and you’re there. - Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple
Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple is a Pure Land Buddhist paradise within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s one of the best sights in the Kyoto Station area. - To-ji Temple
The pagoda of To-ji Temple soars above the suburban sprawl of southern Kyoto, reassuring the visitor that there’s still plenty of beauty left in the city. - Kyoto Tower
A tacky rocket poised for liftoff on the doorstep of Kyoto Station, this pinnacle of bad taste affords a great view of the city.
Kyoto Railway Museum Main Building Display © pangyuliu
- Kyoto Railway Museum
The Kyoto Railway Museum is one of the best railway museums anywhere in the world. It’s a must for train fans and families with children. - Kyocera Gallery (formerly Kyocera Museum of Art)
The Kyocera Gallery (formerly Kyocera Museum of Art) is a small museum in southern Kyoto that showcases the history and products of Kyocera Corporation and also hosts ever-changing shows of art.
Places To Eat In The Kyoto Station Area
- Donguri Kyoto Ekimae
If you’re craving a hearty meal, hit up Donguri Kyoto Ekimae in front of Kyoto Station. This restaurant has been serving okonomiyaki to the hungry masses since 1977, with a special emphasis on using locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes. - Tonkatsu Ichiban
Who can argue with tonkatsu made from pigs raised in the Hokkaido mountains? Certainly not us. Tonkatsu Ichiban is a 15-minute walk west of Kyoto Station, but it’s worth the short trek out there. The food is tasty and it’s good value for money. - Kyoto Ramen Koji
Ramen lovers of the world unite! Kyoto Ramen Koji offers has eight regional styles of ramen restaurants under one roof. It’s Kyoto Station’s ramen Mecca. - Yamamoto Mambo
Beloved by locals, Yamamoto Mambo is a family-run okonomiyaki joint that’s a good bet for a hearty meal. Their flavourful, iron-griddled dishes are fantastic washed down with drinks. - Porta
Amongst a vast array of shops and casual restaurants beneath Kyoto Station, Porta is the place to fill-up on the cheap before a long train journey. - Chojiro Kyoto Avanti
A short walk from the south side of Kyoto Station, Chojiro Kyoto Avanti is a great place for great sushi at a very reasonable price. Your kids will love it. - Jojo
A good casual izakaya (Japanese-style dining pub) within walking distance of Kyoto Station, Jojo is one of our favorite restaurants in the Kyoto Station area. - Warajiya
WIth over 400 years of serving unagi under its belt, Warajiya has an eel pedigree to be proud of. It’s located near Keihan Shichijo Station, and best paired with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple up the road! - Kobushi Ramen
If you need a quick meal when exploring the Umekoji-koen Park area, this excellent ramen restaurant is a great choice. - Chibo Kyoto Avanti Branch Shop
Located in the Kyoto Avanti mall south of Kyoto Station, Chibo is a reliable, failsafe option for okonomiyaki. The pancakes are awesome, they have a kid’s menu, and it’s English-friendly too. - Kurasu Kyoto
Located just minutes from Kyoto Station, Kurasu Kyoto is a stylish cafe that serves excellent coffee. As a bonus, they’re very English-friendly too. - Ippudo Kyoto Station Porta Branch
If you’re hungry for a quick bowl of ramen while in Kyoto Station, head to the Porta underground shopping mall beneath the station and grab a seat at Ippudo, a tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen shop that got its start in Kyushu.
Shopping In The Kyoto Station Area
- AEON Mall Kyoto
A short walk from Kyoto Station, AEON Mall is the largest shopping mall in central Kyoto. It houses most of the major Japanese shopping brands and has a great food court and restaurant area. - Isetan Department Store
A high-end Japanese department store located inside the Kyoto Station Building. - Isetan Department Food Floor
The two food floors below Isetan Department Store are a wonderland of culinary delights. They’re the best high-end supermarket in the Kyoto Station Area. - Yodobashi Camera
A vast electronics/camera/computer shop on the doorstop of Kyoto Station with rock-bottom prices and a huge selection of goods. - Pulse Plaza Antiques Grand Fair
Pulse Plaza Antiques Grand Fair is THE best single antiques and art market in Japan. If you’re in town when it’s on, don’t miss it!
Best Budget Hotels, Ryokan And Guesthouses In The Kyoto Station Area
- Sakura Terrace
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If you don’t mind being south of Kyoto Station, the Sakura Terrace is a great choice in the budget to moderate price range. It’s an efficient and welcoming hotel with highly competitive rates. - Hotel Excellence Kyoto Station Hachijo
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An excellent little business hotel a short walk from the south side of Kyoto Station. It’s near AEON Mall, so there are plenty of shopping and dining options only steps away. - Hotel Excellence Kyoto Ekimae
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This simple new business hotel a short walk from the main (north) exit of Kyoto Station offers great convenience at super-cheap rates. - Ryokan Shimizu
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A foreigner-friendly budget ryokan near Kyoto Station, Ryokan Shimizu is a good place to experience a ryokan without breaking the bank. - Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto
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K’s House Kyoto is a large popular New Zealand-style backpacker’s hostel within walking distance of Kyoto Station. There are shared and private rooms and great common areas and a bar/restaurant where you can commune with other travelers. - Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto
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One street north of Kyoto Station, the Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto is a decent business hotel with a very convenient location. It’s a little long in the tooth, but the price is definitely right. - Piece Hostel Kyoto
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Located a short walk south of Kyoto Station, Piece Hostel Kyoto is a great choice for budget travellers and backpackers. It’s clean, comfortable, conveniently located, friendly, and most importantly, cheap. The staff also speak fluent English! - Matsubaya Ryokan
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A foreigner-friendly ryokan close to Kyoto Station, the Matsubya Ryokan is a decent choice for those who want to experience a ryokan on a tight budget. - APA Hotel Kyoto Ekimae
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The APA Hotel Kyoto Ekimae is a basic business located very close to Kyoto Station. Rates are reasonable for what you get. - ibis Styles Kyoto Station
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A reasonably priced business hotel close to the south exit of Kyoto Station, the ibis Styles Kyoto Station (formerly Hotel Vista) is a decent choice for travelers who need to be near to Kyoto Station.
For more good budget options nearby, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Best Mid-Range Hotels And Ryokan In The Kyoto Station Area
- 22 Pieces
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If a hotel doesn’t appeal while you’re on holiday, serviced apartments are a fantastic alternative. 22 Pieces is a chic boutique hotel-cum-serviced apartment with spacious, fully-equipped studio-style rooms. It’s perfect for families with kids or when you’re travelling as a group! - Hotel Vischio Kyoto
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If you’re looking for a solid hotel near Kyoto Station, with great shopping and dining options nearby, all at a reasonable rate, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a fantastic choice. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
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If you want the convenience of being close to Kyoto Station and you need something a step up from budget business hotels, you’ll like the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station. It gets everything right in a small package just steps from the station. - Onyado Nono Kyoto
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A Japanese-style hotel with its own “onsen” a short walk from Kyoto Station, the Onyado Nono Kyoto offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. - Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae
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The Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae is a good-value upscale business hotel located directly across from Kyoto Station. There’s a great rooftop bath and many other interesting features. Book 28 days or more in advance and get really cheap discount rates. - Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
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Directly connected to Kintetsu Kyoto Station, Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station offers decent and comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It’s a convenient choice for visitors to Kyoto. - Izuyasu
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The Izuyasu is a classic traditional ryokan within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It’s one of the best places to get the full ryokan experience without paying the rates of the more famous places downtown. - Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto
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The Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto is a well-kept business hotel directly north of Kyoto Station. Like other branches of this nationwide chain, it’s a good value for the money. - Ohanabo
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Ohanabo is a charming mid-budget ryokan a short distance north of Kyoto Station. With amazingly helpful staff, great food and nice rooms, Ohanabo is one of the best ryokan values in Kyoto. - The Rihga Royal Hotel
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The Rihga Royal Hotel is a large bustling hotel a short walk west of Kyoto Station. It’s a pretty good value and there are plenty of onsite facilities, including several good restaurants. - Kyoto Tower Hotel
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The Kyoto Tower Hotel is a standard business hotel located just north of Kyoto Station. It’s your standard business hotel and it’s very convenient for those with early departures from the station. - ibis Styles Kyoto Station
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The ibis Styles Kyoto Station is a reasonable business hotel on the south side of Kyoto Station. It’s a good value for the price. - New Miyako Hotel Kyoto.
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The New Miyako Hotel Kyoto is a large popular mid-range hotel on the south side of Kyoto Station. It’s very convenient for those coming or going on the shinkansen. - Hotel Keihan Kyoto
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The Hotel Keihan Kyoto, which is located on the south side of Kyoto Station, is a very good value business hotel. It’s located right next to the Kyoto Airport limousine stop, making it convenient for travelers with early-morning departures. - Hotel Imagine Kyoto
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Hotel Imagine Kyoto is a modern ryokan close to Kyoto Station. It’s got spacious rooms that can accommodate families and small groups. It’s a great place to meet other travelers. - Ryokan Izuyasu
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Ryokan Izuyasu is a homey, traditional ryokan a short walk north of Kyoto Station and almost directly across from the awesome Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple complex.
For more good moderate options nearby, see the Downtown Kyoto accommodation section.
Best Luxury Hotels And Ryokan In The Kyoto Station Area
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto
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The Hotel Granvia Kyoto is an excellent hotel located directly above Kyoto Station, making it the city’s most convenient hotel for transport connections. Rooms are on the large side and well kept and there are countless restaurants with a few minutes of the lobby. It’s highly recommended. - The Thousand Kyoto
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With its stunning interior design, gorgeous spa and wellness facilities, and top-notch service, The Thousand Kyoto holds its own with other luxury hotels in the city.
For more good luxury options nearby, see the Downtown Kyoto and Southern Higashiyama accommodation sections.
There’s even more Kyoto Station hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com along with a useful location map.
Getting To/From The Kyoto Station Area
Since it’s the transport hub of Kyoto, it’s unlikely that you’ll need directions to get here – this is probably where you’ll arrive in the city. However, just for reference, Kyoto Station is served by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, the JR Tokaido Line, the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, the Karasuma Subway Line, JR highways buses, and many Kyoto city buses.
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