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 Tower: Korkusung / Shutterstock.com
Author Alex Kerr described Kyoto Tower as “a stake through the heart of the city” and he’s got a point. It’s hideous and it’s got nothing in common with the history or culture of the city. But in 1963, when the 131-meter tower went up, it must have seemed to city residents a bold declaration of the city’s entry into the modern world. The best thing about the tower, from a traveler’s perspective, is this: When you’re inside it, admiring the great views over the city, you can’t see the tower itself.
You can also stay at the hotel inside Kyoto Tower too.
:: Check availability and pricing for Kyoto Tower Hotel on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
English address:
Shichijo sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区烏丸通七条下ル
Opening hours:
9am-9pm, last entry 8.40pm
Admission:
Adults: \770
High school students: \620
Elementary and junior high school students: \520
Children: (over 3 years old): \150
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Kyoto Station Karasuma central gate
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Kyoto Tower on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
361-3215
Website: Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Kyoto Tower is located in Kyoto Station area. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto Station area, 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
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- 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
