Nishijin, Kyoto’s famed weaving district, in the northwest part of central Kyoto, is one of the most traditional areas – it’s a great place to see machiya (old Kyoto townhouses).
Nishijin © hslo
Nishijin Area Description:
Nishijin is located in the several blocks north and west of the Imadegawa-Horikawa intersection. The most interesting sights can be found within about 20 minutes’ walk of this intersection. In addition to some museums and galleries devoted to Kyoto’s traditional weaving industry, you’ll find some small temples. Of course, more than individual sights, one of the pleasures of Nishijin is just randomly strolling and soaking up the “Old Kyoto” atmosphere.
Sights and Activities in Nishijin
- Nishijin Textile Center
A bit of a touristy spot, but worth a visit to learn about how kimonos are made. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a kimono fashion show - Orinasu-kan
The Orinasu-kan is a much better place than the Nishijin Textile Center to learn about the Nishijin district’s long history as Kyoto’s textile district - Urasenke Chado Research Center
Kyoto has always been the heart of Japanese tea culture, and the Urasenke Chado Research Center is the equivalent of the Vatican of the Relgion of Tea - Funaoka Onsen
Funaoka Onsen is the best sento (public bath in Kyoto), bar none. It’s got enough tubs and things to see that you can easily make it into an evening’s activity
Places to Eat in Nishijin
- Sarasa Nishijin
An old sento (public bath) decorated with tile mosaics that has been turned into a café, Sarasa Nishijin is one of Kyoto’s most interesting restaurants - Kanei
Kanei makes the best soba in Kyoto and soba otaku (freaks) make the pilgrimage here from all over Japan to sample these sublime noodles
Getting to Nishijin
- By bus from Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus #9 to the Horikawa-Imadegawa stop.
- By subway from Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line north to the Imadegawa stop and walk west along Imadegawa-dori for about 20 minutes.
- By taxi from Kyoto Station: A taxi from Kyoto Station will cost about Y1500.
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
