Kyoto City-Sightseeing: main highlights around central Kyoto!
- sinjahaag
- 18. Apr.
- 10 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 18. Apr.
Moving away from temples, shrines and culinary delicacies, this article purely sets a focus on sightseeing attractions & spots in the city center you should not miss out on!
Kyoto, as former capital of Japan, certainly belongs to one of Japan's most unique and historically enriched cities. Featuring ancient traditions, traditional wooden houses and tea ceremonies accompanied by Geisha's. The rural charm of the city is merged with newest high-tech progression and futuristic architecture, making it stand out drastically in contrast to other mega cities, such as Tokyo. To generate a best-possible overview, I have accumulated all city-highlights below.
If you want to learn more about Kyoto's temples & shrines and/or Kyoto's culinary kitchen highlights, simply click on the interlinked quick links to be forwarded.
Now, let's get ready to explore Kyoto's city highlights together!
Kyoto's main spots & city-sightseeing attractions:
Kyoto Station: architectural wonder & observatory skywalk
Kyoto's train station is a phenomenon to itself; it is Japan's second largest station and an architectural modern icon. Since its first opening in 1877, the station has undergone three extensions and additions to grow both in size and style. Not only does it feature 15 storeys with several restaurants, stores and observation opportunities, it is also linked to Porta underground shopping mall; a small city on its own in a modern cyberpunk design.
Find a station overview here.
A quick jump into Kyoto Station's History
The initial grand opening of Kyoto's first station building was held in 1877, accompanied by the Emperor Meiji himself. Back in these days, red brick stone was used to usher a new era of technological progress. The second station building was built in 1914 in honour of the enthronement ceremony of the new Emperor Taisho at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Due to the increasing numbers of commuters, the second version of the station building was not only more spacious but built in an elegant Renaissance-style structure, mainly consisting of cypress wood. The euphoria and pride over the new building was rather short-lived, as a non-switched off iron accidentally burnt down the entire building in 1950. As a quick alternative and temporary replacement, a veritable concrete block with an eight-storey tower was built within a very short period of time. However, as the appearance of the station was anything but attractive & voices from the population increasingly demanded a modernization, the city of Kyoto decided to call for an architectural competition in the 1990s. Out of seven world-class architects competing, Hiroshi Hara finally won contest with his unique design of a 15-storey building made out of glass & steel. Even though many people rejected Hiroshi's design, as it stood in strong contrast to Kyoto's traditional cityscape, the building was built within less than 4 years, opening up to the public in 1997.
Kyoto Station Skyway: observatory cityscape views across the station
Kyoto's Skyway is a free-of-charge walkway on the 11th floor of Kyoto station offering excellent views over Kyoto's cityscape. It runs the length of the station from west to east allowing you not only to marvel at Kyoto's beautiful day- and night views but also the impressive interior of Kyoto Station from above. During night time, approximately from 6/7pm onwards, the walkway turns into a futuristic, colour-changing tunnel of lights. The biggest advantage of Kyoto's Skywalk is its non-tinted glass, allowing you crystal clear views in comparison to the, on the 15th floor situated, Sky Garden.
Taking the escalator towards the 11th floor, you will pass a huge LED-lit staircase with changing lights and themes that will certainly leave you in awe for at least 5 - 10 minutes prior to moving on. It is pretty much impossible to miss this picturesque spot, as many tourists bustle around the staircase taking videos and pictures. If you're lucky, you might also be accompanied by suitable background music to appearing images.
Fun Fact: since 1998, on the third Saturday of February, a yearly staircase-race takes place in which competitors will need to run 171 stairs and 70meters high as fast as they can.
Practical Information |
Address: Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan How to get there: take any train or bus towards Kyoto's main station Opening Hours: open 24/7 all year around Admission: free of charge |
Nijo Castle: residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period
Nijo Castle serves a strong remembrance of power of shogun warriors of the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). It was built in 1603 as residence of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, among afterwards following Tokugawa-Shogun warriors, ruled Japan for over 200 years. After the Tokugawa Shogun finally fell, the castle premises firstly served as imperial grounds for some time, prior to being donated to the public. Due to its historical value, size and as UNESCO World Heritage Site, it counts to one of Japan's most famous castles to visit.
A "Shogun" can be understood as a military dictator or imperial commander, who used to rule the country in place of the powerless emperor under a feudal system. Whilst the emperor was being kept as symbolic leader, it was the Shoguns who actually ruled and commanded the country of Japan for several centuries. The Tokugawa Shogunate Period was the longest-ruled Shogun period, enforcing peace & economic growth, likewise isolation policy in the history of Japan.Naked Autumn Festival @ Nijo
I paired my castle visit with an illuminated night event taking place in the bursting colours of autumn maple leaves, namely the so-called "Naked Autumn Festival"- a festive projection mapping onto Nijo Castle's main premises, accompanied by illuminations of garden surroundings, music and food stalls that comes to live only by night. The festival usually takes place from end of October to beginning of December and can be found all over Japan, e.g. also in the Botanical Gardens of Osaka.
My personal opinion is that if you have seen it once, you've pretty much seen it all. It is a nice stroll through moving and colourful images for a fair price of roughly 12€, which can be purchased at the ticket counter or even more convenient, through online service providers, such as klook, up front. Please note that the interiors of castle premises are not open to the public during the festival; only castle grounds and outer facades can be seen.
Fun Fact: if you participate in a visitor's survey prior to leaving the castle premises, you will be handed out a free bottle of beer in a packed plastic bag.
Practical Information |
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan How to get there: Castle entrance is close to either Nijojo-mae Station or Tozai Subway Line Alternatively, take Kyoto Bus #9, #12 or #50 Opening Hours: 8:45am - 5pm; closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August & December Admission: 800JPY; additional 500JPY to visit Ninomaru Palace; additional 1000JPY for visiting Honmaru Palace (only reservation required!) |
Kyoto Gosho: The Imperial Palace
It was a sunny Saturday morning when I grabbed breakfast at the Panel Cafe that I met a guy from the US telling me about the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Surprised that I didn't know about this place, I made my way to the national garden, Kyoto Gyoen, only a few minutes by foot from Panel Cafe, and quickly found myself in a large greenery complex with an all-surrounding towering stone wall guiding the way to the admission-free entrance of Kyoto's Imperial Palace.
A brief background: history of the Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace used to serve as residential place for the Emperors of Japan in ancient times until 1868. From 1869 onwards, the former capital of Japan, Kyoto, was shifted to Tokyo and with its movement several buildings of the Imperial Palace were relocated as well. The remaining grounds were kept safe and preserved with the establishment of Kyoto Gyoen, which, after World War II, was announced to become a national garden and consequently was made accessible to the public. The garden complex features the Imperial Palace and two further main sites, called Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, plus the Kyoto State Guest House. Whilst the Imperial Palace and Guest House are free-of-charge, the Kyoto Omiya Palace and Sento Imperial Palace both require a reservation and entrance tickets to access.
The original establishment of the Imperial Palace dates back to the year 794. Since then, the premises have been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fires. The current and latest rebuilt project derives from the year 1855. In total, the entire palace complex features 24 building sites (e.g. Shishinden, Giyouden, Seiryoden, Kogosho, Koshunden, Higyosha, and many more) with well-preserved wall paintings, ancient furnishings & relics, elaborately decorated ceilings and related information boards giving more background. The most important ones probably rely upon the Shishinden, Hall for State Ceremonies, in which enthronement ceremonies of future emperors were being held, as well as the Seiryoden, the Emperor's former living quarters.
Garden Premises, Architecture & Historical Significance
Surrounded by blooming greenery, including cherry-blossom-, bamboo-, plum- and pine trees, the premises obtain a beautiful pond garden, just like architectural cultural heritage from different dynasty periods. It's a worthwhile visit and stroll for a sunny afternoon walk to deep dive into Japan's roots of imperialism for history cracks, culture lovers and curious tourists.
Practical Information |
Address: Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan How to get there: Take the Karasuma Line towards either Marutamachi Station (7min. walk) or Imadewaga Station (10min. walk) Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (April - August; 9am - 4:30pm (September - March); 9am - 4pm (October - February); closed on Mondays Admission: free of charge |
Gion Quarter: in the footsteps of the Geisha
Gion belongs to one of Kyoto's most popular hot spots! Known as the Geisha district, Gion brings together a beautiful merge of traditional wooden townhouses ("machiya"), teahouses ("ochaya"), culinary delicacies, vibrant nightly entertainment and historical charm, letting visitors deep dive into Japan's geisha traditions.
Being located fairly close to Higashiyama district as well as the likewise famous Shirakawa area, you can easily match-and-pair a day tour around these three areas, starting or ending with the Philosopher's Path, to cover all major sightseeing attractions of choice at once!
Before we dive a bit deeper into each district, let's have a quick look onto Geisha's (called "geiko" in Kyoto dialect) and Maiko's for a general understanding up front:
What is the difference between a Geisha and a Maiko?
Both Geisha's and Maiko's are iconic artists, embodying ideals of beauty, feminine elegance and stylistic perfection. As artists in different stages, both Geisha's and Maiko's serve to entertain wealthy clients during tea ceremonies and/or business meetings with elegance and grace. It is said that the magic of Geisha's and Maiko's lie in their enchanting posture and gesture.
A Geisha ("the one performing arts") is a professional, to perfection-trained artist, who focuses on entertainment through conversation and art. She usually is characterised by a discreet kimono with rather short sleeves, a plain obi, a subtle grown-up hairstyle (usually a wig) and light unobtrusive make-up with an oftentimes only underlying white foundation.
A Maiko ("the one who dances"), in comparison, is what we would consider a geisha apprentice. Her training lasts for approximately 5 years prior to being called and considered as a Geisha, also outside of Kyoto. Her wardrobe is characterised by more colourful and playful kimonos aligned on seasons, with long sleeves (furisode) and a wide, long hanging obi. Also, hair and make-up show a difference in appearance: Maiko's usually wear multiple hairpins, called kanzashi, and feature pink accents upon their white foundation make-up. Her role mainly consists of dancing and singing whilst learning traditional arts of a Geisha (dance, music, tea ceremony).Approaching Gion: paved shopping exclusiveness on Shijo Street
Gion is located around Shijo Street, a popular spot for shopping and fairly expensive dining opportunities. Running east to west in central Kyoto, Shijo offers plenty of sightseeing attractions, picturesque ancient streets lined with both ochaya & machiya, as well as antique shops to be found along the way, e.g. also in Shinbashi-, Hanamikoji-, Furumonzen- and Shinmonzen street. Centred around the intersection of Shijo- and Kawaramachi Street, you will furthermore find two shopping arcades, namely Teramachi and Shin Kyogoku. "Kyoto's Kitchen", the famous Nishiki Market, is also located just around the corner for a quick and heavenly snack in between.
Performances, Arts & Culture
Following Shiji Street and passing over Kamo River, you will directly enter the Gion District. Whilst walking, you might notice that some of the formerly traditional tea houses have been converted into bars, restaurants, or serve as reception & venue for touristic entertainment shows you can reserve and book up front online. A famous spot to enjoy traditional Geisha performances is the cultural theatre Gion Corner, located in Gion kobu. Within one hour, you will get to experience traditional performing arts, including chanoyu (the art of preparing tea), performed by Maiko's.
A more quiet but yet beautiful area to not miss out on is the Shirakawa area, running along the Shirakawa canal, just parallel of Shijo Street. At dawn, the walk along the canal is beautifully lit in shimmering lantern lights, paired with paved with planted willow trees on each side, expensive dining opportunities and tea houses to marvel at. If you're lucky, you might also get to spot one or the other Geisha/Maiko on her way to performing shows. In this case, it is recommendable to show respect without instantly grabbing your camera to shoot photos. Such an occurance is considered rude and disrespectful. Instead, watch and observe, and if you really want to take a picture, take a heart and ask the respective person for her consent.
A close connection: Yasaka Shrine & Higashiyama District
Close-by Gion, you will sooner or later bump into Yasaka Shrine. A picturesque spot where not only many wedding photos are taken for freshly married couples, but where the most festival in Japan is being held: the annual Gion Matsuri festival. This prestige event is held every year with plenty of parades for the entire month of July, fully dedicated to Yasaka Shrine.
From Yasaka Shrine, it's only a few minutes to enter the district of Higashiyama, where again, traditional houses, well-preserved ancient architecture, temples, Kyoto handicrafts and shopping opportunities line your path. The best time to come here is early in the morning, as there is nothing more beautiful than seeing the sun rise quietly above the yet still and ancient streets of old Kyoto. It's a calming spectacle to enjoy.
To the east of Higashiyama, you will find the famous Kiyomizudera Temple, whilst walking north, you'll enter Philosopher's Path.
Practical Information |
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan How to get there: Take the Keihan Line to Gion Shijo-, or take the Hankyu Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. From here, it is a short scenic walk by foot. Alternatively, take City Bus #100 or #206 fro Kyoto Station to Yasaka-jinja (20min. ride) Opening Hours: Depending on location and store, most venues open from 9 - 10am onwards Admission: Most temples require a small fee to enter |
Comments