Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Tower, Japan | Top Attractions + How to Get There + Ticket Info

If you're heading to Kyoto, you absolutely can't miss Kyoto Tower! Head up to the observation deck for stunning 360-degree views of this gorgeous city. To make sure you have the best time, we've put together this comprehensive guide to Kyoto Tower just for you!

Standing tall at 131 meters, Kyoto Tower is the highest structure in Kyoto City. It offers both indoor and outdoor observation decks, giving you a stunning 360-degree view of the entire city. To make your visit smoother, you can easily buy tickets online and skip the lines!

 

1. Bus
   If you're coming by bus, get off at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. From there, it's just a quick 1-minute stroll to Kyoto Tower.
   Alternatively, you can hop off at the "Kyoto Station Front" city bus stop, which is about a 3-minute walk away.

2. Train
   If you prefer taking the train, the Hankyu Railway "Kyoto Kawaramachi" Station is around a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Tower.
   Similarly, the Keihan Main Line "Gion Shijo" Station is also about a 15-minute walk away.

3. Subway
   For those using the subway, the Karasuma Line "Kyoto" Station offers direct access through an underground passage that leads straight to Kyoto Tower.

• Lobby (1st Floor)
  Right as you step into Kyoto Tower, you'll find the Kyoto City Tourist Information Center. It's your go-to spot for travel advice, guided tour bookings, and a range of other helpful services. Keep an eye out for special exhibits in the lobby, like stunning kimono displays and captivating art shows.

• Observation Deck (11th Floor)
  Take the elevator up to the 100-meter-high observation deck for a sweeping view of Kyoto. With the help of telescopes, you can pick out famous sights such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kamo River, and the Higashiyama mountains. Daytime offers lush, green vistas, while nighttime transforms the city into a glittering expanse of lights. There are benches up there too, perfect for sitting back and soaking in the views at your own pace.

• SKY LOUNGE "PLEASANT" (11th Floor)
  Just next to the observation deck is the SKY LOUNGE "PLEASANT," perched 100 meters above the ground. As the sun sets, this bar becomes the perfect spot to sip on cocktails while gazing at the mesmerizing nightscape of Kyoto. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

• KANSAI TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER W.B.F (3rd Floor)
  Head to the third floor for the Kansai Tourist Information Center W.B.F. Here, you'll find travel info about Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and other areas in Western Japan. They offer multilingual brochures, so you can easily plan your adventures.

• Kimono Experience (3rd Floor)
  No trip to Kyoto is complete without donning a traditional kimono! On the third floor, you can rent kimonos for both men and women. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city's ancient charm and snap some memorable photos. If a full kimono feels a bit much, you can always opt for a lighter yukata instead.

• Geisha Transformation Experience (3rd Floor)
  Ever dreamed of transforming into a glamorous geisha? On the third floor, you can undergo a professional makeover to experience the elegance of an ancient geisha or courtesan. It's a unique way to connect with Kyoto's rich cultural heritage!

1. Kyoto Station
   This iconic landmark is more than just a transportation hub; it's a bustling shopping center too. If you're a ramen lover, head to KYOTO RAMEN KOJI on the food street where you can taste ramen from different parts of Japan. Don't miss the indoor sky garden on the 10th floor—it's a real treat!

2. Tō-ji (Kyoōgokoku-ji Temple)
   Just a quick 5-minute walk from Kyoto Tower, Tō-ji is the birthplace of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple's five-story pagoda is the oldest standing structure in Kyoto and is recognized as a national treasure.

3. Umekoji Park
   A pleasant 15-minute stroll from Kyoto Tower will bring you to this expansive park. The "Suzaku no Niwa" garden, themed around karesansui (dry landscape) gardens, offers a tranquil Zen atmosphere. Feeding the white herons here is a delightful experience.

4. Kyoto Aquarium
   Right in Umekoji Park, just a 5-minute walk away, you'll find the Kyoto Aquarium. It houses a variety of marine life, including penguins and sea lions, and features entertaining dolphin shows—perfect for a family outing.

5. Nishi Hongan-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji
   A mere 10-minute walk from Kyoto Tower, these temples are the main centers of the Jodo Shinshu sect. Their impressive architecture provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Buddhist culture.