Downtown

The downtown area of Kyoto is considered to be bound on the east by the Kamo-gawa River, on the west by Karasuma-Dori, on the north by Oike-Dori, and on the south by Shijo-Dori. A small area within walking distance of plenty of major hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops as well as providing access to the train and subway lines. Downtown is a great place to be based when you are in the city, close to the sightseeing attractions, plenty of options for eating and shopping and great for nightlife with clubs and bars. There are several covered arcades along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street perfect for a rainy day shopping with clothing, gifts, and food.

Outskirts (Arashiyama/Sagano)

Arashiyama is a district in Kyoto situated on the western outskirts in the base of the Arashiyama Mountains. The Oi River and Togetsu-Kyo Bridge can be found here, the Historic District offers stunning natural beauty. One of the most popular sightseeing districts packed with temples and shrines and the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A spectacular viewing spot during the spring in cherry blossom season and also for the fall color season. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a famous central landmark the area offers restaurants, shops and other attractions including the Tenryuji Temple with boat rentals for a trip on the river. Sagano is the district north of the bridge, where riding a bike is a great way to see the area filled with fields and temples.

Station Area

The area around Kyoto Station is the main entry point to the city, a major transport hub with the train station, bus stations along with shops and restaurants, many of which are housed inside the huge station. The Isetan department store, shopping arcades, hundreds of restaurants and a rooftop plaza are some of the attractions featured at the station. In the surrounding area, there are three temples located within walking distance of the station. The Shimogyo-Ku district is centered around the station with lots of hotels, stylish dining options including sophisticated cafes and shops. The neighborhood is very energetic filled with commuters in the mornings and evenings heading to the train station, the station itself has a futuristic design, making it a modern looking area.

Shopping District

The neighborhood known as the shopping district of Kyoto is situated in the Shinkyogoku district. A popular area filled with shopping and restaurants and the famous Nishiki Market that runs between Teramachi and Shinmachi filled with fresh produce, spices, street food vendors, and souvenirs. There are art galleries, department and fashion stores, bookstores and boutiques. All within walking distance to other large attractions such as the Imperial Palace and close to the river with a bridge connecting to Gion.

Central Kyoto

The area of central Kyoto contains two main tourist attractions, The Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Gosho/Imperial Palace with other smaller sights. The neighborhood encompasses a huge area in the center of the city, to the west of the Kamo River and to the north of Shimogyo-Ku. It is a popular destination for shopping with many covered shopping arcades and a happening nightlife district. Some attractions that can be found here include shopping, restaurants, bars, and clubs, most are situated along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street. There are several hotels as well as exclusive ryokan`s nestled in lovely neighborhoods that represent old Kyoto. The area offers a vibrant nightlife scene, as well as quieter spaces closer to the Imperial Palace offering a great mixture of both lively and calm lifestyles.

Pontocho

The area of Pontocho is a memorable neighborhood, on a narrow lane running along the western bank of the Kamo River. Pontocho is the most popular and busiest areas in the city for nightlife, with neon signs and lanterns’ filling the street, the area is packed with restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and views of the Kamo River. This is an area well known for its culinary delights featuring delicious food with a laid back, friendly atmosphere.