Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is now considered to be the cultural heart of the country. Well-preserved temples, gardens, and shrines, such as Higashi Hongan-ji and Shosei-en Garden, give a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich history and contribute to its timeless charm. Kyoto Station is the gateway to the city of Kyoto. Do you only have half a day to spend in Kyoto? Or did you arrive at the station early to catch the bullet train or have a little time before you can check in into the hotel? Don’t worry! Make the most out of your time in Kyoto by visiting these to recommended spots to visit near Kyoto Station!
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1. Kyoto Station Building (at Kyoto Station)
Did you just arrive at Kyoto Station? Don’t have enough time to explore? Instead of just waiting and killing time with a cup of tea, why not enjoy the popular Kyoto Station Building itself? It is loved by foreign tourists. There are plenty of things you can do, including shop, spend time in the resting areas, or walk down the aerial walkways. Of course there are the glass canopies and Grand Staircase to see!
Kyoto Station
Address: Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Website: Kyoto Station
2. Kyoto Tower (3 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Right in front of Kyoto Station is Kyoto Tower, famous for its observation deck. It’s a bustling spot packed with restaurants and even a large public bathhouse underground. The underground first and second floors house the Kyoto Tower Sand. It is a new attraction near the station where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping.
Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Website: Kyoto Tower
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
3. Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (7 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, also known as the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha sect, is officially named Shinshu Honbyo. Major restoration was completed in the Heisei era, and now you can see the beautiful and overwhelmingly grand scale of the temple. Depending on the season, you can find the temple surrounded by cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, or snow.
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Address: Japan, 〒600-8505 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward
Website: Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Opening hours: 5.30am - 5.30pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Shosei-en Garden (10 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Shosei-en Garden is a part of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple but is detached from the main complex. It is believed to be the residence of a person who was the inspiration behind the protagonist, Hikaru Genji, in The Tale of Genji. It is a wonderful spot where you can see various flowers throughout the year. Since it’s only about a 5-minute walk from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, it’s worth visiting together.
Shosei-en Garden
Address: Japan, 〒600-8190 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashitamamizucho
Website: Shosei-en Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
5. Nishi Honganji (15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Nishi Honganji is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is one of the cultural properties from ancient Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect. The temple grounds are filled with magnificent buildings that have been built since the Momoyama period, making it a must-visit spot for both religious and cultural purposes when exploring Kyoto.
Nishi Honganji
Address: Hanayacho-sagaru, Horikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8501
Website: Nishi Honganji
6. Ichihime-jinja Shrine (15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Ichihime-jinja Shrine is a rare shrine where all the enshrined deities are goddesses. It is believed to protect women from misfortune. Furthermore, it offers blessings exclusively for women, such as good relationships, childbirth, and safe delivery. It is hailed as the strongest power spot for women in Kyoto.
Ichihime-jinja Shrine
Address: Japan, 〒600-8119 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Motoshiogamacho, 河原町五条 下ル一筋目西入ル
Website: Ichihime-jinja Shrine
Opening hours: 9am - 4.30pm (daily)
7. Tō-ji Temple (15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Tō-ji Temple was built in the Heian period and has a history of approximately 1,200 years. It is also a World Heritage site. Kobo Daishi, who was entrusted with the management and construction of To-ji Temple, incorporated esoteric Buddhism that he learned in Tang China as a envoy and gave birth to the first esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan. The monthly To-ji Temple flea market held on the 21st is also famous.
Tō-ji Temple
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan
Website: Tō-ji Temple
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
8. Rokusonnō-jinja Shrine (15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Rokusonnō-jinja Shrine is a shrine associated with the Minamoto clan, dedicated to Genkei Motochika. Especially during the cherry blossom season, various types of cherry blossoms bloom in the precincts, making it a hidden spot where you can capture the miraculous three-shot of the Shinkansen, cherry blossoms, and the shrine.
Rokusonnō-jinja Shrine
Address: 509 Hachijocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8471, Japan
Website: Rokusonnō-jinja Shrine
9. Kyoto Aquarium (15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
If you have some spare time, how about visiting the Kyoto Aquarium? It opened in April 2013 and is Japan’s first aquarium to use artificial seawater. You can see about 250 species of animals, including the Japanese giant salamander, which is a special natural monument living in the Kamogawa River in Kyoto, as well as harbor seals, penguins, and dolphins.
Kyoto Aquarium
Address: 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan
Website: Kyoto Aquarium
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm
10. Kyoto Railway Museum (20 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station)
Kyoto Railway Museum opened in April 2016. It boasts the largest number of exhibited vehicles in Japan, and its concept is “See! Touch! Experience!” It is an amusement park-style museum that breaks the conventional norms of museums. Located in Umekoji Park, it is in close proximity to the Kyoto Aquarium, so if you have time, you can enjoy visiting both.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8851, Japan
Website: Kyoto Railway Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
Price: From 1.49 USD
There's so much to enjoy around Kyoto Station!
When it comes to tourist attractions in Kyoto City, places like Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera are scattered over a wide area. However, if you’re short on time, there’s so much around Kyoto Station. Visit just one or spend the whole day exploring the area around Kyoto Station without getting caught in traffic congestion, even during busy periods.
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