A Complete Guide to Enjoying Kyoto Tower: Kyoto’s Iconic Landmark with Nearby Attractions and Food Spots!

Kyoto is a city full of historical charm, with its traditional streets, UNESCO World Heritage temples, and countless cultural treasures. One of its most recognizable landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world year-round, is Kyoto Tower.

This unique cylindrical tower was built without any steel beams and is designed to resemble a lighthouse shining over Kyoto. Standing 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower offers attractions like an observation deck, a restaurant, and even a large public bath.

In this article, we’ll show you how to enjoy Kyoto Tower to the fullest, including the newly opened “Kyoto Tower Sando” with even more to explore!

What is Kyoto Tower?

Kyoto Tower stands tall near Kyoto Station, making it a welcoming sight for visitors arriving in the city. As a landmark of Kyoto, it’s the tallest structure of its kind in the world, built entirely without steel beams.

The tower’s cylindrical design was inspired by a lighthouse, created to resemble a beacon shining over the tiled rooftops of Kyoto’s traditional townhouses. At 100 meters above ground, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city.

The building below the tower also houses restaurants and a hotel, making it a convenient spot to start or end your Kyoto adventure, just steps away from the station!

The History of Kyoto Tower

The idea for Kyoto Tower began in 1953 when the Kyoto Central Post Office, located north of Kyoto Station, relocated. To create a welcoming landmark at Kyoto’s entrance, a graceful cylindrical design was chosen, and Kyoto Tower officially opened on December 28, 1964.

In 2004, to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Kyoto Tower introduced a mascot named Tawawa-chan, who remains popular even today.

The tower celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014 with a renovation of the observation deck and restaurant. The building’s lower floors (B1 to 2F) were also remodeled and reopened as “Kyoto Tower Sando,” a shopping and dining complex that has since become a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Access to Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is a sightseeing spot located just a short walk from JR Kyoto Station, making it very accessible for visitors.

Walking from Kyoto Station is the easiest way to reach the tower, and there is also a large bus terminal right in front of Kyoto Tower for easy access to other nearby attractions.

By Train

• JR Shinkansen Kyoto Station (Central Exit): 4-minute walk
• JR Local Kyoto Station (Central Exit): 3-minute walk
• Kyoto City Subway Kyoto Station (North Exit): 2-minute walk
• Kintetsu Kyoto Station (Kintetsu Exit): 8-minute walk

Access to Kyoto Station from Major Locations

• From Tokyo: About 120 minutes by JR Shinkansen
• From Osaka Station: About 29 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service
• From Nara Station: About 47 minutes by Miyakoji Rapid Service
• From Kobe (Sannomiya Station): About 51 minutes by JR Limited Express
• From Itami Airport: About 50 minutes by Osaka Airport Limousine Bus
• From Kansai International Airport: About 75 minutes by JR Airport Express “Haruka”

Visitor Information for Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is a free-to-enter sightseeing spot, but the main attraction, the observation deck, has an admission fee.

For discounted entry, you can use the Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Discount Coupon, available for adults, middle, and elementary school students.

The Kyoto Tower Sando shopping and dining area within the Kyoto Tower building is also free to explore. If you’d like to join any workshops here, please check with individual shops for fees and timings.

Highlights of Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower offers plenty of attractions, from an observation deck 100 meters above ground with stunning city views to various dining options. Here are some top ways to enjoy Kyoto Tower from my own experiences as a frequent visitor.

1. Panoramic City Views and Meet Tawawa-chan at the Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

At the top of Kyoto Tower, 100 meters above ground, you’ll find the Kyoto Tower Observation Deck. On clear days, you can enjoy a full 360° view of Kyoto City and beyond.

The observation deck has touch-screen tourist information panels. Tap on any location on the screen to get details about landmarks visible from the deck. You can even scan the displayed QR codes to download sightseeing information to your smartphone—perfect for planning the rest of your visit.

All the telescopes in the observation room are free to use, offering clear views of famous spots like Kiyomizu Temple and Nishi Honganji Temple, which houses numerous national treasures. On sunny days, you might even catch a glimpse of Osaka in the distance!

When I visited on a rainy day, the distant mountains were only faintly visible, but the city below was still clear. Because Kyoto Tower is indoors, it’s a great choice for sightseeing even on rainy days.

Kyoto Tower’s Official Mascot: Tawawa-chan

To celebrate Kyoto Tower’s 40th anniversary, the lovable Tawawa-chan was created. This gentle and friendly character is said to have emerged from Kyoto Tower’s soft, warm light and is loved by visitors of all ages. Rumor has it that Tawawa-chan shares the same creator as another popular mascot, Hikonyan.

Tawawa-chan makes appearances at Kyoto Tower on Saturdays and Sundays around 2 p.m., where families with children enjoy meeting the character. You can also snap a photo at a designated Tawawa-chan photo spot anytime.

In 2014, a shrine dedicated to Tawawa-chan was added to the observation deck. Known as the highest power spot in Kyoto, this shrine is thought to bring good luck and connections to those who visit. The shrine’s deity is a golden statue of Tawawa-chan, flanked by two cute Yatagarasu (mythical ravens) figures.

Next to the shrine, you’ll find Kyoto Tower-exclusive Tawawa-chan ema (wish plaques) and Tawawa-chan omikuji (fortune slips). Write your wishes on an ema and tie it with a 5-yen coin to pray for good fortune!

Kyoto Tower’s New Spot: Kyoto Tower Sando

Kyoto Tower Sando is a shopping complex inside Kyoto Tower, opened in 2017 as part of its first major renovation in 50 years. It was designed to connect Kyoto Station, the city, and locals with visitors, and that’s why it’s called “Sando” (meaning “path” or “approach”).

Kyoto Tower Sando spans three floors, each with its own unique theme:

• B1 Food Hall: A lively space where locals and tourists alike can enjoy delicious Kyoto cuisine.
• 1F Market: A marketplace filled with Kyoto-inspired products, from traditional sweets to crafts and cosmetics.
• 2F Workshop: A cultural experience area where you can participate in traditional Japanese activities.

B1 Floor: Food Hall

The basement level is a Food Hall with a “taste and explore” concept, bringing together popular eateries from Kyoto and across Japan. Open from morning to evening, this spot is perfect for a quick bite anytime and is conveniently close to Kyoto Station.

The food hall has open seating like a food court. Once you’ve placed your order, pick up your food when your buzzer sounds.

One popular stop is Kyoto Chikamaru Shakariki Murasaki, a famous ramen shop in Kyoto. With counter seating available, it’s also great for solo travelers. The signature ramen, “Za” (780 yen), is a soy sauce ramen with a rich seafood aroma.

1F: Kyoto-Themed Market

The first floor’s theme is a Market of Kyoto Specialties where you can find iconic souvenirs like yatsuhashi (a traditional Kyoto sweet) and matcha-flavored treats.

Kyoto Ame Crochet is a colorful, eye-catching candy brand by Imanishi Seika, a candy maker with over 140 years of history. They combine traditional craftsmanship with vibrant colors inspired by European techniques. Alongside classic flavors like matcha and cinnamon, they offer unique options like raspberry and jasmine tea.

2F: Workshop Experience Area

On the second floor, themed as a hands-on experience area, you can join workshops like making traditional Japanese sweets, sushi, or decorating Kiyomizu pottery. Check details for each workshop’s fee and duration.

One popular workshop is by Shichijo Kanshundo, a Japanese sweets maker with over 150 years of history, where you can try making four seasonal sweets for 2,750 yen. Although Japanese sweets are well-loved in Japan, many locals don’t know how they’re made. Adding a workshop to your Kyoto itinerary is a great way to deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture—don’t miss this chance to try it!

Dining and Relaxation at Kyoto Tower: Restaurants & Hotel

Inside Kyoto Tower, you’ll find a variety of dining and relaxing options. From a seasonal beer terrace to an Italian bar with rich stews and a buffet restaurant, there’s something for everyone.

One of the highlights is Restaurant Tower Terrace, where the calming decor makes you feel like you’re dining in a forest. It offers a wide variety of dishes, perfect for a peaceful meal.

On weekdays, you can enjoy the Dinner Buffet for 4,300 yen. The buffet has a brasserie-style menu that pairs well with wine and beer. Dishes change monthly, featuring seasonal ingredients, and Kyoto-inspired desserts like matcha chiffon cake and matcha roll cake are available.

Floors 5 through 9 host a convenient hotel, perfect for travelers and business guests. Located just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it also has stores selling popular Kyoto souvenirs, making shopping easy and enjoyable.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who prefer to stay in, this hotel is ideal. You can shop to your heart’s content while others relax comfortably in the room.

The hotel offers spacious rooms suitable for solo travelers or groups, and it also has unique themed rooms available for a limited time. Each room features special designs and concepts, making for a memorable stay. For details on themed rooms, check the latest updates on the official website!

Sightseeing Around Kyoto Tower

The area around Kyoto Tower has many sightseeing spots within walking distance from Kyoto Station, making it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto. You’ll find everything from temples with national treasures and cultural assets to expansive Japanese gardens with beautiful scenery.

1. Higashi Honganji Temple: The Main Temple of Jodo Shinshu Otani Sect

Just a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Higashi Honganji is the main temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect of Buddhism. Despite being in the heart of the city, the temple has a large, tranquil compound with impressive sights like the Founder’s Hall (Goei-do) and Amida Hall.

The temple grounds are home to several architectural treasures, including the massive gates like the Goei-mon and Amida-mon. These buildings showcase traditional Japanese design that even influenced modern Japanese architecture.

In the center of the compound is the Goei-do Hall, one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan, which enshrines an image of Shinran Shonin, the temple’s founder. Visitors can enter both the Goei-do and Amida Hall; please remember to remove your shoes before entering.

Shosei-en Garden: A Serene, Seasonal Japanese Garden

Just an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Shosei-en Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden that belongs to the grounds of Higashi Honganji Temple. Covering an impressive 30,000 square meters, the garden showcases seasonal flowers and stunning scenery known as the “Thirteen Views,” representing various picturesque spots within.

Despite its size, Shosei-en is spacious and rarely crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Shosei-en dates back to 1641 when it was gifted by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun, and designed with the inspiration of Zen poet and landscape designer Jozan Ishikawa. In 1936, it was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by Japan. The garden’s layout is a traditional “pond stroll” style, with paths that wind around a large central pond. As you walk, take in the seasonal views that make each visit unique.

Kyoto Railway Museum: One of Japan’s Largest Railway Exhibits

Just a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station or a 2-minute walk from the “Umekoji Park/Kyoto Railway Museum” bus stop (lines 205 or 208), the Kyoto Railway Museum offers an interactive and immersive experience with one of Japan’s largest railway exhibits.

Visitors can enjoy “See, Touch, and Experience” displays, including a driving simulator, real retired train cars, and even fully recreated train interiors, down to the handrails. This museum is a must-visit not only for train enthusiasts but also for families with young children looking for a unique experience.

On the first floor, you’ll find the Roundhouse, designated an Important Cultural Property, which houses 20 historical locomotives from the Meiji to Showa periods. There’s also an outdoor SL Plaza where you can ride on a steam locomotive-powered car—a rare chance to experience steam travel!

The museum also features a gift shop with exclusive railway-themed souvenirs and many special exhibits you won’t find elsewhere.

Great Dining Spots Around Kyoto Tower

The area around Kyoto Tower has a variety of restaurants to satisfy all tastes. Here’s a top recommendation for a delicious dining experience:

Charcoal-Grilled Oita Beef at Sumibi to Wine Kyoto Ekimae

Just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Sumibi to Wine Kyoto Ekimae specializes in charcoal-grilled meats paired with a selection of over 16 wines. The rich flavors of their meat dishes are perfectly complemented by fruity and slightly tannic red wines.

Their signature dish, “Oita Wagyu Aka-Buri Special” (1,800 yen), features A4-grade Oita beef, known for its lean, yet juicy and flavorful meat. The charcoal grilling brings out the full, savory taste of this high-quality beef with every bite.

Matcha Parfait at Saryo Tsujiri Isetan

Just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station on the 6th floor of Isetan, Saryo Tsujiri Isetan is a cozy café run by a long-established Kyoto tea shop. Known for its quality Uji matcha, this café is a great spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy authentic tea-based sweets.

Their signature “Tokusen Tsujiri Parfait” (1,441 yen, tax included) features layers of matcha whipped cream, hojicha jelly, and fragrant Uji matcha, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of matcha bitterness. The combination of flavors keeps each bite enjoyable until the very end.

Saryo Tsujiri also offers seasonal parfaits, such as the Tanabata-themed “Orihime & Hikoboshi” parfait, allowing you to experience different flavors throughout the year. It’s a must-visit for matcha lovers!

Even over 50 years since its opening, Kyoto Tower remains a beloved landmark for locals and tourists alike. From its observation deck with breathtaking views of the city to popular restaurants featuring local flavors, there are many ways to enjoy Kyoto Tower.

Be sure to explore the nearby sightseeing and dining spots to make the most of your Kyoto adventure!

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