Ninomaru Palace, Nijō Castle

Central Kyoto encompasses the urban heart of Japan's former imperial capital. From the carefully tended gardens and stately buildings of the Imperial Palace in the north to the massive, ultra-modern showpiece structure of Kyoto Station in the south, this district has a bit of everything that makes Kyoto what it is today: a marbled mix of old and new, of immeasurably ancient traditions and fast-paced modernity.

Get in

Inside Kyoto Station

Kyoto's extensive rail, subway, and bus networks can all be accessed through the city's main transportation hub: the gargantuan glass-and-steel structure of Kyoto Station (京都駅, Kyōto-eki).

By train

Kyoto Station is a major stop on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen Line. From the station, travellers arriving by shinkansen (or by other railway lines) can easily access the city's municipal subway and bus systems.

By subway

Central Kyoto is served by two intersecting subway lines. The north-south Karasuma Line (which stops at Kyoto Station) and the west-east Tōzai Line link up at Karasuma-Oike Station near the city centre.

By bus

Several important bus routes (covering not only Central Kyoto but other parts of the city as well) start and end at the Kyōto-eki-mae terminal - which, as the name indicates, is right in front of Kyoto Station. Take the station's Karasuma/North exit and you'll see the bus terminal, which is divided into four boarding platforms (from A to D) and has signs in English identifying key stops on each route. For detailed route information, pick up a copy of the helpful "Bus Navi" leaflet from the information centre near the terminal.

See

Central Kyoto is a mix of museums, religious heritage sites, contemporary shopping and office buildings. Note, museums are limited in their non-Japanese offerings when it comes to labels and guides. Most religious sites close by 17:00 daily. This is often an area that surprises tourists — many come to Kyoto expecting tradition, and are often surprised to find contemporary life humming along as it does in most medium and big cities, except in Kyoto — it's alongside real tradition.

• 1 Shinsen-en Garden (神泉苑), 167 Monzen-cho, Nakagyo-ku, ☏ +81 75 821-1466. 09:00-22:00. Although cherry blossom-viewing and festivals can be seen all over Japan today, Shinsen-en Garden is where the very first organized cherry blossom viewing festival took place. Free. 

Ninomaru Garden, Nijō Castle

• 2 Nijō Castle (二条城 nijō-jō), 541 Nijojo-cho, Horikawa-nishiiru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City (Tozai Subway Line to Nijojo Mae), ☏ +81 75 841-0096. 08:45-16:00 (Gate closes at 17:00). Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto, with fine gardens and splendid centuries-old structures. The castle was originally built by the Tokugawa shoguns to serve as the shogun's residence in Kyoto. After the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as an imperial residence before being converted to a museum and opened to the public. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru Palace complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on so as to give advance warning when someone was approaching. From the empty base of the donjon that once overlooked the innermost section of the fortress (known as the Honmaru), you can get good views over parts of the castle compound and the wider city beyond. The donjon and original honmaru palace burnt down in two separate fires, and the existing honmaru palace was constructed in the early Meiji period (late 19th century). Unlike the ninomaru palace, the honmaru palace is not open to the public, though visitors may walk in the honmaru garden and view the exterior of the palace up close. ¥600 for adults; ¥350 for students, ¥200 for children. 
• 3 Nijō-Jinya (条城陣屋), Just south of Nijo Castle, ☏ +81 75 381-6487, info_isckyoto@yh-kyoto.or.jp. 10:00-16:00. A private residency, Nijo-Jinya is a former samurai house. Tours discuss the roles of samurai and the dangers experienced during that time period. The house features unique trap doors and escape routes used by samurai and former residents to escape fires and attacks. Guided tours are available in Japanese by a family member of the current residents. You are welcome to bring an interpreter. 
• 4 The Museum of Kyoto (京都文化博物館, kyōto bunka hakubutsukan; 通称, bunpaku), Sanjo Takakura, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City (Kyoto City Subway to "Karasuma Oike Station".Hankyu Railway to "Karasuma Station" or Keihan Line to "Sanjo Station".), ☏ +81 75-222-0888. 10AM-7:30PM (until 6PM during special events). The museum features many ancient artifacts relating to Kyoto life and history. Recently renovated, it has an expansive ancient ceramics collection. Closed Mondays. Adults: ¥500; students: ¥400; children: ¥300. 
• 5 Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム, Kyōto Kokusai Manga Myūjiamu), Kinbuki cho 452, Nagakyō-ku, Kyoto city (Tozai line to Karasuma Oike, exit 2. Buses 15, 51, 61, 62, and 63), ☏ +81-75-254-7414. 10AM-6PM (entry until 5:30PM). Housed in an old elementary school building, the museum holds over 300,000 manga-related items ranging from rare Meiji-era publications to the works of contemporary artists. One of its main attractions is the so-called "Wall of Manga": a vast collection of some 50,000 volumes arranged on shelves running along the building's corridors. Much of the collection is in Japanese, but there is a sizeable selection of manga translated into various foreign languages (including English) on the ground floor. Visitors are welcome to pick out and read anything they choose from the "Wall of Manga" (although the books can't be checked out for offsite reading), which explains the large numbers of children and young adults that throng the museum - and the large Astroturf field just outside where people can read the manga of their choosing. The museum also hosts special temporary exhibitions and other manga-related events. Closed Wednesdays and national holidays. Adults: ¥800; Students: ¥300; Children: ¥100. 
• 6 Nishi Honganji (西本願寺; “Western Temple of the Original Vow”), 60 Horikawa-dōri Hanaya-chō Kudaru Honganji Monzen-machi, Shimogyō-ku (From Kyoto Station, walk 15 min. northwest). Open 5.30 AM–5.30 PM; May-Aug 5:30 AM–6 PM; Nov-Feb 6 AM–5 PM. One of many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Nishi Honganji is one of two temple complexes of the Buddhist sect, Jōdo Shinshū (the other being Higashi Honganji). It was founded in 1602, and has gates dating back to 1573. Free. 
• 7 Higashi Honganji (東本願寺 Higashi Honganji; Eastern Temple of the Original Vow), Karasuma Shichi-jō Agaru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8505 (Karasuma Shichijō bus stop or Gojō Station via Karasuma subway. Accessible also from Kyoto Station.), ☏ +81-75-371-9181. Mar–Oct 5:50AM-5:30PM; Nov–Feb 6:20AM-4:30PM. Higashi Honganji was established in 1602 by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu when he split the Shin sect in two (Nishi Honganji being the other) in order to diminish its power. Today it is the headquarters of the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shin-shū. The Founder’s Hall (Goei-dō) is said to be the second-largest wooden structure in Japan. With a capacity for 5,000 people, it's majestic. Check out the massive coil of hair rope, donated by a group of female devotees and used to haul the massive timbers for the reconstruction of the temple in the 1880s. Free. 
• 8 Shōseien Garden (渉成園; Kikoku-tei; Karatachi tei), 300 higashitamamizu-chō, Shimojyuzuyamachi-dōri Aidanochō-higashiru, Shimogyō-ku (Two blocks east of Hingashi Hongaji. Bus stop Kawaramachi Shōmen.), ☏ +81 75-371-9210. 9AM-4PM (last entry 3:30PM). Shosei-en Garden was commissioned by Prince Minamoto no Tōru. He created the Ingetsu Pond was designed to look like the Shiogama coast in Miyagi Prefecture. During the Tokugawa Period the garden was given to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, restoring the old sections and adding on to the garden. It's a stroll garden with buildings dating back to the 19th century. Free. 

Cherry blossoms at Tō-ji Temple

• 9 Tō-ji (東寺 Tō-ji; East Temple; Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji (教王護国寺)), Kujyomachi, Minami-ku (Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Toji Station). 8:30AM-5:30PM (until 4:30PM from mid September to mid March). An impressive complex of Buddhist temple buildings, this site features the tallest pagoda in Japan. Bright colors decorate the interior of many buildings on the site, and Buddhist sculptures compliment the color choices. The grounds include a relaxing garden, and cherry blossoms. The Kōbō-san market fair is held here on the 21st of every month. Admission to grounds free; Kondō & Treasure Hall ¥500; Pagoda ¥800. 

• 10 Kyoto Tower (京都タワー Kyōto-tawā), Karasuma-dōri Shichijō-sagaru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto City (City Bus to "Kyoto".JR Line, Subway Karasuma Line or Kintetsu Line to "Kyoto". Located just in front of Kyoto station.), ☏ +81 75-361-3215. 9AM-8:30PM. A source of bitterness of locals due to it's futuristic feel, which counteracts the historic feel the city is known for, the Kyoto Tower is an overpriced viewing tower where you can observe Kyoto's urban sprawl at it's finest. There is also a hotel and banquet hall at the tower. Free to visit lobby & hotel, charge for going to the top: Adults: ¥770; Students: ¥620; Teens: ¥520;, children: ¥150. 
• 11 Mibu-dera (壬生寺), Bojo-dori Bukkouji Kita-iru, Nakagyo-ku (10 min walk from Hankyu Line to Omiya.), ☏ +81 75-841-3381, mibudera@kyoto.zaq.ne.jp. 8:30AM-5:30PM. Founded in 991 AD, Mibu-dera is a Buddhist temple. The temple has Setsubun celebrations in February which draws large crowds. It's free to visit the grounds, however, a small museum and garden have an admission fee. Main grounds free; garden & museum ¥100. 
• 12 Kyoto Station (京都駅). Even if you are not travelling by train, it is worth spending an hour or so wandering around the station, which is an outstanding example of modern architecture. The station, with its futurist architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara, opened in 1997 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,200th anniversary. There are two tourist information centers in the building on the 2nd and 9th floors. Take the main escalator or stairs to the top where there is a rooftop garden with views over the city, and if you have a head for heights, walk across the skywalk on the 11th floor. Free. 

Imperial Park

The Imperial Park is a large, peaceful area in the centre of Kyoto, centred around the Imperial Palace. The Palaces are only open to visitors on free guided tours, and bookings must be made at the Imperial Household Agency, online or in their office to the west of the palace complex.If you're in Kyoto for an extended amount of time, the park can make for a very pleasant afternoon, and it's large enough to let you forget the noise of the city outside the walls. It's home to 50,000 trees, including cherry, plum and peach tree orchards (mostly in the northern section).

• 13 Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所 Kyōto-gosho) (A 5-10 minute walk south from the Imadegawa subway station, Karasuma subway line). English tours at 10AM and 2PM Mon-Fri (by appointment only). The Palace is a reconstruction (dating from 1855), though the Emperor doesn't actually spend much time there, and the guided tour doesn't actually enter the Palace buildings, only peeking at them from the outside, but nevertheless, it provides interesting insight into the lives of the Imperial Court and it's the only Imperial site in Kyoto that offers English guides. Show up an hour before the tour at the Imperial Household Agency building (west of Kyoto Imperial Palace), and they'll let you join if there's space, or make a booking for another day if there isn't. If you don't want to chance it, advance bookings can also be made online through the Imperial Household Agency's official website . Free. 

• 14 Sentō Imperial Palace (仙洞御所 Sentō-gosho). Located within the grounds of Kyoto's Imperial Park, the Sento Imperial Palace is arguably the most competitive for reservations, because this is the palace where the present Imperial family stays when in Kyoto. 

Do

Kimono fashion show, Nishijin Textile Center

• Nishijin Textile Center (西陣), Horikawa-Imadegawa, ☏ +81 75-451-9231. While visitors may just go to the museum to see the history of Nishijin Textiles, you may also want to try dressing up as a geisha or trying your hand at weaving. You need reservations for each activity, and separate fees are charged for each activity. Weaving costs ¥1800 adult (¥1500 for students) and dressing up as a geisha costs ¥10000. 

Buy

The city's main shopping district is centered on the intersection of Shijō-dōri and Kawaramachi-dōri, a short distance from the Kamo River and a manageable walk away from the neighbouring Gion district in Higashiyama. Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyū Line puts you right in the heart of the action, within easy reach of three major department stores and a wide assortment of other shopping options.

For electronics, head up to Teramachi and turn left; for clothes boutiques, including your chance at finding the perfect Engrish t-shirt, turn right into the covered arcade portion of Teramachi and Shinkyōgoku, which runs parallel.

Specific places worth checking out include the following:

• Kōbō-san Market, Tō-ji, 1 Kujō-chō, Minami-ku. Early morning till around 4:30pm. On the 21st of each month, Tō-ji hosts a large flea market on and around the temple grounds. It's like a one-day festival, with long rows of food vendors joining an odd assortment of sellers — everything from elegant Japanese crafts and rare plants to piles of old postcards, photos, movie posters, and appliances from decades past. 

• Gallery Gado, 27 Miyashiki-cho Hirano, Kitaku (On Kinukake no Michi, near Kinkakuji.), ☏ +81 075-464-1655. daily 10AM-6PM. Gallery Gado sells modern woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) with traditional themes. The gallery also has catalogs of the work of artists who are maintaining this art form. All prints are authentic woodblock prints. Postcard-sized prints ¥800, medium-sized prints ¥2000-3000, large prints for more. 

• Junkudo (8th floor of BAL building on Kawaramachi-dori between Shijo Street and Sanjo Street.), ☏ +81 075-253-6460. daily 11AM-8PM. A huge bookstore with big selection of English books and magazines. 

Eat

Budget

• Musashi Sushi one of the oldest kaitenzushiya (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants in Kyoto, it is located directly across chain Kappa Sushi at the corner of Sanjo/Kawaramachi. All of the sushi is handmade, though it may take a while to see something new float by. Fortunately, the seats surround the chefs, so you can request whatever you want if you don't see something you like. Price: ¥137 per plate (usually 2 pieces per plate).

• Kappa Sushi is a chain kaitenzushiya (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant on the corner of Sanjo and Kawaramachi at the entrance to the Shinkyogoku/Teramachi covered mall. Lots of variety and cheap prices, but the sushi isn't handmade — machines are used to cut the rice and fish. Price: ¥100 per plate (usually 2 pieces per plate).

• Mr. Young Men is a pleasantly grubby okonomiyaki restaurant downtown, at the corner of Shijo and the covered shopping street of Teramachi. Basic English menus are available. A basic dish of Osaka-style okonomiyaki will run about ¥800, although a few variations (including a bizarre cheese and potato version) are available for about the same price.

• Hati Hati is an Indonesian restaurant on Kiyamachi, near Takoyakushi. It has great food and atmosphere, but it's occasionally converted into a bar and a performance space for local bands and DJs at night on weekends. For really late night food on Kiyamachi, there is a cheap, open-air falafel cafe a couple doors down from Hati Hati that never seems to close.

• Donguri is a cheap yet very nice okonomiyaki restaurant on the Northwest corner of Kawaramachi and Shijo. It's a sub-level place so it might take a bit to find it. It is next to the Excelsior Coffee; if you walk past The Body Shop you went too far. It's about ¥500 yen for an okonomiyaki and about ¥300-500 for a namachuu (mid sized mug of beer). Expect to pay ¥800-900 in the evening. Great place for a date or nicer evening.

• Kappa Sushi (on Pontocho) is a reasonably-priced (for fresh sushi) restaurant. They have an English menu which is, unfortunately, inferior to the Japanese menu. Specials change daily, but are generally on the pricey side. Sit at the sushi bar, and eat well-apportioned nigiri off of banana leaves with your fingers. Not a bad place to try real o-toro for ¥800 a plate.

• efish 798-1 Nishihashizume-cho +81 075-361-3069 (near the Idemetsu gas station, across the river from Keihan Gogo 京阪五条 station. Open every day, 11AM to 11PM (until 10PM in the winter). This cafe, tucked away down a hidden side street, has a trendy ambiance and river views. For lunch, try the okra curry (¥850) or soup and bread set (¥650).

Mid-range

• 1 Shishin Samurai Cafe & Bar, 230-1 Kamimyoukakuji-cho Nakagyo-ku, ☏ +81 075 231-5155. W-M noon-11PM. The place proclaims that an increase of food production, food self-sufficiency, and the decrease of food waste can prevent war. This cafe serves local Japanese foods as much as possible to increase food self-sufficiency and sustainability. In addition this cafe uses 5% of its gross sales to aid homeless people and orphans who are suffering from a lack of food. Furthermore, this cafe aims to reintroduce declining Japanese traditional customs and keep these traditions alive. Also, this cafe plans to hold lectures, discussions and forums concerning peace and food sustainability (please, note different menu items during cafe and bar times). 

• Siam (シャム) (On Marutamachi-dori about 100m east of Nishioji-dori.). Th-Tu 11:30AM-3:30PM, 6PM-9PM. A tiny but wonderful Thai curry restaurant. The food is delicious, reasonably priced and spice levels are indicated on the menu. Relax in a soft-lit room decorated with exotic paintings from Bali, while the friendly staff prepare your meal right in front of you. An English menu available. 

• Fuka (麩嘉) (West of the Imperial Palace and just a bit south of the Kyoto Prefectural Office.). Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. This old shop makes the best nama-fu (wheat gluten filled with sweet bean paste) in Kyoto and supplies many sweet shops and restaurants throughout the city. There might not be enough supplies to sell over the counter, so it is best to arrive early. 

• Tengu (Underground with an entrance near the corner of Sanjo/Kawaramachi.). A chain izakaya offering their own beer and good shared food with occasional seasonal specials. 

• Anil (6F Daini Kanko Building on Kiyamachi). A nice Nepalese restaurant with a great atmosphere and awesome food. The dahl, cheese nan and momo dumplings are highly recommended. 

• Torikizoku (鳥貴族). 6PM-late. Torikizoku is the most popular yakitori chain in Kansai. There are several locations in Kyoto - most convenient for travellers is in Kawaramachi/Shijo, just before the bridge, or between sanjo and shijo, on kiyachou-dori. The yakitori is delicious, comes in generous serves and is very cheap. It's very popular with both locals and expats, and is always busy. Try to come before 7:30 to secure seats. Look for the Japanese characters on the distinctive yellow and red sign. All food/drink ¥300 each. 

• Scorpione Kichiu, 140-18 Saitocho, Shimogyo-ku (Kawaramachi or Gion Shijo stops.), ☏ +81 75-354-9517. Contemporary Italian food with an open kitchen and outdoor dining on the river. Attentive service with small but filling portions. Offers set meals lunches (¥2300 average) and dinners (¥5300-7900). Ala carte is available as well, however, a ¥1000 charge is added to eat head that purchases ala carte. Wine, beer, and cocktails available. 

• 2 Apollo, Rokakku-dori (Rokakku-dori 2 blocks east of Karasuma-doritel.), ☏ +81 75-212-2233. 5PM-midnight (last order 11PM). If hipster izakaya didn't exist before, Apollo has invented it. Izakaya style with a clean, laid back environment consisting more of hip and arty locals instead of an older "regulars" crowd. Beautiful interior with a center garden and private dining rooms, or you can sit at the bar or in the more casual tables upstairs. Chefs prepare a mix of salads, grilled foods and fried foods from seasonal regional ingredients. House speciality is a pork gyoza. Affordable, cool and laid back. ¥150-3200 (latter is set plate). 

Splurge

• Pontochō (先斗町) (A narrow lane running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River.). One of Kyoto's most traditional nightlife districts, the restaurants here run the gamut for super-exclusive geisha houses to common yakitori bars. Many have pleasant open-air riverside terraces. Rule of thumb is, any establishment with a menu and prices outside is OK, but others are best skipped. 

• Mishima-tei. If you have a yearning for sukiyaki, and your pockets are deep, you must visit Mishima-tei at the junction of Teramachi-dori and Sanjo-dori. Here you will be bowed in and shown to your own private tatami room by your personal kimono-clad hostess. There, having helped you to order, she will prepare your sukiyaki feast on the hotplate set between you. Order the "premium beef", and the richly marbled meat will just melt in your mouth, and require almost no chewing whatsoever: it is delectable – and it should be since two of you will spend around ¥25,000 in less than an hour on 360 grams of beef and a few vegetables! (For the cost-shy, there is a 'tourist set' on the menu which results in a bill of about ¥13,600 for 2. 

Drink

Kyoto is a more sleepy town compared its neighbours like Osaka and Kobe. Bars range from "girlie bars" to a select few bars that cater to gaijin and their friends to local watering holes. The best bars in Kyoto are often less noticeable. When heading out for a drink, look for bars in Central and Eastern Kyoto with little or no signage. You can always pop your head in the door to take a look at the crowd and vibe. Fixing a nice mix is a good way to feel comfortable, and bartenders usually do their best to make you feel welcome by attempting some conversation if they know a bit of English. However, you can also enjoy a drink in the corner while observing the locals and pay up after a drink. Some places might charge a fee of ¥500-1000.

Beer and sake are common place in most bars. Wine is rarer, and often overpriced and mediocre. Mixed drinks are also common, and at many bars you'll find local liqueurs you can't find anywhere else.

There are little to no nightclubs and a small selection of live music venues in Kyoto. The local government has cut back on nightclubs and girlie bars in the recent years to keep a more calm, safe and relaxed environment in the historic city. However, Gion still serves as a major entertainment district, and if you arrive early enough (before 6PM) you might see a geisha wandering off to an appointment in Gion.

• Ing. No night in Kyoto is complete without the requisite after hours visit to all-night Ing (a.k.a., "Box Bar," or "the office"). Proprietor Hako-san will keep bringing you the booze, and he's happy to join you for a drink when offered. Food there is always an option - tofu salad & potato pizza are good for the price (¥600). Get ready for Rolling Stones, competitive Jenga, sharing tables with odd drunk people, and clothes permanently soaked in smoke. Good luck finding it. If you see Hamid's Falafel you're on the right track. Ing is on the second floor of a building slightly south of Hamid's. Sapporo sells at ¥600 each shareable bottle. 
• Sake Bar Yoramu (酒ＢＡＲよらむ), Nijo-dori east of Karasuma (Marutamachi and Karasuma-Oike subway stations), ☏ +81-75-213-1512, yoram@sakebar-yoramu.com. 6PM - 12AM, closed Mondays and first Sunday of the month. From the unusual to the standard, this sake bar has both an impressive selection of traditional Japanese rice wine. Even more impressive is the barkeep and owner, who's from Israel, who can translate your preferences in wine into sake. Well-aged sake is available, busting the myth that sake does not age. Traditionally-brewed sake ranging from slightly cloudy to yogurt-like may also be available. 
• Nikki's Bar, Nishi-Kiyamachi 804 Daini Kankou Building. 2000-0500. This is a nice little bar ran by a gregarious Nepalese guy named Nikki. It's got a great bunch of regulars and new customers are always warmly welcomed. It's located just north of Hamid's Kebab shop. Mixed drinks and beer run ¥700 per drink and shots are ¥500. It's a little hard to find because it's on the 8th floor. If you can't find it ask the folks working at Hamid's. 700yen. 
• Sugar Trip, Rokkaku Building2F 236 Yamasaki-cho Nakagyo-ku (On Rokkaku-dori a few blocks south of the intersection with O), ☏ +81 75-211-1145. A ritsy cocktail bar with a variety of drinks from the standard beers to champaigne and cava. Most people come for one of the many cocktail varieties that this bar is famous for. Original cocktails sell for ¥700-750, Smoothie cocktails for ¥900, Beer for ¥650-700, tonic ¥700. 
• Rub-a-Dub, Tsujita bld.BF,115 Ishiya-cho, Kiyamachi-Sanjo, ☏ +81 75-256-3122. A one-room Jamaican Reggae bar. It can either be an over-crowded mess or a box of delirious fun, depending on which record is on (and how much you like Red Stripe) either way you must try the jerk chicken. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Jerk chicken, fried rice, and chicken curry each for ¥600. 
• A bar, ☏ +81 75-213-2129. A-bar, a hard-to-find (on 2nd floor) izakaya close to the Shijo/Kiyamachi corners, makes a great start to the evening. Food is good and reasonable - daily sashimi specials and fried goods, especially. You share long tables with foreigners and locals alike; a friendly thing to do would be to pour beers for your neighbors and Suei-san, the proprietor. ¥550 Yebisu. 
• Pub Africa, KyotoRokkaku Terrace Bld 1F, ☏ +81 75-255 4518. Although many think this is an Africa-themed bar, there is nothing very African about it. If there's a football match from home that you need to catch, they'll show it here, and they have cheap Asahi jugs. Beers half off during Happy Hour. Also, their fooseball table is very well kept. Across from the Hub, infra. 

A view of the garden outside of K-ya in Kyoto, Japan.

• K-ya (K Bar, Bar K), 105 Yaoya-cho, Gokomachi-nishiiru, Rokkaku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, ☏ +81 75-241-0489. Classy beautiful off the beaten path bar that caters to locals more than tourists. The owner is one of Japan's best bartenders. Staff wear tux's ala Rainbow Room in New York. The vibe is upscale yet casual. It overlooks a beautiful Japanese garden. Cocktails range from classics like Moscow Mule to their own specialities. Tasty amuse bouche come with each round of drinks. Service is wonderful. 
• Milan's Bar. A fun little bar tucked away down a back alley on the west side of the canal. The alley is just south of Karaoke Paradise, and the sign for Milan's read just Mil-N Bar. Located on the 2nd floor, it's a cozy, cave-like interior, but Milan, the Nepalese proprietor, is gregarious and always has a funny tale to tell. (updated Apr 2015)

British and Irish Pubs

These are popular with both foreign tourists looking for a "closer to home" connection and locals wanting to meet them.

• The Hub (On the small streets connecting Kiyamachi to Kawaramachi.). Lots of TVs for sports, cheap beer (¥700/pint) (especially with a ¥500 membership) and more expensive imports; food, however, is mediocre. This is basically the headquarters for English-speaking tourists and gaijin residents for happy hour. Happy hour (17:00-19:00) discounts cocktails only. If you want some inside information about where to go, where to eat, what to see, etc., ask a group here. One of the larger bars in Kyoto, it is a popular spot for happy hours and goodbye parties. The real draw is the football, darts tournaments, and, upstairs in the back, the pool table. 

• Hill of Tara. A quiet Irish-style pub with good food. A bit more expensive than the frozen stuff from the Pig or the Hub, but a much mellower scene. In the spring and summer, they have a nice, though small, second floor balcony. 

• McLoughlin's (On Kiyamachi between Sanjo and Nijo.). Presided over by the most amiable owner/chef Tadg McLoughlin. Quality beers, domestic and foreign (including microbrews). The staff are friendly and speak English. Live music on weekends. Giant screen TV (Mr. McLoughlin being a Rugby fanatic), darts, foosball and a great view of east Kyoto. Happy hours are 17:00-20:00. Main courses starting at ¥1,200. 

Sleep

The great majority of Kyoto's accommodations can be found here. Staying closer to Kyoto Station provides immediate access to the Shinkansen and the hub of the city bus network; closer to Karasuma-Oike puts you in the midst of downtown and closer to the Gion. They're only minutes apart by subway, making the choice merely a matter of personal convenience.

Budget

Internet and manga cafés

• 1 Topscafé, Hachijo street (south-east of Kyoto JR station, 5min by walk, near willerexpress bus stop). Night starts at 1620¥ + member card. Internet hour starts at 516¥ + member card. Member card 200¥, vip: +216¥ for pack, 129¥/15min overtime. 
• 2 Popeye media cafe (Between Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae station/Honno-ji and Sanjo-dori, just near catholic cathedral and Royal Hotel and Spa, bus stop Kawaramachi-sanjo 4/17/205). The most famous one. Cafeteria seats are OK, but it is better to use two if sleeping. No member card. Night starts at 880/1100¥. Internet hour starts at 280¥. Shower extra 100¥ if cafeteria (included in other case), 100¥ for towel rent. 

Hostels

• Guesthouse Yahata, 544 Yahata-cho, Gojo-agaru, Nishinotoin, Shimogyo-ku (off Gojo-dori, west of the subway station), ☏ +81 75 204-5897 (Japanese only). Check-in: 16:00-21:00, check-out: 11:00. Bunk beds from ¥2,500, private rooms from ¥8,000 (2-4 people), with free breakfast. 
• JAM Hostel, Tokiwacho170 Higashiyama (At the corner of Gion-Shijo station at the Keihan line), ☏ +81-75 201-3374. Check-in: 15:00-22:00, check-out: 12:00. Dorms from ¥2,100, laundry, fast and free Wi-Fi, common area with bar. 
• Hirano's B&B Kyoto, 38 Nakano-cho Oshikoji-sagaru, Shinmachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku (3 min. walk west from the Karasuma-Oike subway station), ☏ +81 75256-3081, hr_hirohira12@yahoo.co.jp. A quiet and intimate B&B (three guest rooms), near Nijo Castle. Guests experience being at home with a Japanese family. ¥4,000 single, ¥3,500/person for two, includes breakfast. 

• 3 J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse, 51-2, Nakagoryo-cho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku (8min walk south from Kyoto Station, near Kujo subway station), ☏ +81 75 681-2282, SKYPE:jhoppersFORMATNOCC. Check-in: 15:00-22:00, check-out: 08:00-11:00. A clean backpackers hostel. Rental (worn-out) bikes ¥500/day, Internet ¥300/hour. No curfew; up-to-date local information by local staff. Dormitory bed ¥2500. 
• 4 K's House Kyoto, 418 Nayacho, Shichijo-agaru, Dotemachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku (9 min. walk east from JR Kyoto Station along Shichijo-dori, 4 min. walk from Keihan Line Shichijo Station), ☏ +81 75-342-2444, fax: +81 (0)75-342-2440FORMAT, info@kshouse.jp. Check-in: 3-10PM, check-out: 11AM. Opened in November 2003, this clean, foreigner-friendly hostel with English speaking staff has amenities like internet access and kitchens. The hostel itself can be difficult to find, as it is located down a narrow street off the main road. Dormitory room from ¥2400, twin/double/triple room from ¥3100, single room from ¥3800 (prices per person, additional ¥300 during high season). 
• 5 Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse, 568 Nakanocho, Bukkoji-agaru, Teramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku (1 min. walk south from Hankyu-line Kawaramachi Station, exit 10), ☏ +81 75-201-4063, kyoto@khaosan-tokyo.com. Check-in: 3–9PM, check-out: 8–11AM. Opened November 2010. Staff are very friendly and they provide heaps of local information. No curfew, free (but somewhat slow) Wi-Fi access, free tea and coffee available at Japanese style living room. 10 beds Dorm room, ¥2000; 6 beds Mix(female) Dorm ¥2200; Twin (Double bed)Private room ¥5600(2 person); 4 beds mix dorm, ¥2500.. 
• Kyoto Capsule Ryokan, 204 Tsuchihashicho, Shimogyo-ku (7 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 80-3113-6960. Check-in: 16:00–21:30, check-out: 10:30. A capsule-style hotel catering to international budget travelers. Operated by the same people as Tour Club Kyoto. ¥3500/person singles, ¥3990/person doubles. 
• 6 Kyoto Cheapest Inn (Hostel Kyotokko), 783 Sabamatsu-cho, Marutamachi Omiya-Dori, Kamigyo-ku. (At the south-east of the cross road named Marutamachi Matsuyacho. Near Nijo Castle, 1-3 min. walk from bus stop Horikawa Marutamachi, 7 min. walk northeast from JR Nijo station), ☏ +81 75-821-3323. Credit cards accepted, English available, sheets included. Free wifi, computer use. Long stay discount. Additional charges for various services - use of printer or fax, changing sheets more frequently, etc. Bike rental (¥500/day) Dorms from ¥2200−2500, private rooms, ¥7800. Discounts common in winter. 
• Sandal Wood Hostel, 2F 32-2 Ttakada-Cho ,Saiin, Ukyou-ku (Bus from JR Kyoto Station, right in front of the Daikokuya Super Market. 5 minute walk to the Saiin Metro Station), ☏ +81 75-585-7052, Sandal_Wood26@Live.jp. Check-in: noon, no curfew. Check-in: 12:00. New hostel with friendly, English-speaking staff. Guests are always greeted with an unlimited amount of either ice cold water, hot coffee, or iced coffee. It is not uncommon for the hosts to offer plates of fruits and nuts during nights in. Free WiFi, towel use, washer and dryer, common room, left luggage service, and much more. Air-conditioned dorms are of ¥2700 per night. 

• Tomato Guesthouse, 135 Shimizu, Nishi-iru Shiokoji-Horikawa, Shimogyou-ku (7 min. walk west from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-203-8228. Check-in: 4-9PM. Dorm ¥2200, private singles ¥3600−¥3900. 

• 7 Tour Club, 362 Momijicho, Higashinakasuji, Shomensagaru, Shimogyo-ku (9 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-353-6968, tourclub@kyotojp.com. A friendly, clean hostel with both dorm and private rooms. There is a beautiful zen garden and traditional Japanese-living room with a small library of local travel information. Free wifi, coffee and tea and the chance to try on a kimono. Air-con, bicycle rental, coin operated internet terminals and laundry are also available. Double en-suite ¥3490 per person, quad en-suite ¥2,930 per person, dorm beds ¥2450 per person. 

• Uronza Guesthouse, 427 Yohoji-cho Shimogyo-ku, ☏ +81 75-341-3226, reservation@uronza.com. Check-in: 4PM to 10PM, check-out: 11AM. A guesthouse offering Japanese and Western-style rooms. Online reservations are currently unavailable, so guests need to make reservations via phone or e-mail (staff not likely to speak English). Prices start at ¥2200. 

Hotels, minshuku & ryokan

• B&B Keiko, 576-1 Matsumotocho, Ebisugawa Agaru,Gokomachi, Nakagyo-ku (Just south of Imperial Palace Park, west of Teramachi Street, 20 min by bus from Kyoto Station), bbkeikokyoto@gmail.com. A traditional, 80-year-old house with two tatami mat rooms. Shared bath. Short walk to shops and restaurants. Highly rated by reviewers. Free wi-fi throughout. ¥5000 per person per night (¥6000 in peak seasons). 
• Budget Inn (near Nishi-Honganji, 7 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-344-1510. Check-in: 4PM-9:30PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Under the same management as Tour Club (above). A variety of dorm and private rooms, with elevator access. Kitchen and laundry facilities available. Offers discounts for stays beyond 4 nights. Dorm bed ¥2500/night, private rooms ¥10,980 triple through ¥14,980 quad. 

• Crossroads, 45-14 Ebisu Banba-cho, Shimogyo-ku (20 min. walk west of Kyoto Station, or #205 bus to Ume Koji Koen-mae then 2 min. walk northwest), ☏ +81 75-354-3066, fax: +81 75-354-3022. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. A ryokan with shared shower & toilet facilities. 11PM curfew. Three rooms: one person ¥4000, two persons ¥7350, three persons ¥10,400. 

• Econo Inn Discount Hotel, 67 Hirai-cho, Kawaramachi-Gojo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku (15 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station, or just south of Kawaramachi-Gojo stop on buses 4, 17, 205), ☏ +81 75-343-6660, fax: +81 75-343-6667. Check-in: 3PM-11PM, check-out: 11AM. Western-style private singles, doubles, and triples. All rooms have a bath unit, air-conditioner and TV. Caters more to long-term stays. Sliding rate scale depending on length of stay: singles go from ¥5880 for one night down to ¥3880 for 21 nights or more; a few small short-term singles range start at ¥3780. 

• Hotel Iida (ホテル飯田), 717 Shiokoji-agaru, Akezu-dori, Shimogyo-ku (3 min. northeast of Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-341-3256, fax: +81 75-351-3051. Mostly Japanese style rooms, with a few Western rooms, both varieties with or without private bath. Singles ¥5250-7875 (Japanese), ¥6300-7875 (Western); doubles ¥8400-14,700; triples ¥12,600-23,625. 

• Ikoi-no-Ie (憩の家), 885 Ushitora-cho, Rokujo-dori, Shinmachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku (12-15 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station, 5 min. west from Gojo subway station), ☏ +81 75-354-8081, fax: +81 75-354-8068. Check-in: by arrangement, check-out: 11AM. All non-smoking rooms, some en-suite. The ground floor rooms near the lobby can be noisy. LAN ports in most rooms. Singles with shared bath ¥4750, private bath ¥7600; doubles ¥7600-8400 shared, ¥9600-11,000 private; triples ¥9600 shared, ¥12,000-¥13,500 private; quad ¥15,000 private. 

• Palace Side Hotel, Karasuma Shimodachiuri Agaru, Kamigyo-ku (3 min. walk north from Marutamachi subway station K07), ☏ +81 75-415-8887, fax: +81 75-415-8889. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. It's exactly where the name suggests: across the street from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and park, on Karasuma (near the intersection with Marutamachi). It's a Western-style hotel reminiscent of a much more expensive hotel that could use a good scrubbing. The staff speak fluent English, and the front desk is always open, as are computers with Internet access in the lobby. It's often used by academic groups from nearby universities, though, so advance reservations should be made. There are discounts for stays of three or more nights. Singles ¥6000-7000, twin ¥9000-9800, doubles ¥9800. 

• Ryokan Hiraiwa (旅館平岩), 314 Hayao-cho, Kaminokuchi-agaru, Ninomiyacho-dori, Shimogyo-ku (15 min. walk northeast from Kyoto Station, or take buses #17 or #205 from pier A2 to Kawaramachi-Shomen, the third stop), ☏ +81 75-351-6748. A self-proclaimed ryokan (really a minshuku) catering almost entirely to the foreign market, in an old Japanese house plastered with English signs, warnings and tips. All rooms are Japanese style. Traditional breakfast is available for an extra charge. Shared bathrooms or a public bath half a block away. But it's cheap (¥4200 for a single, ¥8400 for a double, breakfast not included) and reasonably friendly, though opinions beyond that vary widely. Slightly inconveniently located halfway between the station and the center of town (it's bit of a hike to either). Singles ¥4200-5250, doubles ¥8400. 

• Ryokan Kyoraku, 231 Kogawa-cho, Shichijo-agaru, Akezu-dori, Shimogyo-ku (6 min. walk north from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-371-7161, fax: +81 75-371-1260. Check-in: 3-10PM, check-out: 10AM. Recently renovated, with 14 Japanese-style rooms (half with private bath, half without) and two Western-style double rooms (both with private bath). 11PM curfew. Singles ¥5200-6000 with shared bath, ¥6000-6600 private; doubles ¥9200-10,200 shared, ¥11,000-12,300 private; triples ¥13,800-15,200 shared, ¥16,000-17,700 private. 

• Ryokan Yuhara, 188 Kagiyacho, Shomen-agaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku (15 min. walk northeast from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-371-9583, fax: +81 75-371-9580. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Japanese style rooms, shared bath, sink in room. Recently renovated, very nice rooms, very clean, very friendly. 11PM curfew. Singles/doubles/triples ¥5,250/9,660/14,490 per room with shared bath, no meals included. 

• Station Ryokan Seiki, 24-5, Kitakarasuma-cho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku (5 min. walk south from Kyoto Station), ☏ +81 75-682-0444, fax: +81 75-682-0171. Shabby building, but the staff is friendly. Singles ¥5500, doubles ¥8000-9000, triples ¥12,000-13,000. 

• Super Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, Karasuma Dori, Gojo Kudaru, Osaka Machi 396-3 (10 min. walk from Kyoto Station, or at exit 8 of Gojo subway station), ☏ +81 75-343-9000, fax: +81 75-343-9001. Check-in: 3PM-midnight, check-out: 10AM. A Japanese budget hotel chain. All rates include tax and breakfast. Singles ¥6090 (¥5040 off season, ¥7140 peak season); doubles ¥7140-8180-9240. 

• Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo-Karasuma, 393, Gojo-Karasumasho Karasuma-dori Matsubara-sagaru Shimogyo-ku (15min walk north from Kyoto Station, 3min walk from Gojo subway station, exit 2), ☏ +81 75 344-1045, fax: +81 75 344-1047. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. A Japanese budget hotel chain. Good value for twin rooms. Online reservations showing vacancies & bookings available on all sites, enter as "General Guest" if you do not have membership. Two other locations nearby, at Shijo-Omiya and Shijo-Karasuma, with similar prices. Singles ¥6,200, doubles ¥7,200, triples ¥8,200. 

Mid-range

• 8 Gimmond Hotel (2 min. walk east from Karasuma-Oike subway station), Takakura-Oike-dori, Nakagyo-ku, ☏ +81 75-221-4111, fax: +81 (0)75-221-8250FORMAT. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. A foreigner-friendly hotel, neat and tidy and located downtown near City Hall. Discount for Internet booking. For breakfast one has the choice between American or Japanese. Including taxes and fees: Singles ¥9,586−10,741, doubles ¥16,170, twin rooms ¥16,747−23,100. 

• Hearton Hotel Kyoto, Higashi no Toin Dori Oike Agaru, Nakagyo-ku (2 min. northeast of Karasuma-Oike subway station, exit 1), ☏ +81 75-222-1300, fax: +81 (0)75-222-1313FORMAT. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Mid range, Western-style hotel located downtown. Single ¥11,000, twin ¥22,400. 

• Hotel Monterey Kyoto, 3 Jyo Minami Karasuma-dori, Nakagyo-ku (West side of Karusuma, south of Sanjo), ☏ +81 75-251-7111. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Japanese chain of boutique hotels. This location opened in 2007. A 5 minute walk from Karasuma Oike station. A quick walk towards the heart of the city where restaurants and bars are located. Rates are best on their website, versus discount travel sites. The hotel has a spa, a chapel (Christian churches aren't common in Japan, so this makes up for it), and three restaurants (bar, French and Japanese). Decor is contemporary with a British revival twist. The hotel can use a good clean up, but the location is good. Free wifi for guests and visitors. Singles range from ¥10000 to doubles at ¥15000+. Suites available.. 

• Hotel Sugicho, 172 Moriyamacho, Oike-agaru, Tominokoji, Nakagyo-ku (5 min. walk east from Karasuma-Oike subway station), ☏ +81 75-241-0106, fax: +81 (0)75-221-7271FORMAT, sugicho@kyoto-ryokan.jp. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. Mostly Japanese-style rooms, with a few Western. Breakfast and dinner available. Adjacent to Kyoto Gyoen and the Nishiki Markets. Standard plan around ¥9,450−¥18,900, Limited plan around ¥3,900−77,350. 

• Kyoto Garden Hotel, Muromachi-dori, Oike Minamiiru, Nakagyo-ku (About 1 min. west of Karasuma-Oike subway station (Karasuma subway line), exit 4-1), ☏ +81 75-255-2000, fax: +81 (0)75-255-2389FORMAT, office@kyoto-gardenhotel.co.jp. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Convenient downtown location; a short walk away from the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a long (but manageable) walk away from Nijo Castle. All rooms are non-smoking. Guests with their own LAN-enabled laptops/netbooks can get internet access in their rooms free of charge; just borrow a connection kit from the front desk. Actual rates vary depending on the time of year and discounts/special offers are available for online bookings. Single ¥9240, double ¥12,600−13,650, twin ¥14,700−16,800, triple ¥19,950. 

• Kyoto Tower Hotel, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku (1 min. walk north from JR Kyoto Station, immediately across the street), ☏ +81 75-361-3212, fax: +81 (0)75-343-5645FORMAT. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Foreigner-friendly hotel, and the location across the street from JR Kyoto Station is impossible to miss. The same company operates two additional hotels nearby: the Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex, a few blocks northwest, and the Kyoto Dai-Ni Tower Hotel, east of the station. Kyoto Tower: Singles ¥8,000−14,500, twin ¥16,000−31,000. Annex and Dai-Ni: ¥6,500−11,500, twin ¥14,000−19,800. 

• Ryokan Shimizu, 644 Wakamiya Agaru Shichijo, Shimogyo-ku (5 min. walk northwest from Kyoto Station, near Nishi-Honganji), ☏ +81 75-371-5538, fax: +81 (0)75-371-5539FORMAT. A modern style ryokan which is welcoming to foreign visitors. The owners can speak some English. En-suite facilities are provided and a Japanese style breakfast is available. There is a communal Japanese bath facility. ¥6,000/person (¥5,000 during winter), higher near holidays. 

Splurge

• Kyoto Hotel Okura, Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku (At Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Subway Station, exit T12), ☏ +81 75-211-5111, fax: +81 75-254-2529. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. A large, modern Western-style hotel located downtown. ¥19,000 for a single, through ¥49,000 for a double-occupancy corner room; top-floor suites climb higher still. 

• New Miyako Hotel (新都ホテル), 17 Nishikujo-Inmachi, Minami-ku (Across street from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.), ☏ +81 75-661-7111, fax: +81 75-661-7135. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. The largest hotel in Kyoto with over 700 rooms, and the prices to match: starting at ¥10,000 for singles and ¥21,000 for doubles. Located immediately south of Kyoto station. If you get a room facing north, you'll be able to see the bullet trains coming in and out of the station, as well as the glass windows from the exterior of the Isetan department store that seem to reflect the sky if the weather conditions are just right. The new and slightly more expensive south wing opened in late September of 2005. ¥11,550 singles through ¥57,750 suites, tax included. 

Connect

• Japan National Tourism Board: Central Kyoto. 

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