Does Kyoto have a downtown?

Kawaramachi is a downtown district in Kyoto, the ancient capital city of Japan. Although Kyoto retains its classic atmosphere, Kawaramachi is a city which is said to combine both modern and traditional Japan all in one place.



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One of Kyoto City's most famous streets, Hanamikoji is situated in the Gion district. This historic area hearkens back to the Japan of yesteryear, with its traditional wooden merchant houses and quaint ochaya, or teahouses.

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When traveling in Japan, especially if you're in one of the big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you'll generally have no problem not speaking Japanese at all. There are usually English signs all over train stations and airports.

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Kyoto is generally a safe city, and most areas are safe to visit at night. However, as with any large city, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to ensure your safety.

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The subways and trains are the most convenient way to get around the city. Buses are less convenient, but cover almost the whole city. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably cheap. They're sometimes cheaper than buses for groups of three or four on short trips.

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10 Best Local Dishes from Kyoto
  • Traditional Kyoto-style course meals (Kyo kaiseki)
  • Soba noodles with dried herring (nishin soba)
  • Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori)
  • Boiled tofu (yu dofu)
  • Kyoto-style home cooking (obanzai)
  • Kuzu starch noodles (kuzukiri)
  • Beef cutlet (gyu katsu)
  • Mackerel sushi (sabazushi)


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The best times to visit Kyoto are October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring). You can visit Kyoto at any time of year because the weather is temperate. Summer (June/July/August) in Kyoto is hot and humid. Winter (December/January/Febuary) in Kyoto is cold.

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Japan is much cheaper than you think, especially now with a weak yen. And Kyoto is much cheaper than Tokyo. Indeed, Kyoto is one of the cheapest major destinations in the developed world.

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Kyoto is more relaxing. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you.

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Kyoto. Kyoto, considered by many as Japan's most beautiful city, was the Japanese capital until the government was moved to Tokyo in 1868.

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Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns where travelers can experience authentic Japanese culture. It begins on arrival when you trade in your shoes and clothes for slippers and a comfortable yukata robe. Relax over green tea in your tatami mat room, soak in the onsen (hot springs), and enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Subway Shijo Station, Nishiki Market is famed for being the “kitchen of Kyoto”.

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One of Kyoto City's most famous streets, Hanamikoji is situated in the Gion district. This historic area hearkens back to the Japan of yesteryear, with its traditional wooden merchant houses and quaint ochaya, or teahouses.

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Kyoto's Old Market Streets Kyoto has a number of shopping arcades which have adapted to cater to tourist crowds. A few examples are Nishiki Market, Teramachi Street and Shinkyogoku Street which consistently pull in travelers looking to shop.

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