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Kyoto Tower

Landmark

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Landmark

N/A

0 reviews

¥900

Entry Fee

English Staff Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Standing 131 meters tall in front of Kyoto Station, this candlestick-shaped tower has been a city landmark since 1964 with 360-degree views of the Kyoto basin.

Kyoto Tower, completed in 1964, is a landmark rising 131 meters directly across from Kyoto Station. Designed by architect Mamoru Yamada, its distinctive candlestick shape was inspired by a lighthouse watching over the city. The observation deck at 100 meters offers panoramic views of the Kyoto basin, with Higashiyama temples, Kinkaku-ji, and the surrounding mountains visible on clear days. Unlike most towers built with steel lattice, Kyoto Tower uses a unique monocoque structure where the outer shell bears the load, making it earthquake-resistant without internal framework. The building below houses shops, restaurants, and a hotel. In the basement, Kyoto Tower Sando features a popular public bath where travelers can soak after a long day of sightseeing, as well as hands-on workshops for making wagashi sweets and other Kyoto crafts.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Kyoto Station

Best time to visit: Year-round; clear days give the widest views across the Kyoto basin to the surrounding mountains, and the city lights are lovely after dark

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: Kyoto Tower Sando in the basement has a food hall with diverse options including ramen, sushi, and Kyoto-style cuisine. The tower building also houses several restaurants.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go up Kyoto Tower?

Clear evenings offer spectacular views of Kyoto at sunset and the city lights after dark. Early morning visits have fewer crowds and good visibility. Avoid rainy or hazy days when mountain views are obscured.

What can I see from the observation deck?

On clear days, you can see Higashiyama temples, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and the surrounding mountains including Mt. Hiei. Signboards help identify landmarks. The 360-degree view covers the entire Kyoto basin.

What else is there to do in the tower building?

The basement Kyoto Tower Sando has a public bath (YUU, great after a long day), food hall, craft workshops for making wagashi sweets, and souvenir shops. The building also has a hotel.

Is Kyoto Tower worth visiting?

It offers the only panoramic observation point near Kyoto Station, making it convenient before or after train travel. The views help orient you to the city layout and identify areas to explore.