Kyoto Tower rises facing Kyoto station and offers an exceptional circular view of the city. Although it contrasts with the surrounding landscape, this iconic tower allows to embrace with one look temples, modern neighborhoods and hills. A practical stop to grasp the geography of Kyoto as soon as it arrives.
An observation tower in the city centre
The 131-metre-high Kyoto Tower has dominated the city since 1964. It is placed on the roof of a nine-storey hotel, directly accessible from the station. Its height makes it the highest building in Kyoto, a city where modern buildings remain rare and low. Its strategic location allows freshly landed visitors to get a quick and complete overview of the city.
The architecture of the building, imagined by engineer Makoto Tanahashi, evokes the shape of a candle. Although its style may seem dated, its silhouette remains recognizable, and its observatory remains one of the few places where Kyoto can be seen in its entirety.
360 degree panorama of Kyoto and beyond
Accessible from the eleventh floor via a dedicated elevator, the observatory is 100 metres high. The platform offers a 360-degree view, with visual cues to identify the surrounding monuments. In clear weather, visitors can even see the reliefs of Arashiyama or the contours of Osaka.
The observatory is equipped with touch screens that allow to locate points of interest. Among the most notable views are the Higashi Hongan-ji temple below, the regular flow of Shinkansen along the Tokaido line, and the structure of the Kyoto station itself, all made of glass and steel.
On-site services and convenient access
The tower is based on the Kyoto Tower Hotel, which includes various services: restaurants, shops, tourist information center and even a senso (Japanese public bath). This configuration makes it a convenient place to explore, especially for passing travelers or families with children.
Access to the tower is easily on foot from the north exit of the station. Signs indicate the direction to follow, and elevators are well identified. It is advisable to avoid peak hours, especially in the late afternoon or during school holidays.
A key but emblematic monument
The Kyoto Tower is not unanimous. Since its construction, it has attracted criticism among the inhabitants who blame it for its appearance and its disconnection with the historic landscape of the city. Yet its visibility makes it a useful urban landmark and a familiar symbol of the station district.
In 2024, the tower mascot, Tawara-chan, was removed after twenty years of service, marking a new stage in the evolution of this place. This little character, present on the observation platform, even had a dedicated sanctuary. His disappearance recalls that Kyoto Tower continues to evolve, despite its frozen image.
Rates and times
The tower is open daily from 10am to 8pm (last admission at 7.30pm). The entrance ticket costs 900 yen for adults, 700 yen for high school students, 600 yen for high school students and 300 yen for children. Access is free for children under 3 years of age. Discounts are available for groups and online reservations.
The observatory being covered, the visit remains pleasant in all times. On the other hand, the attendance is denser in good weather and in the evening.
Kyoto Tower is a functional and visual gateway to the city. Despite its dated appearance, it makes it possible to quickly understand the Kyoto layout and identify sites to visit. Its observatory remains one of the few views in the height of the city, a few steps from the station, accessible to all profiles of travellers.
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