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- 2 Introduction: First Encounters with Kyoto Station 👋
- 3 What is Kyoto Station? Its Importance 🏛️
- 4 How to Access Kyoto Station 🚄
- 5 Kyoto Station Interior Guide – What You Need to Know 🧭
- 6 Coin Lockers and Baggage Storage 🧳
- 7 Enjoying Dining at Kyoto Station 🍱
- 8 Souvenir & Shopping Guide 🛍️
- 9 Recommended Hotels Around Kyoto Station 🏨
- 10 Day Trip Plans from Kyoto Station 🗺️
- 11 Useful Information for Travelers in 2025 ℹ️
- 12 Conclusion: Make the Most of Kyoto Station ✨
Introduction: First Encounters with Kyoto Station 👋
For many travelers in Japan, Kyoto Station is both the beginning of their journey and sometimes a “labyrinth.” As one of Japan’s largest hub stations, its size and complexity can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
“I’ve arrived at the station, but which exit should I use?” “Where are the coin lockers?” “I don’t know how to transfer from the Shinkansen to the subway…”
If you have these questions, you’re not alone! But don’t worry!
This guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about making the most of Kyoto Station, based on the latest information for 2025. From navigating the station building to convenient facilities and recommended souvenir spots, this comprehensive guide will help you become a Kyoto Station master. We’ll provide detailed explanations to ensure that travelers from both Japan and overseas can start their journey smoothly and enjoyably.
What is Kyoto Station? Its Importance 🏛️
Kyoto Station as the Gateway to Kyoto
Kyoto Station is not just a railway station. Since its renovation into its current form in 1997, it has welcomed countless travelers as the gateway to Kyoto.
Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, the futuristic Kyoto Station Building stands 60 meters tall and stretches 470 meters in length. It stands out as a modern architectural masterpiece in a city famous for its traditional temples and shrines.
Kyoto Station as a Transportation Hub
Kyoto Station is a crucial transportation hub connecting Kyoto with the rest of Japan:
- Shinkansen: Direct connections to Tokyo, Nagoya, Hakata, and other major cities
- JR conventional lines: Access to major Kansai cities like Osaka, Kobe, and Nara
- Kyoto Municipal Subway: Convenient for traveling to northern areas of the city
- Bus Terminal: Route buses to tourist attractions and airport limousine buses to Kansai Airport
- Taxi stands: Located at multiple points around the station
Kyoto Station as a Traveler’s Hub
Kyoto Station is more than just a transit point. It features:
- Shopping malls (Isetan, The CUBE)
- Restaurant areas (11th floor Sky Restaurant area, Ramen Koji, etc.)
- Hotels (Hotel Granvia Kyoto directly connected to the station)
- Tourist Information Centers (multilingual service)
It truly functions as a “tourism hub” for Kyoto.
How to Access Kyoto Station 🚄
Access from Major Cities
| Departure Point | Transportation Method | Travel Time | Approximate Fare (as of April 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Shinkansen (Nozomi) | About 2 hours 15 min | 14,170 yen |
| Osaka (Umeda) | JR Special Rapid Service | About 30 min | 570 yen |
| Kansai International Airport | Airport Limousine Bus | About 1 hour 30 min | 2,600 yen |
| Kansai International Airport | JR Limited Express Haruka | About 1 hour 15 min | 3,570 yen |
| Osaka International Airport (Itami) | Airport Limousine Bus | About 55 min | 1,910 yen |
| Nagoya | Shinkansen (Nozomi) | About 35 min | 6,560 yen |
*Note: Fares are as of April 2025 and may vary depending on the season.
Useful Transportation Apps
Here are some useful apps for accessing Kyoto Station and navigating transfers:
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Multilingual route search
- Google Maps: Check real-time operation information
- JR-WEST Train Info: Train operation status for JR West Japan
- Kyoto City Official Travel Guide: Information on city buses and subways
*Note: As of 2025, many apps are equipped with “AI Travel Assistant” functions, enabling more personalized guidance.
Kyoto Station Interior Guide – What You Need to Know 🧭
Mastering the Ticket Gates and Exits
Kyoto Station has three main exit areas:
- Central Exit (North Side)
- Features: Faces Kyoto Tower, the main entrance
- Suitable for: Kyoto Tower, Karasuma Street, buses to Shijo Kawaramachi area
- Facilities: Kyoto Tourist Information Center (2nd floor), Bus Terminal
- Hachijo Exit (South Side)
- Features: Also called the Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit
- Suitable for: Higashi Honganji Temple, hotels south of Kyoto Station
- Facilities: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Information Center, taxi stand
- West Exit (West Side)
- Features: Relatively less crowded exit
- Suitable for: Toji Temple, Nishi Honganji Temple
- Facilities: Direct passage to Isetan Department Store
Pro Tip: When arriving at the platform, remember that the front of the train is toward the Kyoto Tower side (north), and the rear is toward the Shinkansen side (south). This will help you get your bearings.
Transfer Guide between JR, Subway, and Buses
JR ⇔ Karasuma Subway Line
- From JR Central Exit, head north and take the stairs or escalator to B1F (about 3 minutes on foot)
- From the subway to JR, follow the signs to ground level (about 3 minutes on foot)
JR ⇔ City Buses
- Exit JR Central Gate and head straight to the bus terminal (about 2 minutes on foot)
- Bus stops are divided by route, so check the destination board
2025 Latest Info: The Kyoto City Transportation Bureau app now features AR navigation within the station. Simply hold up your smartphone to display transfer guidance.
Coin Lockers and Baggage Storage 🧳
Kyoto Station has approximately 2,000 coin lockers, but they can fill up by mid-morning during tourist season.
Coin Locker Locations and Features
| Location | Sizes | Fees (as of 2025) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Concourse | Small, Medium, Large | 700 to 1,100 yen | Largest number but fills up quickly |
| Near Hachijo Exit | Small, Medium, Large | 700 to 1,100 yen | Convenient for Shinkansen users |
| Subway Connection Passage | Small, Medium | 700 to 900 yen | Hidden gem spot |
| Porta Underground Shopping Mall | Small, Medium, Large | 700 to 1,100 yen | Relatively available |
Size Guidelines:
- Small: Backpacks, small carry-on suitcases
- Medium: Standard-sized suitcases
- Large: Large suitcases, multiple bags
Payment Methods: Cash, transit IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.), credit cards, QR code payments
Pro Tip: As of 2025, you can search and reserve available lockers in real-time using the official Kyoto Station app. If you arrive before 9 AM, pre-reservation through the app is recommended.
Baggage Storage Service
For large luggage that doesn’t fit in coin lockers, the baggage storage service is convenient:
- Location: Outside the JR Central Exit, next to the JR Ticket Office
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Fee: From 700 yen per item (varies by size)
- Features: Can store large or multiple pieces of luggage, enhanced security
Enjoying Dining at Kyoto Station 🍱
Top Ekiben (Station Lunch Box) Ranking
Top 5 Popular Ekiben Available at Kyoto Station (Latest for 2025):
- Kyo no Wappa by Chikamatsu – 1,380 yen
An elegant bento box with Kyoto-style seasoning. Contents change seasonally. - Beef Shigure-ni Bento by Maiko-han – 1,500 yen
A luxurious bento recreating the flavors of a long-established Kyoto restaurant. - Kyoto Pickles Assortment by Nishiri – 1,250 yen
A health-conscious option featuring pickles from Kyoto’s famous “Nishiri.” - Masayone Saba-zushi (Mackerel Sushi) – 1,100 yen
Enjoy Kyoto’s famous pressed mackerel sushi conveniently. - Kyoto Takenaka Yuba and Nama-fu Bento – 1,450 yen
A vegetarian-friendly option using Kyoto’s specialties: yuba (tofu skin) and nama-fu (wheat gluten).
Places to buy Ekiben:
- “Kyo-miyage Koji” within JR Kyoto Station
- “Kyoto Omiyage-dokoro” in Kyoto Station Underground
- Isetan Kyoto Store B1F Food Floor
Food Courts & Restaurants
| Area | Recommended Establishments | Cuisine | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Building 11F Sky Restaurant | Various Japanese, Western, Chinese | From 1,000 yen | |
| Ramen Koji (Station Building 10F) | Shin-Asahiya | Kyoto Soy Sauce Ramen | From 950 yen |
| Porta Underground | Kyoto Kanmi Monosuke Chaya | Traditional Japanese Sweets | From 800 yen |
| The CUBE | Kyoto Tsukemen Gion Kawakatu | Dipping Noodles | From 1,100 yen |
| Isetan 11F | Nanzenji Junsei | Yudofu (Hot Tofu) & Kyoto Cuisine | From 2,500 yen |
2025 New Restaurant Information:
- “Kyoto Fusion Food Hall” has opened on the 9th floor of the station building
- Features 10 restaurants blending world cuisine with Kyoto ingredients
Souvenir & Shopping Guide 🛍️
Top 5 Kyoto-Exclusive Souvenirs
- Yatsuhashi Garden and Shishu Yakata (Station Building B1F)
Popular for their fresh yatsuhashi tasting sets. Look for their live demonstrations. - Fukujuen (Inside JR ticket gates)
A renowned Kyoto tea shop featuring Uji matcha and seasonal limited tea leaves. - Kyonishiki Itsune (Isetan B1F)
Famous for Kyoto pickles. Vacuum-packed for easy transport. - Kyoto Karakuri-do (The CUBE 3F)
Kyoto-exclusive crafts and traditional items. Abundant cute designs for younger travelers. - Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Inside JR ticket gates)
Famous for matcha sweets. Matcha chocolates and baumkuchen are classics.
Comprehensive Shopping Area Guide
| Area | Features | Recommended Shops |
|---|---|---|
| Isetan | Luxury department store | Traditional accessories, cosmetics, Kyoto brands |
| The CUBE | Shopping mall for younger visitors | Kyoto fashion brands, miscellaneous goods, cafes |
| Porta Underground | Reasonable clothing, daily necessities, restaurants | |
| Kyo-miyage Koji | Inside JR ticket gates | Kyoto sweets, pickles, Japanese crafts |
Shopping Tips:
- The tax-free counter is located outside the central exit ticket gate
- Tax exemption available for purchases over 5,000 yen (passport required)
- Multilingual concierge service available at Isetan
Recommended Hotels Around Kyoto Station 🏨
Luxury Hotels
| Hotel Name | Features | Approximate Rate | Distance from Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Granvia Kyoto | Connected to station, luxurious spa facilities | From 30,000 yen | Directly connected |
| Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto | Long-established luxury hotel, spacious rooms | From 25,000 yen | 7 min walk |
| The Sotetsu Kyoto | Newest luxury hotel, opened in 2023 | From 35,000 yen | 3 min walk |
Mid-Range Hotels
| Hotel Name | Features | Approximate Rate | Distance from Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae | Business-oriented, clean | From 15,000 yen | 2 min walk |
| Sakura Terrace Kyoto | Stylish design, well-equipped community spaces | From 18,000 yen | 6 min walk |
| Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station | Public bath, Japanese modern rooms | From 20,000 yen | 4 min walk |
Budget Hotels & Hostels
| Hotel Name | Features | Approximate Rate | Distance from Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule Ryokan Kyoto | Japanese-style capsule hotel, popular with foreign travelers | From 4,000 yen | 10 min walk |
| Peace Hostel Kyoto | Social atmosphere, shared kitchen | From 3,500 yen | 7 min walk |
| Ibis Styles Kyoto Station | Reasonable design hotel | From 8,000 yen | 5 min walk |
2025 Latest Hotel Information:
- “HIYORI HOTEL KYOTO STATION SOUTH” newly opened at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
- Features rooms incorporating artwork and a rooftop terrace
- From 16,000 yen per night (with breakfast when booking through the official website)
Day Trip Plans from Kyoto Station 🗺️
Uji – The Home of Matcha 🍵
- Access: 17 minutes by JR Nara Line (230 yen)
- Highlights: Byodoin Phoenix Hall (World Heritage Site), Ujigami Shrine, Uji River
- Recommended Experience: Matcha sweets food tour, matcha factory tour
- Model Course:
- Kyoto Station → Uji Station (Depart 9:00 AM)
- Uji Bridge → Byodoin Temple (10:00-11:30 AM)
- Lunch: Matcha udon and matcha parfait at Nakamura Tokichi Honten (11:45 AM-1:00 PM)
- Ujigami Shrine exploration (1:15-2:30 PM)
- Souvenir shopping and stroll along the Uji River (2:45-4:00 PM)
- Uji Station → Kyoto Station (Arrive 4:30 PM)
[Book an Uji Day Tour]
Nara – Ancient Capital of Great Buddha and Deer 🦌
- Access: 45 minutes by JR Nara Line Rapid Service (800 yen)
- Highlights: Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Nara Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Recommended Experience: Feeding deer with deer crackers, visiting the Great Buddha
- Model Course:
- Kyoto Station → JR Nara Station (Depart 8:30 AM)
- Bus to Todaiji Temple (9:30-11:00 AM)
- Interact with deer at Nara Park (11:15 AM-12:15 PM)
- Lunch: Famous local rice porridge (12:30-1:30 PM)
- Kasuga Grand Shrine visit (1:45-3:15 PM)
- Explore Naramachi and shop for souvenirs (3:30-5:00 PM)
- JR Nara Station → Kyoto Station (Arrive 5:30 PM)
[Book a Guided Tour of Nara Park and Todaiji Temple]
Osaka – The City of Food 🍜
- Access: 29 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service (570 yen)
- Highlights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan
- Recommended Experience: Takoyaki and okonomiyaki food tour, water bus
- Model Course:
- Kyoto Station → Osaka Station (Depart 10:00 AM)
- Osaka Castle Park (11:00 AM-12:30 PM)
- Lunch: Famous “Hitsumabushi” near Osaka Castle Park (12:45-1:45 PM)
- Water bus to Dotonbori (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Explore Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi and enjoy local cuisine (2:45-6:00 PM)
- Night view from Umeda Sky Building (6:30-7:30 PM)
- Osaka Station → Kyoto Station (Arrive 8:00 PM)
[Book an Osaka Food Tour]
Useful Information for Travelers in 2025 ℹ️
Latest IC Card Information 💳
- Nationwide Compatibility: As of 2025, Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, PiTaPa, and other national IC cards can be used on Kyoto’s transportation systems
- Mobile IC Cards: Register ICOCA or Suica on your smartphone
- Multilingual Ticket Machines: Machines at Kyoto Station support 12 languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, etc.)
- Tourist ICOCA Cards: Special design ICOCA cards sold at Kyoto Station (deposit-free type)
JR Pass Utilization Tips 🎫
- Tourist Spots Accessible with JR Pass: Saga-Arashiyama, Uji, Nara, Osaka, Mt. Hiei, etc.
- JR Pass Counter: Outside JR Kyoto Station Central Exit at the JR Ticket Office (8:30 AM-7:00 PM)
- Advance Reservation Tips: As of 2025, all seats on Shinkansen departing from Kyoto require reservation. JR Pass holders should not forget to make reservations
- Shinkansen Online Reservations: Available through the official Japan Rail Pass app (up to 1 hour before departure)
Free Wi-Fi Spots 📶
Free Wi-Fi available around Kyoto Station:
- Kyoto Free Wi-Fi: Throughout the station, simple email registration required
- Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi: Inside JR ticket gates and major hotel lobbies
- 7SPOT: Available at 7-Eleven stores around the station
- Kyoto City Bus & Subway Wi-Fi: At subway stations and major city bus stops
Pro Tip: The latest 5G-compatible pocket Wi-Fi rentals are available for same-day pickup and return at the Kyoto Station Tourist Information Center (from 900 yen per day)
Currency Exchange & ATMs 💴
- Currency Exchange: Next to the Tourist Information Center in Kyoto Station Central Concourse (8:30 AM-8:00 PM)
- Foreign Currency-Compatible ATMs:
- Seven Bank ATMs (Outside Central Exit, Porta Underground)
- MUFG Bank ATMs (Outside Hachijo Exit)
- Japan Post Bank ATMs (Outside Central Exit)
2025 Latest Information: New “Wise” automatic currency exchange machines have been installed in Kyoto Station. These offer exchange rates close to online rates.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Kyoto Station ✨
Kyoto Station is not just a “transit point” but can be utilized as a “base camp” for your Kyoto trip. The facilities and services updated in 2025 have made your journey even more comfortable.
Based on the information provided in this article:
- ⏱️ Make effective use of time: Use coin lockers and baggage storage services to travel light
- 🍽️ Enjoy the cuisine: Experience Kyoto flavors at restaurants in the station building or try ekiben
- 🛒 Shop to your heart’s content: Find souvenirs efficiently at Isetan and The CUBE
- 💡 Travel smartly: Plan economical itineraries using JR Pass and IC cards
Kyoto Station is a wonderful starting point that will enrich your Kyoto trip and make it more comfortable. We hope this article helps with your journey.
Have a wonderful trip to Kyoto! 🌸