Kyoto Tower, Kyoto - Kyoto tower stands tall over the cityscape.
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Kyoto Tower

4.2
·16k reviews·Kyoto, Japan

A modern landmark offering panoramic city views from its 100m observation deck, conveniently located across from Kyoto Station.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical city lights

CrowdLow
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Kyoto Tower, Kyoto - Kyoto tower stands tall over the cityscape.

Kyoto Tower

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical city lights

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern landmark offering panoramic city views from its 100m observation deck, conveniently located across from Kyoto Station.

4.2
(16k reviews)

"It's a decent place to visit if you have extra time or want a quick, elevated look at the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Sunset Spectacle

Visit during sunset for a truly magical view of Kyoto as the city lights up.

🎶 Wonderland Vibes

Check out the 10th-floor Wonderland bar for great music and affordable drinks.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Observation Deck

Gaze upon Kyoto's sprawling cityscape from 100 meters up. Stunning at sunset and night!

TikTok
Wonderland Bar

Wonderland Bar

10th Floor

Enjoy great music, affordable drinks, and finger food with a unique ambiance.

Reddit
Skywalk Views

Skywalk Views

10th Floor, Kyoto Station

Catch a glimpse of Kyoto Tower and the city skyline from this elevated walkway.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Kyoto Tower offers great views year-round, consider visiting during sunset for a magical transition from day to night. Weekday evenings are often less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Beyond the View

Kyoto Tower isn't just about the panoramic city views. Explore the shops and restaurants at its base, and don't miss the unique Wonderland bar on the 10th floor for great music and affordable drinks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, magical city lights
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Breathtaking transition
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The difference 1 hour makes. Finally getting to walk through the famous Shinto Shrine in Kyoto. Pro tip: hike your way to the top to avoid the crowds. ⛩️ #shrine #kyoto #fushimiinarishrine #japan #travel
@kayg.fit
58.2K likes • 599.1K views

🎯 Sunset Spectacle

Visit during sunset for a truly magical view of Kyoto as the city lights up. Reddit

🎶 Wonderland Vibes

Check out the 10th-floor Wonderland bar for great music and affordable drinks. Reddit

Glad I could say I made it to the top! 😊🙈 Give this a challenge! There are mini shops along the way up and more on the way back down so you can take a rest and catch some refreshments! There’s a great city view of Kyoto once you get to the top! 😊 Would you go?! #fushimiinarishrine #kyoto #thingstodoinkyoto #japanshrine #shrinejapan #japanguide #japanitinerary #kyotoguide #kyotoitinerary #funny #v...
@travelwithada
42K likes • 577.6K views
Summer in Kyoto 2024🥰🍀✨️ 📍Kyoto / Japan🇯🇵 🗾 京都 All of these places can be reached by public transportation from Kyoto Station! Kyoto in the summer is recommended as it is less crowded.💚 今年の京都の夏もとても美しかったです🥰🍀✨️ 場所は正寿院だけ遠いけど全部京都駅から公共交通機関で行ける場所です! また夏の京都は空いていてオススメです💚 【Location】 📍法観寺〘八坂の塔〙(Yasaka Pagoda) 📍貴船神社(Kifune Shrine) 📍金閣寺〘鹿苑寺〙(Kinkakuji Temple) 📍渡月橋(Togetsukyo Bridge) 📍嵐山 屋形船(Yakata-bune of ...
matcha.camera
247K likes • 4.1M views

🎟️ Easy Ticket Purchase

Tickets are easy to buy at the office, and crowds are often manageable. Reddit

📸 Stylish Photo Spots

The top offers stylish photo opportunities with the city as your backdrop. Reddit

Discover Kyoto Station: More Than Just a Train Hub! 🚉✨ Kyoto Station isn’t just a gateway—it’s a destination! Check out these hidden gems inside the station building: 1️⃣ Skywalk (10th Floor)🌆 – Enjoy breathtaking views of Kyoto Tower and the city skyline. 2️⃣ Ramen Street & Cafes (10th Floor) 🍜☕ – Savor delicious ramen or relax with a coffee after sightseeing. 3️⃣ Lawn Space (4th Floor) 🌿 – A...
travelsmartjapan
382 likes • 19.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Sunset Spectacle

Visit during sunset for a truly magical view of Kyoto as the city lights up. Reddit

🎶 Wonderland Vibes

Check out the 10th-floor Wonderland bar for great music and affordable drinks. Reddit

🎟️ Easy Ticket Purchase

Tickets are easy to buy at the office, and crowds are often manageable. Reddit

📸 Stylish Photo Spots

The top offers stylish photo opportunities with the city as your backdrop. Reddit

💡 Touch-Screen Guides

Utilize the touch-screen guides on the observation deck for insights. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kyoto Tower is praised for its convenient location near Kyoto Station and its impressive panoramic city views, especially at sunset and night. While some find it less grand than other Japanese towers, its affordability and the unique ambiance of the 10th-floor Wonderland bar are definite highlights. It's considered a practical and enjoyable stop for a quick elevated perspective of Kyoto.

"Nidec Kyoto Tower, located just across from Kyoto Station, is a modest but convenient landmark that offers a 100-meter-high observation deck with panoramic views of the city. While it may not rival the grandeur of other famous towers in Japan, it provides a nice overview of Kyoto’s skyline, especially at sunset or night. The tower also houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and a public bath, making it a practical stop for travelers arriving or departing from the station. Though its modern appearance contrasts with Kyoto’s traditional aesthetic, it remains a recognizable part of the city’s landscape. Overall, it's a decent place to visit if you have extra time or want a quick, elevated look at the city."

Hafiz Muhammad Arslan

"This does not concern the observatory BUT is about the 10th floor Wonderland bar & restaurant.
We decided to give it a try and we enjoyed it.
The music was truly great (for us boomers), drinks were cheap, 1000 JPY for a GT.
We had some fingerfood which was good too.
You can also order real food and apparently, you can also reserve a table up front.
They don’t advertise it anywhere but you should try it. Enjoy"

Peter Wegscheider

"When you’re in Kyoto, you absolutely must experience the breathtaking beauty of the city from up high. The Kyoto Tower offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, and in my opinion, the best time to visit is during sunset.

The ticket cost ¥900, and we went during noon, but the view was still stunning!"

Ferdinand

What People Like

Convenient location
Panoramic city views
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Less grand than other towers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kyoto Tower is conveniently located directly across from Kyoto Station. You can easily walk there from the station. Instagram+1

Yes, Kyoto Tower is very accessible by public transport as it's right next to Kyoto Station, a major transportation hub. Instagram

Yes, Kyoto Tower is visible from Kyoto Station, and there's even a Skywalk on the 10th floor of the station offering views of the tower. Instagram

The most straightforward way is to take a train or bus to Kyoto Station, then it's a short walk. Instagram

While there are parking facilities at Kyoto Station, it's generally recommended to use public transport due to convenience and potential parking fees. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ticket cost is approximately ¥900, offering access to the observation deck. Reddit

Kyoto Tower typically opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's best to check the official website for the most current Kyoto Tower hours. TikTok

While tickets can be easily purchased at the office, checking for online booking options in advance might save time, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

Information on child admission fees is usually available at the ticket counter or on the official website. Reddit

Generally, there is one admission price for the observation deck, regardless of the time of day. Reddit

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

From the Kyoto Tower observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Kyoto city, including landmarks and the surrounding landscape. TikTokReddit

Yes, the observation deck is equipped with binoculars and touch-screen guides to enhance your viewing experience. TikTok

The Kyoto Tower view at night is spectacular, with the city lights creating a dazzling spectacle. Reddit

Besides the observation deck, you can find small shops, crane games, gacha capsules, and a small gift shop. The 10th floor also features the Wonderland bar. Reddit

Yes, the building itself seems to change colors each day, adding a unique visual element to your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants located at the base of the tower. The 10th floor also houses the Wonderland bar with finger food and drinks. Reddit

You can find various dining options at the base, and the Wonderland bar offers finger food. Kyoto Station nearby also has Ramen Street and cafes. InstagramReddit

While not explicitly mentioned as a cafe within the tower itself, there are dining establishments at the base and the Wonderland bar offers refreshments. Reddit

It is possible to reserve a table at the Wonderland bar on the 10th floor. Reddit

Kyoto Station, located directly opposite, offers a wide array of dining options, including Ramen Street and numerous cafes and restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The observation deck offers panoramic city views, perfect for capturing Kyoto's skyline. The exterior of the tower itself is also a popular subject. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to take photos from the observation deck to capture the stunning views. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in public areas, including the observation deck. Reddit

Sunset and nighttime offer dramatic and beautiful photographic opportunities with the city lights. Reddit

While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kyoto Tower offers a fun and accessible experience for families. The observation deck provides a wide-open space for kids to marvel at the city from above, and the binoculars can add an element of discovery. TikTok The tower also features small shops with crane games and gacha capsules, which are often a hit with younger visitors. Reddit

Its location right across from Kyoto Station makes it incredibly convenient for families, minimizing travel time and hassle. The Wonderland bar on the 10th floor might also be a good spot for a casual family break with snacks and drinks. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Kyoto Tower presents a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning cityscapes. The panoramic views from the observation deck are ideal for wide-angle shots of Kyoto's urban sprawl and surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

The sunset and nighttime views are particularly sought after, offering dramatic lighting and the magical glow of city lights. The tower's unique architecture also provides interesting angles for photography. Consider visiting during the golden hour for the most dramatic light. Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Passengers

Kyoto Tower is a perfect addition to a day trip or a convenient stop for those with layovers at Kyoto Station. Its prime location directly opposite the station means you can easily fit in a visit without significant detours. Instagram+1

In just an hour or two, you can ascend to the observation deck for a quick overview of Kyoto, grab a bite at the base, or even enjoy a drink at the Wonderland bar. It's an efficient way to get a feel for the city's scale and layout before heading to your next destination. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Kyoto Tower: A Modern Icon

Kyoto Tower stands as a modern landmark in a city renowned for its ancient temples and traditional architecture. Completed in 1964, it was designed to resemble a Buddhist pagoda and stands at 131 meters tall. Its distinctive white structure offers a stark contrast to the historical cityscape, making it a unique point of reference. The tower's primary attraction is its 100-meter-high observation deck, providing a sweeping 360-degree panorama of Kyoto. This elevated perspective allows visitors to appreciate the city's layout, from the sprawling urban areas to the distant mountains. TikTokReddit

The observation deck is equipped with modern amenities, including binoculars and touch-screen guides that offer information about the sights below. This interactive element enhances the visitor experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of Kyoto's geography and history. While it may not possess the historical gravitas of Kyoto's temples, the tower offers a different, yet equally captivating, way to experience the city. Its proximity to Kyoto Station also makes it an easily accessible destination for travelers. Instagram+1

Beyond the views, Kyoto Tower also houses various facilities. The base of the tower features shops and restaurants, providing convenient options for souvenirs and dining. Notably, the 10th floor hosts the 'Wonderland' bar, a spot praised by visitors for its great music, affordable drinks, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Reddit

Experiencing Kyoto from Above

The observation deck of Kyoto Tower is the main draw, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Kyoto. From this vantage point, you can see the city spread out beneath you, a tapestry of traditional rooftops and modern buildings. The Kyoto Tower view is particularly stunning during sunset, as the sky transforms into a canvas of colors and the city lights begin to twinkle. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the convenience of the tower's location, being directly opposite Kyoto Station. This makes it an ideal stop for those arriving or departing, or for a quick overview of the city. The touch-screen guides and binoculars enhance the experience, allowing you to identify landmarks and learn more about the cityscape. TikTokInstagram

For those seeking a unique experience, the Wonderland bar on the 10th floor offers a different perspective. It's a place to enjoy affordable drinks and good music while still taking in some of the city's ambiance. The tower itself is also known to change colors, adding a dynamic visual element to the Kyoto skyline. Reddit+1

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