Kyoto Tower
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Top ways to experience Kyoto Tower and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighborhood: Shimogyo-ku
Shimogyo-ku is centered around the busy train hub, Kyoto Station. A nexus for commerce, shopping, dining, and hotels, the Shimogyo-ku area is infused with tourists and local business travelers, making it a competitive location for ever-new commercial structures. The shops and cafes here are chic and trendy, as a result, with many recognizable chains. Commuters flood the Shimogyo-ku area twice a day, and with Kyoto Station itself being a modern mega-complex and an architectural marvel, this neighborhood is one of the most contemporary and energetic areas that the city has to offer. Buildings here look futuristic, and huge department stores, shopping arcades, and public meeting spaces provide every possible convenience. It is also nearly the only place in Kyoto where rooftop dining and socializing is available, completing its modern tone.
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • miiiiia
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some good photos opportunities up here!
    I thought Kyoto Tower would be similar to Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, but I was completely wrong! The interior of Kyoto Tower is beautiful, and the view of the Kyoto cityscape from there is absolutely breathtaking! There's no better place to enjoy the view from an observation deck. When I visit Kyoto again, I'll definitely go back. I also enjoy visiting Ramen Street in Kyoto Station. I highly recommend checking it out!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written June 19, 2023
  • N D
    Lincolnshire, United Kingdom1,247 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Busy
    It was extremely bad when we visited, and we spent most of our time queuing for lifts both when we arrived and when we left. We visited when it was dark and there was a lot of reflection on the curved glass of the tower’s windows. I can’t really recommend. Maybe we just visited at the wrong time.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 12, 2023
  • Single Mum Travels
    Canberra, Australia190 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views of a beautiful city
    What a great way to see a beautiful city on a snowy evening. The night we went it wasn't overly busy as we went early so we had no issues waiting for lifts. The staff we interacted with were lovely and informative. You can buy some souvenirs up the top as well as in the shop.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,224 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
572
Average
374
Poor
41
Terrible
8

Single Mum Travels
Canberra, Australia190 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
What a great way to see a beautiful city on a snowy evening. The night we went it wasn't overly busy as we went early so we had no issues waiting for lifts. The staff we interacted with were lovely and informative. You can buy some souvenirs up the top as well as in the shop.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda S
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
The first thing you see on the door is a sign that says you can’t look around. There’s no
View from the inside tables or really that good from the outside tables at night. Even with translator app both drinks did not come out as requested and no one tried to fix the situation. Very unattentive. Would def recommend one of the other rooftop bars in the city if you’re looking for the full experience. Who tf doesn’t have limes?
We asked to move to an outside seat and was told no, moments later; a table opened and another couple asked to move and was escorted.
The temperature was about 10000 degrees so if you want to sweat balls and not see anything this might be for you. Otherwise head to the food court and have some rectum cause it would likely be better.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RonanD_BR
Brasilia, DF202 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Very touristic attraction. Near the main station, Kyoto Station, so probably you are going to pass near it. There are a lot of food stores in the underground.
Written December 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy T
Perth, Australia56 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
If you're nearby you've gotta check it out, easily the best views from the Kyoto city centre. Also make sure you don't miss the food court underneath, absolute gem with so many different places to try!
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kana
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
ちょっと古い雰囲気で、昭和ノスタルジーでした。懐かしい気分を味わえて楽しいです。

The atmosphere was a bit old-fashioned and Showa nostalgic. It is fun to feel nostalgic.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

N D
Lincolnshire, UK1,247 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was extremely bad when we visited, and we spent most of our time queuing for lifts both when we arrived and when we left.
We visited when it was dark and there was a lot of reflection on the curved glass of the tower’s windows.
I can’t really recommend. Maybe we just visited at the wrong time.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

miiiiia
17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Solo
I thought Kyoto Tower would be similar to Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, but I was completely wrong! The interior of Kyoto Tower is beautiful, and the view of the Kyoto cityscape from there is absolutely breathtaking! There's no better place to enjoy the view from an observation deck. When I visit Kyoto again, I'll definitely go back. I also enjoy visiting Ramen Street in Kyoto Station. I highly recommend checking it out!
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anuj Char
Mumbai, India11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Eventhough I’m living in Kyoto but this is the first time I came here on my holidays with my friends because they said that Kyoto Tower is the one of Japanese famoust places where tourists often visit when they travel to Kyoto Japan.
It is so beautiful at night with thousands of colour lights.
Kyoto Tower is a symbol of Kyoto.
It’s right.
Just
Written May 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sanka1 🇱🇰🇬🇧
Bicester, UK3,410 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
Kyoto Tower is an iconic landmark in the heart of the city, offering panoramic views of Kyoto from its observation deck. At 131 meters tall, the tower is one of the tallest buildings in Kyoto and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.

You might find it confusing to find the ticketing office as it really is. The ticketing office is located in level B1 and then you will have to visit another floor before being tranferred to the lift that'll take you to the top. While it may not be the most historic attraction in Kyoto, Kyoto Tower is a must-visit for those looking to take in the city's beauty from above.
Written April 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zfy Ed
Singapore, Singapore8,646 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Visitors from Kyoto Station coming to the city center will surely see or passby this tall and iconic landmark of the city!

From the 10th storey of Kyoto Station, which is an observatory, you can have quite a good view of the tower though there's a glass panel that may have side effect for photography. (But I had no problem with that)

The tower also served as a directional guide. We explored further away from the station as the sky was getting dark and were not too sure which direction to walk back to the station. But no panic. By looking for this tower and walking towards it, you will not lose your way. The tower is located opposite the station!

And by the time we reached the station, it was closed to 7pm then (the sky got dark by 5pm), we passed by the tower up front and nearer (than day time from the observatory), it was much nicer with the colourful lightings!
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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KYOTO TOWER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto Tower