Panoramic Views! Kyoto Tower Guide: Access, Tickets, and Highlights

Kyoto Tower Guide

Introduction to Kyoto Tower
Transportation to Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower Tickets and Opening Hours
Kyoto Tower Observation Deck
Kyoto Tower Base: Kyoto Tower Approach

Introduction to Kyoto Tower

Exit Kyoto Station through its North Exit and you can immediately see Kyoto Tower. Standing 131 meters, including its base, it is the tallest building in Kyoto.

Kyoto Tower is located on the former site of the Kyoto Central Post Office. After deciding to relocate in 1953, the post office established the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau as a hub of industry, culture, and tourism at the gateway to Kyoto.

The renowned Japanese architect Mamoru Yamada was invited to head this project. He is known for using curves and arcs, with the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo being one of his notable works. The white structure of Kyoto Tower is inspired by a lighthouse.

In the past, the roofs of houses in Kyoto City were densely packed. Although it is not by the sea, it looks like waves rolling one after another. In this urban area, Kyoto Tower quietly illuminates the city, which lacks coastal scenery, much like a lighthouse.

Picture by PIXTA

In 1964, the year the Tokai Shinkansen opened and Japan hosted the Olympics, Kyoto Tower was completed on December 25. Three days later, the observation deck opened to the public. On the first New Year’s Day after its opening, about 5,000 visitors came each day, creating a lively atmosphere.

In 2013, the elevators were renovated, and the exterior was repainted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening in 2014. In June 2015, a tourist information center for overseas visitors was established. By June 2019, it had received a cumulative total of 32 million visitors.

In 2024, due to the naming rights acquired by the Kyoto-based electronics company Nidec, Kyoto Tower will officially be renamed Nidec Kyoto Tower starting April 1. December 28, 2024, will mark the 60th anniversary of Kyoto Tower.

Transportation to Kyoto Tower

Picture by PIXTA

- It takes about 2 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station's central exit to reach Kyoto Tower.

How to reach Kyoto Station?

- From Kansai International Airport: Take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for approximately 75 minutes to JR Kyoto Station.
- From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen for about 140 minutes.
- From Nagoya: Take the Shinkansen for about 35 minutes.
- From Osaka: Take the Shinkansen for about 15 minutes or the JR Tokaido Line for about 30 minutes.

*Kyoto Tower does not have a parking lot or a partnered parking facility (please use nearby timed parking lots).

Kyoto Tower Tickets and Opening Hours

Kyoto Tower's base is a building with 3 underground floors and 11 above-ground floors. The part that requires an entry ticket is the observation deck, which is 100 meters high.

Kyoto Tower Opening Hours

10:00 to 21:00 (Last entry is at 20:30)

*The souvenir shop is open until 20:30.

Kyoto Tower General Admission Tickets

Nidec Kyoto Tower x Kyoto Railway Museum Combo Ticket

Nidec Kyoto Tower has partnered with the Kyoto Railway Museum to offer a combo ticket at a 10% discount compared to individual purchases.

Nidec Kyoto Tower x Kyoto Aquarium Combo Ticket

Nidec Kyoto Tower has partnered with the Kyoto Aquarium to offer a combo ticket at a 10% discount compared to individual purchases.

Nidec Kyoto Tower x TOEI Kyoto Studio Park Combo Ticket

Nidec Kyoto Tower has partnered with TOEI Kyoto Studio Park to offer a combo ticket at approximately a 10% discount compared to individual purchases.

How to Purchase Tickets?

First, purchase your tickets on the 1st floor of Kyoto Tower. Then take the elevator to the 11th floor and transfer to a dedicated elevator to reach the observation deck, which is located 100 meters above ground on the 4th and 5th floors.

Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

If you want to go directly to the Kyoto Tower observation deck, please take the elevator to the 11th floor.

Then, transfer to the dedicated elevator. The observation deck is located on the 4th and 5th floors of Kyoto Tower. Above the base building, the Kyoto Tower also features an observation restaurant on the 3rd floor, 45 meters above the ground.

Kyoto Tower 5th Floor Observation Deck

Picture by PIXTA
Kyoto Tower is the tallest building in Kyoto City. The 360-degree observation deck on the 5th floor provides a panoramic view of the city, including World Heritage sites such as Toji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, and the National Treasure Sanmon Gate of Chion-in Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple Sanmon Gate, and the main hall of Sanjusangendo Temple.

Telescopes are free on the observation deck, allowing visitors to see further and catch more details.

Originally, the 5th-floor observation deck featured a shrine dedicated to the Kyoto Tower mascot, "Tawawa-chan," the highest shrine in the city. However, the Keihan Hotel, which operates Kyoto Tower, has recently announced the end of its partnership with Tawawa-chan, and related merchandise, including the shrine.

Kyoto Tower 3rd Floor Restaurant

Picture courtesy of Kyoto Tower
The 3rd floor observation area, located about 45 meters above the ground, is home to the Sky Lounge "KUU" restaurant bar. At night, the interior is filled with atmospheric lighting, paired with the urban night view of Kyoto. It provides a different experience for visitors to the ancient capital.

Kyoto Tower Base "Kyoto Tower Approach"

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The base of Kyoto Tower is a building that spans from 3 underground floors to 11 above-ground floors, housing shops, restaurants, hotels, and more. The large public bath facility on the 3rd basement level was closed in June 2021.

Kyoto Tower Approach Floor Guide

B1F: Food Court
1F: Souvenir and Gift Shop Street, Ticket Counter for Kyoto Tower Observation Deck
2F: Hands-on Experience Shops (wagashi, sushi, traditional crafts), Kimono Rental
3F: Kansai Tourism Information Service Center (10:00 to 17:30)
5F - 9F: Kyoto Tower Hotel
10F: Beer Garden and Barbecue (seasonal changes)
11F: Elevator to the Observation Deck

For more details, visit the Kyoto Tower Approach official website

B1F: Food Court

Picture of Courtesy PRTimes
The B1 floor is designed with the concept of "enjoying Kyoto cuisine while strolling," featuring popular local stores. Whether it's lunch, snacks, or dinner, visitors can savor the flavors of Kyoto here. For example, Kyoto Yakiniku Hiro, a well-established meat shop, offers not only its signature wagyu beef grilled lunch boxes but also freshly grilled meat skewers.

Additionally, there is Dashi or Tea Rice of Kyoto KATSUO, where you can enjoy classic Kyoto dashi flavors, with customizability for the dashi rice bowl reaching up to thousands of variations; Kaidashi-soba Gion, which lets you experience Kyoto's side dish culture; a matcha dessert shop supervised by the century-old teahouse Marukyu Koyamaen; and for those wanting a drink, there's SANDO Bar.

The B1 food court was remodeled in April 2023, making for a more comfortable browsing experience.

1F: Souvenir and Gift Shop Street, Ticket Counter for Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

Picture of Courtesy PRTimes
On the first floor, at the entrance of Kyoto Tower, you'll find various stores offering Kyoto-flavored products, from popular Western and Japanese sweets to traditional Kyoto pickles and dashi. If you're looking for unique Kyoto souvenirs, this is the place to be!

One of the highlights is the extremely popular Kyoto Baumkuchen, known as Kyo-Baum, which is 3.5 cm thick and made with Uji matcha and Kyoto-produced soy milk. Each layer is meticulously baked, creating a sponge cake infused with the aroma of matcha and rich soybean flavor. It is a must-try souvenir when visiting Kyoto.

Tickets to the observation deck can also be purchased on the 1st floor.

2F: Hands-on Experience Shops, Kimono Rental

Picture of Courtesy PRTimes
On the 2nd floor, you will find a wagashi (Japanese sweets) experience classroom by the long-established shop Shichijyo Kanshundo, where you can try making seasonal wagashi. The steps are not difficult, making it an enjoyable experience for beginners and overseas visitors. Each session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and requires a reservation in advance (Japanese). Additionally, kimono rentals, sushi experiences, and traditional crafts such as beadwork and painting Kyoto fans are available.

Enjoy Visiting Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower, located in front of Kyoto Station, encompasses the city's delicious cuisine and classic souvenirs. Ascending to the observation deck provides a panoramic view of Kyoto's cityscape, making it a rich and diverse destination.

It’s a great place for first-time visitors to get to know the city while returning guests can find different aspects of Kyoto within the tower. Whether you’re a newcomer or a regular, you'll find discoveries are always there to make!