- Central Kyoto
- Kyoto Imperial Palace was used as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868. It is located in Kyoto Imperial Park. The original structure was built in 1855. The palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and has several gates and gardens. Tourists can only visit the palace on guided tours and you need to obtain permission in advance (visit http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html for more information or http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/order/index_EN.html for application forms). To get to Kyoto Imperial Palace, take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station for about ten minutes; get off at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Stations.
- Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a residence for himself and his family. The palace building (Ninomaru or secondary castle) was completed in 1603 and it survives today in its original form. It is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak when walked upon (a security device used to detect intruders). Honmaru (main castle) includes a five-storied castle tower; the current structure was built in 1893 to replace the former structure after it was destroyed by fire. From Kyoto Station take the Karasuma Subway line to Karasuma Oike Station and change to the Tozai line – the entire trip from Kyoto Station takes about 20 minutes.
- Nijo Junya was formerly used by feudal lords who were visiting Kyoto during the Edo Period. The building contains secret pathways, trap doors, hidden escape routes and other various security devices. The closest subway is Nijojomae Station on the Tozai Line
- Toji was founded by the city’s guardian temple in 794. Toji is famous for its five-storied pagoda, which is Japan’s tallest at 57 meters, and the Buddhist sculptures displayed at the temples main hall and lecture hall. Toji is about a 15 minute walk south of Kyoto Station.
- Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji are two large temples. Nishi Honganji was built in 1591 and houses several national treasures. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of Jodoshin Buddhism. Higashi Honganji was built in 1602 and is the head temple of the Otani faction. Its main hall is Kyoto’s largest wooden structure. The Honganji temples are location north of Kyoto Station – about a ten minute walk.
- Pontocho is a traditional nightlife district with narrow streets and the possibility of seeing a geisha. In the evenings the atmosphere is spectacular with numerous restaurants and teahouses. The closest train stations are Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line and Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
- Nishiki Market is a narrow shopping street lined with over a hundred shops specializing in local specialties such as pickles, sushi, dried food and fresh seafood and vegetables. Opening hours vary depending on the store though most are open between 9:00 and 18:00 and generally close once a week. Just a 5 minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line (4 minutes, 200 Yen from Kyoto Station) of from Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.
- Kyoto Station was officially opened in 1997 and boasts a department store, hotel, theatre, game arcade, government offices, restaurants and an observation deck. Kyoto Station is the main train station in Kyoto and serves Japan Railways (JR) trains including bullet trains (shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways and the subway. There is a large bus terminal in front of the station.
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