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Transportation
JR Kyoto station
John CarterJapanese train stations never falls short of architectural magnificance and Kyoto is no exception.
Kyoto Station is more than just a place to catch a train. Kyoto Station is a massive, ultra-modern complex of glass and steel designed by award-winning architect Hiroshi Hara and features an incredible variety of shops and restaurants and houses.
Kyoto Station is an important train station and transportation hub in Kyoto. It is the second largest train station building in Japan and is one of the largest buildings in the country, housing a shopping center, hotel, cinema, Isetan department store and several community facilities under a 15-story roof.
At the Kyoto Tourist Information Center, the multilingual staff provides information on sights, events, activities, accommodations and transport options. Free WiFi is also available. The center is on the pedestrian walkway on the second floor.
Japanese train stations never falls short of architectural magnificance and Kyoto is no exception.
Aoi Restaurant showcases the Yuba soba, a popular choice with the locals. Yuba is tofu skin and looks a bit like wrinkled paper. This popular restaurant is like a museum of noodles, just next to Kyoto Station on the southern side. Come in before the lunch rush at 11 am or after 1pm.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto has demonstrated omotenashi, or the art of Japanese hospitality, by catering for the needs of all its guests.
551 Horai serves comfort food and whose signature dishes include the butaman pork bun and other Chinese inspired specialities in the heart of Kansai, Japan.
Hotel ibis Styles Kyoto Station is a great choice if transport accessiblity is your highest priority. As the first Accor hotel in Kyoto, Hotel ibis Styles Kyoto Station introduces French style and Japanese hospitality since 2013.
On the ninth floor of Kyoto’s Isetan department store is Ichibakouji, a convenient izakaya. Those who want to enjoy a meal before getting on the crowded evening or late night trains can kick-back and relax
The appeal of Spicy Masara Curry Shop is not only the appeal of delicious and fast curry, but also the store's price and convenience. Each meal is less than ¥1000, and even if you add toppings like egg, cheese, or a croquette to your meal, the meal would still cost less than ¥1400. The dishes at Spicy Masara offer you filling meals that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. The store is located on the Pedestrian Walkway in Kyoto Station, and you will not definitely miss the bright red and yellow exterior covered with photos of curry!
Aoi-jaya serves up delicious meals using Kyoto-grown vegetables and traditional recipes.
Our undercover correspondent unveils savoury tea tasting with Ms Watanabe in the suburban south side of Kyoto station.
The upcoming NAKED Art Station Kyoto event turns what is usually a utilitarian space into an impromptu art display.
3 minutes walk from Kyoto Station, Nishikiro Ryokan is simple, clean, with friendly owners, and is perfect for someone on a budget who wants an authentic Japanese experience.
Eat, Relax and Explore. The Dormy Premium Inn near Kyoto Station is a business hotel with added extras like an onsen and free noodles for supper
This hostel does not feel like a traditional Kyoto Merchant house. There are no macha green noren curtains or the smell of a fresh tatami mat, characteristics that are more in abundance at Roujiya or even some of the rooms at Hana Hostel. Instead it has a glampacking hostel feel, with minimalist black and white lights and concrete walls like a contemporary art gallery, a bit like Khaosan Hostel meets the Hotel Anteroom just down the road in Kujo. On the other hand, if you are prepared to spend a bit more for a private luxury room, but keep the contemporary art feel, check in at the Hotel Kanra near Gojo Station.
Ramen is definitely one of my must have dishes in Japan. I love noodles and how the Japanese use their many years of experience and knowhow to create so many variations.
The humble egg finds its home in this dependable cafe high above the ticket sellers in the glass catherdral that is JR Kyoto Station
Look up for some Budget Japanese Italian Fusion Cuisine, conveniently located on top of JR Kyoto station
Kyoto Tower is an observation tower located in Kyoto, Japan. The steel tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with its observation deck at 100 metres and its spire at 131 metres. The 800-ton tower stands atop a 9-story building, which houses a 3-star hotel and several stores. [Wikipedia]
Nishi Hongan-ji is a large Buddhist temple west of Kyoto train station. Together with Higashi Hongan-ji, together with Nishi Hongan-ji, it is one of the two temple complexes of Shin Buddhism in Kyoto. It currently also serves as the main temple of the Jodo -Shin sect, one of the largest Buddhist sects in Japan with over 10,000 sub-temples across the country and 200 temples overseas. Built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the building is a great example of the architecture of the Momoyama Period and the Early Edo Period. The two largest structures by Nishi Hongan-ji are the Goeido Hall, the largest wooden structure in Kyoto, and the Amidado Hall. Nishi Hongan-ji is also one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. A small Japanese garden called Shoseien is a few blocks east of Higashi Hongan-ji. Nowadays the garden with its pond and the particularly beautiful autumn colors is open to the public.
Kyoto Aquarium is located on the edge of Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station. The aquarium features 9 zones including penguins, seals and dolphin shows.