Six great sightseeing spots in Kyoto station
Do you know that there are many sightseeing spots in Kyoto station which is the city’s major station?
A lot of tourists come here in Kyoto every year and I think that many people use Kyoto station as a mean of transportation of trains and buses and to do things like shopping, having meals, etc. This time, we would like to introduce you 6 great sightseeing spots where you can make a visit and fully enjoy even for a short amount of time after you visit major tourist spots in Kyoto or there is a waiting time for trains and buses in the station. Let’s have a look!
Daikaidan(Great Staircase)
Daikaidan(Great Staircase) is a nice photo spot for the night view that we can recommend for you. There is an event called “Graphical illumination” which is held all year round. It has 171 steps and it is colorfully illuminated with about 15,000 LEDs and you can enjoy different illuminations with each season. The views from the front and the top of the staircase are amazing. During the Christmas season, you will see more lights and a big Christmas tree there.
Time of light-up production: 15:00~22:00(It changes depends on the season.)
Please check the Special contents on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Graphical Illumination Plus
Admission Free
Access: Take an escalator (the other side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 4F (Muromachi Square).
Please check the Passages and square on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
Oozora Hiroba(Sky Garden) &Happy Terrace
There is Oozora Hiroba(Sky Garden) which is a free observation deck with a bright and airy open space and Happy Terrace which is a nice garden terrace with seasonal flowers at the top of the Daikaidan(Great Staircase). You can enjoy the magnificent views of Kyoto city and the views at night time is beautiful here. It has a relaxing atmosphere, so it might be a good idea to take a break on a bench on a sunny day.
Business hours: 6:00~23:00
Admission Free
Access: Take an escalator (the other side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 11F and go up the stairs.
Please check the Passages and square on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
Skyway
Skyway is a glass-walled walkway covered with steel frames which is 147meters long, 45meters above the ground. You can see stylish geometric designs that combine triangles and rectangles there. It is one of the best night view spots in Kyoto station and there are three observation spaces where you can see Kyoto tower which is a landmark of Kyoto and the magnificent views of Kyoto city there. Also, the entire walkway is brightly lit up at night, so you can enjoy various light productions.
Business hours: 10:00~22:00
Time of light-up production: 17:00~22:00
Admission Free
Access: The easiest way to get there – Take an escalator (the other side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 11F and go in the building on the 10F on your left (Kyoto ramen koji) and you will see it on your left. (There is an information sign at the entrance to get to Skyway)
Please check the Passages and square and Floor guide on the 10F in the building on the official websites for details.
<Passages and square>
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
< Floor guide on the 10F in the building >
Floor guide on the 10F in the building
Karasuma Square
Karasuma Square is one of the best view spots where you can see Kyoto tower close, though it is not widely known. It is amazing when it is brightly lit up at night time. It is usually lit up in white and sometimes lit up in different colors. If you turn your camera to Kyoto station building, you can see the tower is reflected on the glass surface. It is definitely photogenic.
Business hours: 10:00~22:00
Admission Free
Access: Take an escalator (the side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 4F.
Please check the Passages and square on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
East Square & Station piano
East Square is a bright and airy open space which is recommended for those who want to take a break at Kyoto station. It is a courtyard of Hotel Granvia Kyoto at Kyoto station and there are some tables and chairs and sometimes it is used as a wedding venue and various events. There is also a station piano which you can play freely. You may have a chance to listen to impressively beautiful piano performances there.
Business hours: East Square 10:00~22:00 Station piano 10:00~19:00(2020, Oct, 7th~2022, March, 31st )
Admission Free
Access: Take an escalator (the side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 4F then go up the stairs and take an escalator to the 7F.
Please check the Passages and square on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
South Square & South Promenade
South Square & South Promenade are quite and airy places, so you can spend a relaxing time. Those places are recommended for those who want to take a break when you are tired from walking around in Kyoto station. You can overlook the inside of the station which is covered with glass and steel frames and you will see stylish geometric designs that combine triangles and rectangles there. Also, you can see Shinkansen (Bullet train) close from there, so you should check it out if you are interested.
Business hours: 10:00~22:00
Admission Free
Access: Take an escalator (the other side of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) from the central entrance and go up to the 4F (Muromachi Square) then make a left.
Please check the Passages and square on the official website for details.
KYOTO STATION BUILDING Passages and squres
