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Kyoto Tower has been quietly watching over the ancient city since its opening in 1964. It is one of Kyoto’s most iconic tourist attractions.
Located right in front of Kyoto Station, it offers easy access and combines three key elements—souvenirs, dining, and views—making it a must-visit spot for any Kyoto trip.
Kyoto Tower Official WebsiteEnter through the southeast entrance facing Kyoto Station.
The first floor houses souvenir shops selling Kyoto specialties. From sweets to traditional Kyoto dishes, the souvenirs sparkle in a stylish space that lifts your spirits.
The refined atmosphere makes browsing souvenirs a pleasure. With so many renowned shops here, you can trust that any souvenir you buy will be a winner. The stylish items make you want to buy not just for friends, but for yourself too.
To reach the observation deck, purchase tickets on the 1st floor, take the elevator to the 11th floor, then transfer to the observation deck elevator.
Here’s the observation deck elevator on the 11th floor.
The elevator interior features a refined design and is beautifully maintained. This elevator takes you straight up to the observation deck at 100 meters above ground.
The elevator reaches the observation deck in no time.
What kind of view awaits? The anticipation builds.
The observation deck wraps around completely, offering 360-degree views of Kyoto city.
Kyoto has the Kyoto Landscape Guidelines, regulations that limit building heights to a maximum of 31 meters to preserve the city’s traditional scenery. This means you can enjoy unobstructed views across the entire city.
The panoramic view from Kyoto Tower’s observation deck overlooking all of Kyoto is truly breathtaking.
You can even see Kyoto Station right below.
At 100 meters up, you easily look down on the 60-meter-tall Kyoto Station.
Even the bus terminal looks so tiny from here.
Here’s the view looking east.
And here’s the northern view. You can see Higashi Honganji Temple.
Please come experience it yourself. Unlike photos, the Kyoto cityscape filling your entire field of vision is truly overwhelming.
"KYOTO TOWER SANDO" is a new destination at Kyoto Tower featuring gourmet food, cafes, and souvenirs. From ground level to basement, you’ll discover various charms of Kyoto.
Floors B1 to 3 of the Kyoto Tower building house KYOTO TOWER SANDO, filled with souvenir shops and restaurants.
The dining area on B1 deserves special attention, with numerous restaurants lined up.
Famous Kyoto establishments line this modern, stylishly designed space. The atmosphere is excellent, and the food is guaranteed delicious.
Beyond the impressive number of shops, the area is designed like a food court with around 400 seats available. It’s great that you can grab items from different shops and enjoy them all together.
Among all the shops, my top recommendation is ”NICK STOCK Kyoto Tower,” specializing in aged beef burgers and steaks.
As a meat specialty shop, they offer an impressively meaty lineup.
I chose the cheeseburger—look at all that overflowing cheese!
The meat is incredibly thick and juicy! A satisfyingly substantial patty!
I enjoyed the best meat and beer at Kyoto Tower’s basement floor—pure bliss.
Kyoto Tower continues to evolve.
It used to be a typical “Showa-era tourist spot” with old souvenir shops, a basement dining area, and the tower itself.
Then came a complete renovation in April 2017, further updates to KYOTO TOWER SANDO in April 2023, and in April 2025, the rooftop venue TOWERLAND opened on the 10th floor.
Perhaps the only thing unchanged is the wonderful view from the Kyoto Tower observation deck.
Plans are being explored to completely transform Kyoto Tower by 2030—this ever-evolving landmark keeps you watching.
A symbol of Kyoto and a classic tourist destination. Yet every visit brings new discoveries.
Please visit Kyoto Tower as it continues to evolve.
Views, gourmet food, and souvenirs—Kyoto Tower has it all.
May your Kyoto journey become even more special starting here.
