Kyoto Station is the hub of the city’s transport network, with trains departing and arriving from all districts of Kyoto and Japan. The station is located in central Kyoto and houses shopping malls, cinemas, galleries and several Government facilities in the huge, futuristic, 15 storey glass fronted building.
Kyoto Station is the second largest building in Japan and has several rail tracks which transport visitors and commuters all across the country. The layout of the station is easy to navigate, the 1st floor is used as a shopping street, there are four rail tracks on the 2nd floor and the 3rd floor is for the Shinkansen JR Central train lines. The station is one of the most architecturally diverse landmarks out of all of the city’s palaces and temples. The Museum of Art “Eki” Kyoto is located on the 7th floor of Kyoto Station and showcase temporary and permanent works of art from a range of eras. Kyoto Gekijo is also located inside the station, an area dedicated to the performing arts and entertainment, home to some of the best travelling plays in the country. Venturing outside the station, there are many local attractions within a short walk. Kyoto Tower, another modern structure in Kyoto dating back to the 1960s, offers stunning views of the cityscape from its viewing platform, in addition to the towers skyline restaurant. Explore this area and take a stroll to Sanjūsangen-dō, officially known as Rengeō-in or ‘Hall of the Lotus King’. This temple is unique in Kyoto, as it houses 1,000 statues relating to the Buddhist faith. Walk a little further and visitors will reach Kiyomizu Temple, with spectacular panoramic city views and unique Japanese architecture.
Kyoto Station is the central point of the city, with most of the main attractions within walking distance. Most of the subway routes and rail travel networks stop here, therefore, it’s not only easy to reach far-reaching areas of Kyoto, it also makes the rest of Japan accessible too.
The original Kyoto Station opened in 1877, and in 1889 the first railway line to Tokyo opened. It developed throughout the decades with more major routes and lines being added. The current station complete with modern architecture and glass fronted façade designed by Hiroshi Hara opened in 1997. Today, the city receives over 160 million people a year through Kyoto Station, with many visitors travelling between major cities and attractions throughout Japan.