TOC
Kyoto Station Building (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kyoto Station Building is a huge complex adjacent to JR Kyoto Station, and the current modern glass and steel station building was completed in 1997. The architecture was designed by Hiroshi Hara, and is characterized by innovative urban space design, including a grand staircase, open atrium, skyway, and rooftop garden. As a transportation hub, it is home to the Shinkansen, conventional trains, subway, Kintetsu, and bus lines, as well as commercial facilities (JR Kyoto Isetan, THE CUBE, and the Porta underground shopping mall), a hotel (Hotel Granvia Kyoto), tourist information, and a restaurant district, making it the city's gateway.
Highlights
- Grand staircase and large roof space: A huge staircase space that is perfect for photos. It is sometimes lit up and events are held here.
- Sky corridor and sky garden (rooftop): From the corridor on the upper floors of the building, you can enjoy views of the station rotary and Kyoto city (some areas are open to the public free of charge).
- Shopping & Dining: JR Kyoto Isetan, THE CUBE, and the Porta underground shopping mall have many souvenir shops and restaurants. Convenient for purchasing Kyoto souvenirs.
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto: A city hotel directly connected to the station, it is extremely convenient as a base for your stay.
- Convenient transportation: JR lines including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Karasuma subway line, the Kintetsu Kyoto line, and major bus routes are all concentrated in the area.
- Tourist information facilities: A tourist information center, luggage storage, and coin lockers are available, making it convenient for preparing for sightseeing.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Kyoto Station (the building itself is the station)
- Main lines that can be used: Tokaido Shinkansen, JR conventional lines (Kyoto Line, Nara Line, Sagano Line, etc.), Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line
- Bus: Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus main stops, long-distance buses use the bus terminal (BUSTA Kyoto)
- Airport access: Take the airport bus or train from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport (travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation)
- By car: There is a rotary in front of the station and a nearby parking lot. However, it tends to be crowded and full during the tourist season.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Passing (transfer/waiting time): Approximately 15 to 30 minutes
- Shopping and snacks: 1-2 hours
- Architecture tour, photography, and rooftop stroll: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you want to take your time sightseeing and eating: 2-3 hours
Nearby spots
- Kyoto Tower: Located right in front of the station. Enjoy views of the city from the observation deck.
- Higashi Honganji Temple and Nishi Honganji Temple: Historic temple complexes can be visited within walking distance.
- Toji Temple (Kyoogokokuji Temple): Travel a little south (a short bus ride or walk) to the five-story pagoda and more.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: A few stations on the JR Nara Line (short access to major tourist spots).
- Towards Gion and Kiyomizu-dera: Travel by bus or subway and on foot. Be careful of traffic jams during the day.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: As this is a key transportation hub, there are many people passing by all year round. It is especially crowded during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the New Year holidays, Golden Week, and summer vacation. Be careful of your luggage and pickpockets.
- Meeting places/street photography: The grand staircase and concourse are busy with foot traffic, so please be careful not to use a tripod for long periods of time or to take photos in a way that does not obstruct pedestrians.
- Business hours: Business hours vary for commercial facilities and restaurants. Some services may not be available in the early morning or late at night, so please check beforehand.
- When traveling by bus: City buses heading to major tourist destinations are prone to congestion and traffic jams, so plan your trip with plenty of time.
- Barrier-free: Elevators, accessible toilets, and wheelchair access are available, but movement may take time during busy periods.
- Luggage management: Coin lockers are limited in number and may fill up quickly during long holidays. For larger luggage, it is safer to use the luggage storage facilities at train stations or hotel storage services.
It's a convenient starting point for sightseeing in Kyoto, with plenty to see. You can easily travel to the surrounding temples and shrines while enjoying the architecture, shopping, and food, so plan your stay accordingly.
