Kyoto Station Daikaidan (Great Staircase) — Attraction in Kyoto

A Dazzling Blend of Modern Art and Motion: The Kyoto Station Daikaidan

Tucked inside the bustling heart of Kyoto Station lies one of the city’s most surprising architectural gems—the Daikaidan, or Great Staircase. This vast flight of 171 steps, stretching from the 4th to the 15th floor, is not just a means of getting from A to B—it’s a canvas for light, culture, and creativity.

The real magic of the Daikaidan happens after dark. Embedded with over 15,000 LEDs, the staircase comes alive in the evenings with "Graphical Illumination Plus"—a captivating display of animations that change with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer sees vibrant festival motifs, and the winter months sparkle with Christmas trees and heart-shaped designs. It’s whimsical, high-tech, and oddly moving—like a digital homage to the passing year.

But this isn’t a static spectacle. The Daikaidan pulses with life. Commuters pause to watch. Travellers linger for photos. And sometimes, it turns into a stage: every February, costumed runners take part in a madcap race to the top, cheered on by delighted onlookers. It’s playful, surreal, and deeply Japanese.

Function meets form here in a way that few public spaces manage. Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, Kyoto Station itself is a bold statement of modernism—and the staircase is its glowing spine. At the top, visitors are rewarded with access to the Sky Garden and sweeping views of Kyoto Tower and the surrounding cityscape.

If you’re planning a visit, aim for the late afternoon or early evening to catch the LED show in full effect. The staircase is accessible via escalators near the Hotel Granvia entrance, and nearby seating areas provide a welcome rest spot. You can also explore the Skyway, a futuristic glass-walled walkway with panoramic views, or wander to the East Plaza’s seasonal light displays.

The Kyoto Station Daikaidan is a delightful surprise—a place where infrastructure becomes art, and where a staircase becomes an experience....

This is a massive train station with a huge number of shops, and 3 rail companies operating from this station. There are multiple exit and entry points, and the complex is up to 11 stories high in one section. It’s easy to get lost as steps, elevators and escalators only go 1 or 2 floors before you need to walk to another area to move to the next set of steps, elevators or escalators to proceed to your destination point. There are hundreds of people trying to reach their destination, purchase tickets from to correct machine, and/or food and drinks so it can be difficult. Google maps will only take you so far as it doesn’t indicate the floor level you need or the train company you need. The station staff are very helpful but language can be a barrier. If you’re taking a bullet train you need a train ticket and a seat ticket, and you generally need to book in advance to get a...

The Great Staircase is located on the 4/F of Kyoto station. It runs from 4/F all the way up to 15/F garden. You can take the escalators or elevators to get to the Grand staircase. The day view and night view of the Grand Staircase are totally different. When the warm sunbeams shine from the sky onto the staircase it turns the place into a warm relaxing space. Kids running up and down the stairs whilst adults walking up leisurely. When night falls, the ambiance changes completely. The light show turns the staircase into a sparkling neon light world. Kids jumping up and down the stairs whilst adults enjoying watching the...