Kyoto Station — Attraction in Kyoto

Kyoto Station is unlike any train station I've ever encountered. It's not just a transportation hub; it's a bustling city within itself, brimming with amenities and attractions that make it an unforgettable experience.

First and foremost, the sheer size of Kyoto Station is awe-inspiring. It's a magnificent architectural marvel that stands as a testament to modern design and functionality. From the moment you enter, you're greeted with an air of grandeur and a sense of the immense scale of this transportation hub.

What truly sets Kyoto Station apart is its diverse range of amenities. It's not just a place to catch a train; it's a destination in its own right. The station houses a department store, a shopping mall, a hotel, and even a movie theatre. The variety of shops and dining options available ensure that you can easily spend hours exploring and indulging in retail therapy or savouring delicious meals.

One of the standout features of Kyoto Station is the breath-taking view from the top. As you ascend to the upper levels, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding cityscape. It's a view that captures the essence of Kyoto's blend of modernity and tradition, and it's a sight that left me in awe.

What makes this view even more mesmerising is the innovative use of LEDs on the stairs leading to the top. These LEDs create captivating animations that bring the stairs to life. You can witness animations of people walking, trains moving, and other enchanting visual effects. It's a unique and immersive experience that adds an extra layer of wonder to your visit.

In conclusion, Kyoto Station is more than just a transport hub; it's a multifaceted destination in its own right. Its grandeur, diverse amenities, and breath-taking views make it an attraction that shouldn't be missed when visiting Kyoto. The LED animations on the stairs are the cherry on top, turning an already remarkable experience into something truly unforgettable. Kyoto Station is a testament to the city's ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, leaving visitors like me with lasting memories of an...

Welcome to JR Kyoto Station!

JR Kyoto Station is not just a transportation hub but also a gateway to the culture, history, and modern innovation of Kyoto. Here’s why it’s worth exploring:

Stunning Architecture

Designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara, Kyoto Station features a futuristic design with vast open spaces, glass ceilings, and steel structures. The station blends modern aesthetics with symbolic elements that reflect Kyoto’s historical heritage.

Kyoto Station Building Highlights • Sky Garden: Located on the top floor, the Sky Garden offers panoramic views of the city. It’s the perfect spot to take in Kyoto’s scenery. • Grand Stairway: The massive staircase with seasonal LED light shows is a popular attraction, especially in the evening. • Kyoto Ramen Koji (Street): Sample authentic ramen from various regions of Japan in this food court dedicated to ramen lovers.

Cultural Experiences & Shopping • Isetan Department Store: A luxurious shopping destination with high-end fashion, souvenirs, and an incredible food market in the basement. • Kyoto Theater: Enjoy traditional and modern performances, including kabuki and concerts. • Museum Eki Kyoto: A small art museum located inside the station, perfect for those interested in local and contemporary art.

Convenient Access to Iconic Landmarks

Kyoto Station is the starting point for your journey to Kyoto’s famous temples, shrines, and gardens. You can easily access popular sites like: • Kiyomizu Temple • Fushimi Inari Shrine • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Efficient Transportation

With Shinkansen (bullet train) services, express trains, buses, and taxis, Kyoto Station is a central hub that connects you to both regional and nationwide destinations. The station also offers tourist-friendly services, such as multilingual information desks and luggage storage options.

Whether you’re passing through or staying to explore, JR Kyoto Station is an experience in itself—where history meets modernity. Enjoy your time here and discover all that Kyoto...

Rude JR line gate staff. We were coming from Kobe and before taking a train to Nishiki Market, used a locker. When we came back later, we found out that it cost 140 yen to buy a platform ticket to access where the locker was at. I used DeepL to ask and the young female staff angrily pointed towards printed documents to tell me what to do. Very short instructions in bad english pronunciation, just one or two words and not full sentence. Not helpful. When we came back for more questions because the first round wasn’t actually helpful she still only write out “call button”. Apparently they all have a handy translating device but this one decided to show us a very hostile attitude. Quite a contrast to the older Japanese handyman line worker who nicely and calmly took us to the gate staff when we showed him the locker receipt and asked if he knew where it was located at. I gave up trying ti get help from her and tried a different machine and found the platform ticket I needed. We also ran into very rude JR staff in Tokyo, they gave you a condescending look even if you approach them with sumimasen and have your translation app with questions ready to go. Like “how dare you disturb my peace peasants” kinda look 🤣. The interactions we had with any other regular station staff have been smooth and courteous otherwise.

Take away lesson for us, if you’re going to pay for a locker, use the one at the entrance of the station, you never know if the one you used was within JR...