Kyoto Tower is said to be like a lighthouse; it looks a bit like a lighthouse, and it helps guide people because it is an easy landmark to recognize. This tower already has a rather long history of over 50 years, and while there is something modern about it, there is also something cute in the way it looks like the idea people had in the 60’s about the future.
Kyoto Tower
First, head for the Kyoto Tower hotel which you can see right in front of you if you exit the Kyoto Station from the main ticket gates. Here you need to head for the 11th floor, where you can buy a ticket from this ticket vending machine. Normally the tickets cost 770 yen, but if you print a coupon from the Kyoto Tower’s website, you get access to the hidden buttons and the special price of 700 yen per adult.
After this, you get to step into the elevator that takes you all the way to the top! Even though the elevator is new, the top itself has a nice mix of modern with Showa-retro in it too.
You can also use binoculars to get a closer look at Kyoto Station and the temples down below you. What is especially nice is that you get to use these binoculars for free!
Here you can find another proof of the curious outlook the Japanese have of religion: a shrine for the mascot character of the Kyoto Tower, Tawawa-chan!
Now, before heading for Kyoto Station, it was time to take pictures of Tawawa-chan. She is so cute.
| Address | 721-1, Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8216 |
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| Open Hours | 9am - 9:20pm (must enter by 9:00pm) ※The open hours was changed from 2020 August 1th. 【Observation Deck】 11am~7pm（must enter by 6:30pm） |
Sky Lounge Kuu
This is the entrance to the Sky Lounge Kuu of the Kyoto Tower Hotel. The lounge is on the third-floor counting from the 11th floor.
The lounge has a very nice hotel-like feel to it; very fancy but not too new, something that has aged well.
Time to order.
In summer you can also enjoy shaved ice at the lounge, and this time Vanessa had matcha, and I had caramel espresso shaved ice. Though I had the espresso one, I can only recommend the matcha one; why is it that in Kyoto everything with matcha in it tastes really good?
Before going back, remember to have your picture taken with this board.
| Address | 13th floor of Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Higashinotoin Street, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. |
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| Open Hours | Café: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. (Last orders at 7:45 p.m.) On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays KUU opens at 12 noon. Bar: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. (Last orders at 10:30 p.m.) |
Public Bath YUU
Bonus round: if you go to the lowest level of the tower, B3, you will find a public bath called not you, but YUU
So if after a day of sightseeing you are feeling a bit worn out, you can have a bath here! Under the Kyoto Tower! How cool is that!
※It was closed in June 2021.
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Sampo[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ] |
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