Kyoto Tower

Visit the two distinct structures that make up Kyoto Tower, the world’s tallest non-steel structure. For views, head to the spire, which contains the observation deck on level five and the Sky Lounge Bar on level three; meanwhile, for a hotel, shops, restaurants, and a public bathhouse, head to the 9-story Kyoto Tower Building.

Purchase Kyoto Tower observation deck tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line, or book a combo ticket that includes the Kyoto Aquarium. Combine a visit to Kyoto Tower with a half-day or full-day sightseeing tour that might include other popular Kyoto attractions, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, or Arashiyama Park. It’s also possible to visit Kyoto on a day-trip from Tokyo or Osaka.

• Bring your camera to capture the observation deck vista.

• There is an entrance fee to access the observation deck.

• The telescopes on the observation deck are free of charge.

• The observation deck is wheelchair accessible.

• There’s a Kansai Tourist Information Center in the Kyoto Tower Building.

Kyoto Tower is located on the north side of Kyoto Station, easily accessible by JR and subway and connected to the station by an underground passage. Kyoto Station is around 135 minutes from Tokyo Station by JR Tokaido Shinkansen, about 35 minutes from Nagoya Station by JR Tokaido Shinkansen, and about 30 minutes from Osaka Station by JR Special Rapid Service.

The Kyoto Tower observation deck is open daily from morning until late evening, with the last entry 20 minutes before closing. Opt to visit on a clear day for the best views. Around sunset is also a great time to visit the observation deck. A beer garden at the top of Kyoto Tower Building is open from late April to mid September.

There are number of highlights in the Kyoto Station area. In addition to Kyoto Tower, there’s the To-ji Temple, Higashi-Honganji Temple, Nishi-Honganji Temple, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kyocera Museum of Art. And don’t miss Kyoto Station itself, packed with shops and restaurants.