Things to do in Kyoto・Sightseeing
Enjoying your Kyoto sightseeing
STAY
Explore while fully experiencing the elegance of the former capital
Even within Japan, Kyoto is famous for its many sightseeing locations. The shrines and temples not mention the delicious Kyoto-style food that will have your mouth watering and the many stores where you can enjoy shopping all mix together, and the charm of the ancient city and the modern metropolitan pleasures exist side by side adding to a fulfilling time that must be experienced.
What to do on your first day
DAY.1
AM10:00
Arriving at Kyoto Station!
Store your luggage at the hotel immediately and start your Kyoto trip!
It takes around five minutes to walk to Almont Hotel Kyoto from the Hachijo east exit of JR Kyoto station. Store your luggage before checking-in and your trip begins!
AM10:30
Shosei-en Garden
Visit a beautiful garden where flowers bloom year-round
Shosei-en Garden is a Japanese-style garden with pond a encircled by a pathway and the secondary home of Higashi Hongan-ji temple. In 1641, the land was donated by the shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa and the garden was created based on planning by author Jozan Ishikawa. Nicknamed the “thirteenth view”, the many views available are worthy of attention.
Information
- Address
- Higashitamamizucho, Higashi-iru, Ainomachi Shimojuzuyamachi-dori Ainomachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-371-9210
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 15 minute walk
PM11:30
Kaikado
Japan’s oldest tea service shop
Established in 1875, this shop is the oldest of the tea service shops in Japan and must be visited at least once. Making use of raw metal tea caddies that have not been coated with paint adds to the taste and long use. The beauty of this first-class item is easy to be captivated by.
Information
- Address
- 84-1, Umeminatocho, Higashi-iru, Rokujo, Kawaramachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-351-5788
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 20 minute walk
- Operating hours
- 9:00～18:00
- Closed period
- Closed on Sundays, national holidays, and 2nd Mondays
※ Kaikado Cafe opened in Kawaramachi Rokujo in May 2016
PM12:30
Bisutoro KIZANO – creative cooking and Kyoto-style vegetables
French based innovative dishes created with ingredients from Kyoto
For lunch, head to Bisutoro KIZANO where locally grown in Kyoto vegetables are used in a creative, French-based cooking style. Using seasonal vegetables from Kyoto along with dishes that have been seasoned in the Kyoto-style, even the beautiful presentation can be savored. Since the meals are prepared by one chef, it is recommended to make a reservation before visiting.
Information
- Address
- 66-1, Shokuyacho, Agaru, Shimojuzuyamachi, Akezunomon-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
- Phone number
- 075-708-2454
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 14 minute walk
PM1:30
Higashi Hongan-ji
A temple dotted with a number of historical buildings
There are numerous historical structures scattered across the the premises of the temple including Goeido and Amidado. They are valuable as representations of modern Japanese architecture in Kyoto, and Goeido in particular at a width of 31m and a height of 27m is in the class of largest wooden structures in the world.
Information
- Address
- Agaru, Shichijo, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-371-9181
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 20 minute walk
PM2:30
Kyoto Railway Museum
Enthusiasts are moved to tears! Come to a railroad paradise
This is the largest railway museum in Japan, and there are approximately 53 actual railroad cars on display from steam locomotives to bullet trains. Whether experiencing riding a train being pulled by a steam locomotive or looking out over the streets of Kyoto from the Sky Terrace, there are all sorts of excitement to be found.
Information
- Address
- Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 0570-080-462
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 30 minute walk / 10 minutes by car
PM4:00
Kyoto Aquarium
See fish from Kyoto’s rivers and seas
This is one of the top sightseeing spots to visit when coming to Kyoto. Inside the natural ecosystem that continues from the rivers of Kyoto until the sea is reproduced. You can encounter over 15,000 animals from 250 species including African penguins, spotted seals, and nationally treasured Japanese giant salamanders. If you have time, the dolphin performance cannot be missed!
Information
- Address
- 35-1, Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi (inside Umekoji Park)
- Phone number
- 075-354-3130 (10:00~18:00)
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 23 minute walk / 9 minutes by car
PM5:30
Hotel check-in
Welcome to Almont Hotel Kyoto!
PM6:00
Kyoto Wakuden
Feel free to enjoy the taste of the four seasons
You can taste the flavors of all four seasons in this casual setting at the open-air counter or tables while gazing at the mountain ranges extending past the rakuhoku area.
Information
- Address
- Sagaru, Shiokoji, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
Higashi Shiokoji-cho JR Kyoto Isetan 11F - Phone number
- 075-365-1000
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 12 minute walk
PM8:00
AQUA FANTASY
Music and a colorful water fountain interweave to create fantastic art
While returning from you meal, if you have time, you might be able to watch a 15 minute music, water, and lights show. Dancing water fountains and colorful lighting combine with music to create a wondrous piece of art. The first performance time changes according to the season so please make sure to check the official website.
Information
- Address
- Kyoto Station inside the North Exit square underground shopping center PORTA rooftop
- Phone number
- 075-746-2255
(Kyoto Industry and Tourism Bureau MICE Promotion Office) - Distance from hotel
- Approximately 12 minute walk
Relaxation time at the hotel
AT HOTEL
PM9:30
Baths
Enter the large baths to heal the day’s fatigue
Unwind and stretch your legs in a large bath and be healed from the sightseeing and fatigue of the day. There is no higher luxury than the relaxing personal time of soaking your entire body in the calming, warm waters!
Information
- Operating hours
- Men & Women
Evening: 16：00～26：00 / Morning: 6：00～10：00
SLEEP TIME
Back in your room
Going to bed after a satisfying first day of your trip. Rest and look forward to enjoying tomorrow!
How to spend your second day
DAY.2
AM7:30
Umekoji Park
Enjoy a refreshing morning walk or jog
Why not try waking up early and going to Umekoji Park to enjoy a morning walk or jog? Inside the park there is the vast open air grassy area where you can be welcomed by the lush green together with the pleasant feeling of the morning.
Information
- Address
- 56-3, Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-352-2500
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 24 minute walk / 22 minutes by bus
AM8:30
Breakfast
After returning to the hotel, time for breakfast!
These dishes have been carefully selected to fit the concept of communicating heart-warming flavors via a fresh, thick taste. The charm of the long-standing, traditional Japanese restaurants in Kyoto has been recreated here for your enjoyment.
Information
- Location
- Restaurant “Hanamomi”
- Charge
- Adults 1,980 yen (tax included) /
Elementary school students 1,100 yen (tax included) / Preschool children free - Operating hours
- 6：30～10：00
(Please arrive by 9:30)
AM10:00
Check-out
Leaving the hotel and enjoying Kyoto again!
AM10:30
Kyoto Tower Sando
Kyoto’s shopping icon
Kyoto Tower is a symbol of the city and stands at 131m all while boasting to the world about its steel beam-less architecture. In addition to this there are shopping facilities located from the basement to the second floor. This is also a food hall where you can walk while tasting the flavors of Kyoto, standard Kyoto-style and trendy sweets and general stores, and workshops where you can partake in culutural experiencs like making Japanese candies.
Information
- Address
- 721-1, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Sagaru, Shichijo, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-746-5830 (9:00～20:00)
- Operating hours
- 1F market / 9:00～21:00
2F workshops / 9:00～21:00
B1F food hall / 11:00～23:00
※ Some stores may use a different website - URL
- https://kyoto-tower-sando.jp
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 11 minute walk
AM11:30
Shinpukusaisan Main Store
Visit this highly praised and popular restaurant in Kyoto’s competive battleground for ramen
This long-standing shop is representative of Kyoto and specializes in Chinese soba noodles. After eating the medium-thickness sized, straight noodles with rich and dense chicken broth, there is no doubt that you will become addicted. People gather from all around the country creating long-lines at this restaurant in pursuit of that taste.
Information
- Address
- 569, Mukaibata-cho, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
- Phone number
- 075-371-7648
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 8 minute walk
PM13:00
Fushimi Inari-taisha
The head shrine of the god Inari
Visit the shrine that is the head of the many located all over the country dedicated to Inari. As the god of bounty, prosperity, and safety, this shrine is a friendly and intimate shrine. The famous Senbon torii with its image of continously stretching torii gates is even more stunning when you actually visit in person.
Information
- Address
- 68, Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Phone number
- 075-641-7331
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 15 minutes by car or train
Tourist Attractions
SIGHTSEEING
Kyoto Railway Museum
This is the largest railway museum in Japan, and there are approximately 53 actual railroad cars on display from steam locomotives to bullet trains. Whether experiencing riding a train being pulled by a steam locomotive or looking out over the streets of Kyoto from the Sky Terrace, there are all sorts of excitement to be found.
■ Approximately a 30 minute walk or 10 minutes by car from the hotel
JR Kyoto Isetan
This department store is attached to JR Kyoto Station. You can tour the new lifestyles of Kyoto whether through the fashions and food culture dispatched from here throughout the country or at facilities like the adjoined “Eki” KYOTO art museum.
■ Approximately an 11 minute walk from the hotel
Tofuku-ji
This is the head temple of the Tofuku-branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and one of the Kyoto Gozan or “five great Zen temples of Kyoto”. Once called “Garandzura of Tofuku-ji”, its exceedingly magnificent view, paintings, and valuable writings it is in possession of make it a treasure among the Cultural Assets of Japan. Also, Tsutenbashi Bridge is famous for the color-changing foliage in the autumn.
■ Approximately 10 minutes by car or 19 minutes by train from the hotel
Fushimi Inari-taisha
This is the head temple of the over 30,000 nationwide that are dedicated to the god Inari. The solemn beauty of the extending torii gates is nationally famous. It is one of the Kyoto sightseeing spots that cannot be missed.
■ Approximately 15 minutes by car or train from the hotel
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
This museum stands alongside Horikawa, the outer moat of Fushimi Castle, and was used as a sake storehouse during the Meiji period. It presents the history of Japanese sake and sake production in Fushimi. After the tour you can also try the test-tasting that includes 3 different kinds of the high quality sake.
Address: 247, Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi
TEL:075-623-2056
■ Approximately 15 minutes by car or 27 minutes by train from the hotel
Sepporai Kyoto Station Building Store
You can enjoy dishes using seasonal Kyoto-style vegetables at a reasonable price at this rest space designed after traditional Kyoto townhouses. There is also a sister store at Kyoto Tower so when you visit Kyoto you will want to try to casually drop by this store.
■ Approximately a 10 minute walk from the hotel
Shinpukusaisan Main Store
This long-standing shop is representative of Kyoto and specializes in Chinese soba noodles. After eating the medium-thickness sized, straight noodles with rich and dense chicken broth, there is no doubt that you will become addicted. People gather from all around the country creating long-lines at this restaurant in pursuit of that taste.
■ Approximately an 8 minute walk from the hotel
Maiko Oiran Taikensho “Kyoto Aoi”
At this store you can have the genuine experience of maiko and oiran. In addition to having professionals apply make-up, fit a kimono, and take photos in a studio, the option to walk in a Japanese garden (Shosei Garden) as a maiko is also popular. The only thing to carry will be the make-up tools at the end.
■ Approximately a 10 minute walk from the hotel
Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en Garden is a Japanese-style garden with pond a encircled by a pathway and the secondary home of Higashi Hongan-ji temple. In 1641, the land was donated by the shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa and the garden was created based on planning by author Jozan Ishikawa. Nicknamed the “thirteenth view”, the many views available are worthy of attention.
■ Approximately a 15 minute walk from the hotel