Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
KYOTO STATION
OFFLINE MAP
(
京都駅
; JR West 0570-00-2486, 078-382-8686; Shimogyō-ku, Karasuma-dōri, Shiokōji sagaru, Higashishiokō-
ji-chō; Kyoto Station)
The Kyoto Station building is a striking steel-and-glass structure - a
kind of futuristic cathedral for the transport age. Unveiled in September 1997, the building
met with some decidedly mixed reviews. Some critics assail the building as being not in
keeping with the traditional architecture of Kyoto; others love its wide-open spaces and
dramatic lines.
| NOTABLE BUILDING
Whatever the case, you are sure to be impressed by the tremendous space that arches
above you as you enter the main concourse. Moreover, you will probably enjoy a brief ex-
ploration of the many levels of the station, all the way up to the 15th-floor observation
level. And be sure to take the escalator from the 7th floor on the east side of the building up
to the 11th-floor glass corridor that runs high above the main concourse of the station -
though it's not a good spot for those with a fear of heights!
Located in the station building, you will discover several food courts, as well as the
station is on the JR and Kintetsu lines and the Karasuma subway line.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Your first impression of Kyoto will probably be a bit of a letdown. While Kyoto Station itself is an impressive
building, when you see the sea of drab buildings that surround the station, you'll probably wonder if you've got-
ten off at the right stop. Don't despair: Kyoto
is
a beautiful city, it's just that its beauty is hidden away in corners
and pockets of the city, often behind walls. As soon as you get into the sightseeing districts of Southern Hi-
gashiyama, Northern Higashiyama and Arashiyama, you'll see what we mean. Even near Kyoto Station, you'll
see the lovely pagoda at Tō-ji temple, which will give you faith that there is plenty of beauty to be found in the
'Old Capital'.
KYOTO TOWER
OFFLINE MAP
(
京都タワー
; (
| NOTABLE BUILDING
361-3215; Shichijō sagaru, Karasuma, Shimogyō-ku; admission ¥770;
9am-9pm, last entry
5min walk from Kyoto Station central exit)
If you want to orient yourself as soon as you ar-
8.40pm;
