A beautiful tower with a lighthouse motif
A white tower soars in front of your eyes as soon as you leave Kyoto Station’s Karasuma Exit. This is Kyoto Tower, a beloved landmark in front of Kyoto Station since its birth in 1964. That distinctive appearance hints at a lighthouse shining upon the landlocked streets of Kyoto. Different from the Eiffel Tower and Tokyo Tower, it isn’t constructed from a single steel frame. The building with 9 aboveground floors and 3 underground floors that acts as the pedestal for the tower contains a hotel, a famed shopping arcade and a restaurant avenue. To reach the tower’s observation lounge, take the special elevator to the 11th floor where the 1st observation lounge is located.
Get a panoramic view of a World Heritage city from 100m up!
Kyoto Tower’s observation lounge is located at a height of 100m above ground. You may think that 100m is rather low, but since there are no buildings within Kyoto that are higher than 60m, you can view just about everything in the area. The night view is also recommended. You can enjoy an even more superb view than imagined. After enjoying this grand panorama, head for the highest shrine within Kyoto. Tawara-chan Shrine was born in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the tower. With cooperation from Shimogamo Shrine which is known as the matchmaking shrine, prayers via ema votive pictures and fortune slips are conducted. You can count on good fortune here.
After enjoying the scenery, relax in a huge bath!
After enjoying the 100m-high view, we recommend the large public bath in the 3rd-level basement, Kyoto Tower’s YUU which is equipped with a huge bathtub. The price is a bit high compared to the average bathhouse but it comes with complementary towels so customers can come in without needing to bring anything. Shampoo, soap and other toiletries are completely provided. Open from 7a.m. to 8:30p.m, it’s convenient for customers who come in on the overnight bus. On the interior walls, there are illustrations of Kyoto Tower and 5-storied pagodas so you can also get a taste of the old capital.