Jan 18, 2014 - 1 min read

Enjoy the Views From Kyoto Tower

Observation tower and tallest structure in Kyoto

Community writer

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The observation deck is only about 100 m high; however, as Kyoto has virtually no high-rise buildings other than the station, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the cultural capital with a minimum of obstacles. On a clear day the mountains of Higashiyama and Arashiyama are visible on the east and west sides and you may even be lucky to see some buildings in Osaka.

The tallest standing structure in Kyoto, Kyoto Tower, stands just opposite JR Kyoto station. It serves as an observation tower and hosts a 3-star hotel.

The observation tower has set up multiple binoculars, from where you can clearly see many tourist attractions of the city. I was particularly surprised to see the clarity with which I could see the Big Buddha at the Ryozen Kannon.

The view at night is equally beautiful; it's actually the only panoramic view you can have in Kyoto.

The JR Kyoto Station side as seen from the observation tower; you can see the bullet trains entering the station, and departing too.

Kyoto Tower Hotel neon sign below the tower itself.

Kyoto Tower as seen from JR Kyoto Station. The first four floors of the building house several commercial areas, including a souvenir shop. The neighborhood has undergone a bit of transformation recently, with Yodobashi Camera which has opened just in the adjoining premises.

Kyoto, the cultural capital, has always resisted modern looking architecture, and the Kyoto Tower had its share of resistance, but was finally completed and opened to general public in 1964. Designed to look like a Japanese candle, Kyoto Tower is an observation tower which is just opposite of JR Kyoto Station.

Do not miss an aerial view of Kyoto, well equipped with binoculars which can give you a wonderful view of this city so rich in culture.