Kyoto Station may be a busy transit point for most travelers, but few know its true beauty lies in its rooftop gardens and scenic city views.
So much more than a train station, Kyoto Station offers amazing facilities where you can eat, shop, and enjoy unbeatable views of Kyoto city. Simply turn right once you enter the main entrance of Kyoto station and you’ll reach what I like to call the “Stairway to Heaven.”
Stairway to Heaven
Despite the endless hustle and bustle of Kyoto Station, it gets really quiet and peaceful once you’ve reached the Stairway to Heaven.
This impressive display of modern architecture features a massive staircase and escalator that ascends to the 15th floor of the station building.
Along the way up, you can enjoy crystal clear reflections on either side as well as intriguing angles of the surrounding architecture.
Rooftop Garden
At the top of the stairs is a gorgeous garden showcasing lush green grass and small trees that enhance the beauty of the vicinity.
There’s nothing like hanging around a garden at an extremely high altitude!
Thrill and excitement are combined with a feeling of zen-like relaxation as the gardens act as a distraction for how high up you really are!
Observatory Point
Separated by nothing but a wall of transparent glass, you will find yourself face-to-face with an exceptional view of the city from the observation deck of Kyoto Station.
You can also look down and see a plethora of train track routes merging in a complex yet harmonious manner. Don’t worry, the glass wall is quite tall and strong, so there’s no need to worry about your safety.
Kyoto Tower
It gets even better when you walk through the rooftop tunnel and see magnificent views of Kyoto Tower!
A proud structure of pure white stands tall amongst the buildings of Kyoto city, serving as an inspiration to the people and a display of aesthetic architecture.
From here, you get the perfect front-facing view of the tower complete with a misty mountainous background. A true artistic masterpiece!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!