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Central Kyoto City

Central Kyoto City

The grid pattern of Kyoto City was modeled on the layout of Chang’an, which was the capital of China’s Tang dynasty. Nowadays, the center of Kyoto is a place where you can feel the new and old Kyoto at the same time.

You can enjoy shopping and dining at Nishiki market and the Shijo area, experience the history of Kyoto at Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace, and learn about the traditional culture of Kyoto.

Maiko and geiko can sometimes be seen walking in Kyoto’s Hanamachi districts such as Pontocho and Gion. High-end brand shops and department stores stand along the city’s largest shopping district along Shijo-dori Street, between Kawaramachi to Karasuma Streets.

At night, the area becomes lively as a popular gathering spot for young people.

How to get to this area

Please see these links for comfortable access to major tourist destinations.

Nishiki Market

Nijo-jo Castle

Tips

Note

*Please avoid eating while walking through the Nishiki Market.
Eating food at the store at which it was purchased OR bringing it home is one of the cardinal rules of Nishiki Market.
A Request from Nishiki Market to All Visitors

Destinations in this area

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Festivals & Events

“Kokera Otoshi” – Maiko and Geiko Performance for Miyagawacho’s Theater Opening Ceremony

“Kokera Otoshi” – Maiko and Geiko Performance for Miyagawacho’s Theater Opening Ceremony

01 Nov – 09 Nov 2025

Traditional Events

Venue: Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Mitsuwaza Theater

Special Autumn Evening Opening of Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple

Special Autumn Evening Opening of Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto’s Oldest Zen Temple

16 Nov 2025

Tours & Experiences

Venue: Meeting place: Kennin-ji Temple Visitor's Reception (Main Temple)

IMAGINE NOH

IMAGINE NOH

12 Nov – 04 Dec 2025

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: The Kyoto Kanze Noh Theatre / The Kongo Noh Theatre

Japan’s National Treasures Depicted Through Kyoto’s Shibori Tie-Dyeing (World Heritage Murals: 100 Views of Kyoto)

Japan’s National Treasures Depicted Through Kyoto’s Shibori Tie-Dyeing (World Heritage Murals: 100 Views of Kyoto)

04 Sep – 24 Dec 2025

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Kyoto Shibori Museum

Maiko Performance Event: Experience Kyoto’s Traditional Culture

Maiko Performance Event: Experience Kyoto’s Traditional Culture

14 May 2025 – 11 Mar 2026

Tours & Experiences

Venue: Hotel Intergate Kyoto, Shijo Shinmachi 1F, Special Venue

See all upcoming events

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