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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

Mae Engelgeer x Ryosokuin
UTSUROI HYMN (From Fragments to Soft Gestures in Stillness) Textile Exhibition

Mae Engelgeer x Ryosokuin UTSUROI HYMN (From Fragments to Soft Gestures in Stillness) Textile Exhibition

29 May – 12 Jul 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Ryosoku-in Temple

The Shogun Takes His Seat —San-no-ma (Third Room) of the Ohiroma—: Mural Exhibition

The Shogun Takes His Seat —San-no-ma (Third Room) of the Ohiroma—: Mural Exhibition

13 Jun – 11 Aug 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Nijo-jo Castle Painting Gallery

Marimekko: Art of Printmaking –Beauty, Dream, Love Exhibition
Exhibition key visuals: Top right: Klaava, Annika Rimala, 1967 / Bottom: Viidakko, Pentti Rinta, 1981 / Top left: Seppel, Antti Kekki, 2022

Marimekko: Art of Printmaking –Beauty, Dream, Love Exhibition

04 Jul – 06 Sep 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: The Museum of Kyoto, 4F & 3F

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