Kyoto Tower is an impressive landmark that offers a unique perspective of the city, especially considering Kyoto’s traditional skyline. From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch across the entire city, with mountains visible in the distance on clear days. It is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the city slowly changes colors and the lights begin to turn on.
The tower is very easy to access, located right in front of Kyoto Station, which makes it a convenient stop even for travelers with limited time. The facilities are clean and well maintained, and the staff are polite and helpful. There are also informative displays that help visitors understand what they are seeing from above.
While Kyoto is famous for temples, shrines, and historic streets, Kyoto Tower offers a modern contrast and a chance to appreciate the city from a different angle. It is a calm and enjoyable experience, not too crowded, and suitable for all ages. I would definitely recommend visiting Kyoto Tower, especially for first-time visitors who want a memorable and relaxing way to see Kyoto from above.
Nidec Kyoto Tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto, standing at 131 meters (430 feet). Located directly across from Kyoto Station, it serves as a modern "lighthouse" for the landlocked city. Unlike typical lattice-style steel towers (like Tokyo Tower), it features a unique monocoque structure made of cylindrical steel rings welded together, allowing it to stand without an internal frame.
The tower is built on top of a 9-story commercial building that houses the Kyoto Tower Hotel, a variety of restaurants, and the Kyoto Tower Sando shopping mall. Its observation deck, situated 100 meters above the ground, offers a 360-degree view of the city’s grid-like streets, surrounding mountains, and iconic landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and To-ji Temple.
History
Construction (1964): The tower was completed in December 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics and the opening of the Shinkansen (bullet train). It was built on the former site of Kyoto's central post office.
Design Inspiration: Architect Mamoru Yamada and engineer Makoto Tanahashi designed the tower to resemble a traditional Japanese candle (wa-rosoku). This was intended to symbolize a beacon of light illuminating the "waves" of the city's tiled roofs.
Modern Controversy: Upon its completion, the tower was highly controversial. Many residents and scholars felt its futuristic, white-and-red design was a "stake through the heart" of the ancient capital, clashing with the city's traditional aesthetic. Over time, however, it has become a beloved symbol of Kyoto's postwar modernization.
Naming Rights (2024): On April 1, 2024, the landmark was officially renamed Nidec Kyoto Tower after the Kyoto-based global technology firm Nidec Corporation (formerly Nippon Densan) acquired the naming rights to mark the tower's 60th anniversary.
We went up the tower at night and it gave us a great view of the city! You can pick out some key landmarks and really get a sense of the scale and size of Kyoto. We spent about 45 minutes from when we entered to leaving. Worth the money if you like a good view.
They had a stamp rally for you to spot all the taller towers in Kyoto which I thought was interesting. But it’s a relatively small observation deck.
900 yen entrance fee for a 3-minute walk around the deck is a little steep. Pro tip: if you stay in the Kyoto tower hotel, you get to go up at 400 yen.
The location was actually very convenient: near to the station and easy to find.
Beautiful 360° view of the Kyoto Station area. The tower is about 100 meters tall, and at the top you’ll find panoramic binoculars to enjoy the view.
Adult tickets cost ¥900 (children and students pay lower prices). You can purchase them at the ticket counter located on the 1st floor. After buying your ticket, you need to go up to the 11th floor.
