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Kyoto Tower (Nidec Kyoto Tower) is the city's tallest building (131 meters). It offers a 360° view of Kyoto from the Observation Deck (100 meters).
The tower was built in 1964, on the site of Kyoto's Central Post Office building.
Opening times and admission
Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (with the last admission being at 8:30 pm)
Admission is 900 Yen.
How to get there
Kyoto Tower is opposite/across the street from Kyoto Station (1-2 minutes walk)
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
The Observation Deck, which is 100 meters above ground, offers a 360 view of Kyoto.
If you want a more in-depth look at some parts of this beautiful city, you can make use of the free-to-use telescopes scattered around the Observation Deck
Kyoto Tower offers the opportunity to see Kiyomizu-dera, Toji and Tofukuji from a different perspective, as the views from the tower reach quite far, including Kyoto's Higashiyama and Arashiyama districts.
How long does a visit to Kyoto Tower take?
If you set aside an hour, you will have more than enough time to take a good look at Kyoto from the Observation Deck and maybe buy a few souvenirs.
Inside the tower's base (the Kyoto Tower Building) are souvenir shops, restaurants and a hotel, which might tempt you to extend your visit there.
I visited Kyoto Tower on my first trip there, as well as my most recent one, and had a wonderful time on both occasions. If you can, try and be there on a clear day, later in the afternoon, for the best views.
If you're looking for good views of Kyoto, especially beautiful sunsets, or you're just trying to take a small break from visiting all the temples, shrines and museums, then I would recommend you give this place a try.
Have you ever been there? If so, I would love to hear about your visit there, in the comments below.
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I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.