When traveling to Kyoto, it’s common to visit through Kyoto Station. However, this time, upon entering Kyoto via the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station and later Kyoto Station, I experienced Kyoto differently.
“Kyoto Station, the hub of Kyoto”
Before seeing stations like Fushimi Inari Station, I had the impression that Kyoto’s stations were somewhat old-fashioned and relatively small. I expected Kyoto Station to be similarly modest, but upon arrival, its considerable size was quite surprising.
“Kyoto Station, a massive 15-story structure built in 1997 to commemorate the Heian period’s 1,200th anniversary”
Kyoto Station is of a scale incomparable to Tokyo or Osaka Stations. It boasts an impressive 15 stories, constructed in 1997 to commemorate the Heian period’s 1,200th anniversary.
With its grand scale, the daily number of passengers is substantial. JR Nishinihon ranks second after Osaka Station with over 190,000 passengers per day, JR Tokai is seventh with around 35,000 passengers, and the subway, handling around 50,000 passengers, is the most frequented among Kyoto City Subway stations.
The area in front of Kyoto Station hosts both express and local bus stops, making it a central transportation hub in Kyoto.
“A building by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara, known for Umeda Sky Building in Osaka and Sapporo Dome”
This structure, known for Umeda Sky Building in Osaka and Sapporo Dome in Sapporo, was designed by Hiroshi Hara. Due to its substantial size, the station is divided into two areas, Karasumaguchi and Hachijoguchi, each with its own facilities.
Karasumaguchi houses the main station with hotels, theaters for performances such as plays and musicals on the left, and in the center, the JR Tokaido Line is utilized. Exiting from this side allows access to the Karasuma Line of Kyoto City Subway.
Hachijoguchi provides access to JR Tokai’s Tokaido Shinkansen and Kinki Nippon Railway’s Kyoto Line. Underground, it serves as a gathering place for night buses heading to various locations in Japan.
“Located opposite Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station”
As Kyoto Station serves as the gateway to Kyoto, it plays a significant role as the city’s practical center. Hence, from here, you can see “Kyoto Tower,” a symbolic structure of Kyoto. While not as tall as Tokyo Tower, Kyoto Tower is clearly visible from the station.
Upon disembarking at Kyoto Station and seeing Kyoto Tower, one can’t help but think, “I’ve arrived in Kyoto.” In any case, I arrived at Kyoto Station, albeit a bit late, and made preparations to take a bus to Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo groves.
“Kyoto, Kyoto Station”
- Address: Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Website: Kyoto Station