Recommended when you have a little time! Kyoto Station Building's Hole-in-the-Wall Spots

The corona infection situation has calmed down a bit and there are more opportunities for travel today. Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto, seems to be getting crowded again with couples with carry-on bags, families, and students on school excursions. Kyoto Station is the largest station in Kyoto and is home to a variety of facilities, including commercial facilities. It is not only used as a transportation facility, but also as a place to stop by when you have a little time left before your bullet train or train! We would like to introduce you to some of the best spots in the station building for you to stop by when you have a little time left before your bullet train or train.

Muromachi Koji Plaza

First, from the JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, head to Muromachi Koji Plaza on the west side of the station. Go down the first escalator and you will see Kyoto Tower on your right! This is one of the most beautiful photo spots for the tower.

Another escalator up and you are at Muromachi Koji Plaza. It is an open space, and various events were being held in front of the Corona Disaster. And a large vermilion monument in the plaza is eye-catching. It is called "Shu Koumai" by Kyubei Shimizu, and was created and installed to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the Heian Capital. 

Incidentally, the view of Kyoto Tower from Muromachi Koji Plaza looks like this; the three-colored objet d'art is cute.

Ozora Plaza, Leafy Plaza

From Muromachi Koji Plaza, take the grand staircase or escalator up to the Ozora Hiroba Happi Terrace. It is located on the rooftop of JR Kyoto Isetan, and can also be accessed by stairs from the 11th floor of Isetan. The grand staircase has 171 steps, is 70 meters long, and has a height difference of 35 meters. Even if you are not afraid of heights, it looks a little scary.

From the plaza, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city. There are also many benches, so you may want to buy a box lunch at Isetan and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Of course, you can also see Kyoto Tower! It's great that anyone can enter for free and enjoy the view, isn't it?

At night, the bamboo is lit up to create a fantastic atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples.

Karasuma Koji Plaza

The next stop is Karasuma Koji Plaza on the east side of the station. After exiting the central ticket gate of Kyoto Station, take the three escalators at the far right to the top, and you will arrive at Karasuma Koji Plaza.
From the north side of the plaza, a panoramic view of Kyoto Tower can be seen, and this is also one of the best spots to view Kyoto Tower.

I actually did not know such a monument existed until this day...! Combined with the artificial and futuristic atmosphere of the station building atrium (a huge space covered with a glass roof), it is easy to forget that you are in Kyoto.

Although we did not pass through this time, visitors can also move between the east and west sides of the station building through a passageway called the "aerial route. The passage is made of glass, so you feel as if you are taking a walk in the air. You can also get a great view of Kyoto Tower.

How was it? We hope you will explore Kyoto Station, the gateway to travel in Kyoto, and discover new attractions of Kyoto Station!

Facility Name:Kyoto Station Bldg.

Address:901 Higashishioji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

HP:https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/