Landmark & Tower · Kyoto Station

NIDEC Kyoto Tower ニデック京都タワー

The candle-shaped white tower opposite Kyoto Station, Kyoto's tallest structure at 131 m, with a 100 m observation deck giving a 360-degree view of the city's temples and mountains.

About

Kyoto Tower opened in 1964, designed by the architect Yamada Mamoru to resemble a candle illuminating the city, or a lighthouse for a city without a sea. Built without steel frames, its cylindrical shell is made of welded steel plates like a ship. It was controversial at the time, but it has become Kyoto's welcome sign for arriving travellers. Since 2022 it carries the name of the electronics company Nidec. The observation deck at 100 m gives a 360-degree view across the grid of the city to Kiyomizu-dera, To-ji, the Higashiyama hills and on clear days Osaka. The tower's base has a basement public bath and the Kyoto Tower Sando food hall and souvenir market.

Highlights

• 360-degree observation deck at 100 m
• Views to Kiyomizu-dera, To-ji pagoda and the mountains
• Candle-shaped 1964 design by Yamada Mamoru
• Night illumination in changing colours
• Kyoto Tower Sando food and souvenir floors

Tips

• Go at dusk to see the city lights come on.
• Check discount ticket combos with the basement bath.
• The tower is directly across from Kyoto Station's Karasuma exit.
• Prices were revised in 2026; check the official site.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10

Nearby

• Kyoto Tower SandoMall & Department Store · 10 m away
• Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center (Kyoto Station)Tourist Info · 30 m away
• Camera no Kitamura Kyoto Used Camera CenterCamera Store · 80 m away
• Yodobashi Camera Multimedia KyotoCamera Store · 80 m away
• Crosta Kyoto (Kyoto Station Baggage Counter & Hotel Delivery)Luggage Storage · 100 m away
• Kyoto PortaMall & Department Store · 110 m away
• Coin Lockers · Kyoto Station (Subway & Porta underground)Luggage Storage · 110 m away
• pikuraku PORTER Smart Lockers (JR Kyoto Station Central Exit)Luggage Storage · 140 m away