Kyoto Tower (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kyoto Tower?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can safely use telescopes and spot temples, discounted tickets keep cost down, but there is no play zone and long elevator lines may test patience.
Positives:
- Easy Access: Located right outside Kyoto Station, no extra transport needed.
- Interactive Features: Free telescopes and touchscreen panels keep kids engaged.
Challenges:
- Crowded Elevators: Elevators can be busy at peak times—expect short waits.
- Breezy Deck: Bring a light jacket; the open deck can feel cool even in mild weather.
What is Kyoto Tower?
- A slender white steel structure modeled on a traditional candle, rising 131 meters above Kyoto Station.
- A circular observation deck at 100 meters, providing panoramic vistas of Kyoto’s historic temples, shrines and the Higashiyama mountain range.
- A multi-use base housing a hotel, restaurants and a shopping arcade beneath the tower’s illuminated framework.
What is so special about Kyoto Tower for with kids?
- Panoramic 100m views kids can explore with telescopes
- Casual food hall offers quick, child-friendly meals
- Market shops let children pick affordable souvenirs
- Hands-on wagashi workshop adds a creative experience
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to visit the observatory, eat at the food hall, and browse shops at a relaxed pace with children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kyoto Tower
Observation Deck:
Ride the elevator to the 100m-high deck for panoramic views of temples, mountains and city streets.
Tip: Buy family tickets at the counter; use free telescopes and touchscreen guides for interactive fun.
Kyoto Tower Sando Food Hall:
Sample ramen, sushi and matcha sweets in a casual food court setting.
Tip: Visit around 2pm to avoid lunch rush and secure seating with kids.
Market Shops (1F):
Explore stalls selling candies, toys and local crafts.
Tip: Give each child a small budget to choose a treat or souvenir.
Wagashi Workshop:
Join a hands-on session making traditional Japanese sweets.
Tip: Book at least one day in advance; suitable for children aged 6 and up.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto Tower (Kyoto, Japan)?
In winter, enjoy crisp night views; in spring, spot cherry blossoms from the deck.
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Reviews of Kyoto Tower (Kyoto)
CP T
Nice experience as an observation tower at this rate of 900 yen per adult. One free photo with the old newspaper background frame is an interesting little gift too.
Hafiz Muhammad Arslan
Nidec Kyoto Tower, located just across from Kyoto Station, is a modest but convenient landmark that offers a 100-meter-high observation deck with panoramic views of the city. While it may not rival the grandeur of other famous towers in Japan, it provides a nice overview of Kyoto’s skyline, especially at sunset or night. The tower also houses restaurants, souvenir shops, and a public bath, making ...
Peter Wegscheider
This does not concern the observatory BUT is about the 10th floor Wonderland bar & restaurant. We decided to give it a try and we enjoyed it. The music was truly great (for us boomers), drinks were cheap, 1000 JPY for a GT. We had some fingerfood which was good too. You can also order real food and apparently, you can also reserve a table up front. They don’t advertise it anywhere but you should t...
plu !!
We went here on an impromptu visit, spotting it on the map and deciding to head there for a nighttime view of the city. This tall building was cheap to enter, and satisfied the price with the views and experiences! It was easy to buy a ticket at the office, and the crowds were not as bad as they may have been during the day. Although there isn’t much to distract oneself through means of shopping ...
Ferdinand
When you’re in Kyoto, you absolutely must experience the breathtaking beauty of the city from up high. The Kyoto Tower offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, and in my opinion, the best time to visit is during sunset. The ticket cost ¥900, and we went during noon, but the view was still stunning!
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Observation Deck tickets (2 adults + 2 children) | JPY 2,600 |
| Lunch at Food Hall | JPY 3,200 |
| Souvenir treats | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 6,800 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kyoto Tower
- Skip the Line: Buy or reserve observatory tickets online to reduce wait time.
- Sunset Timing: Aim to arrive 30 minutes before sunset for changing city colors.
Map of Kyoto Tower
Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokōjichō, ７２１−１ ニデック京都タワー 展望室 ３階
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About Kyoto Tower
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-361-3215Explore Popular Things to Do
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