Things To Do In Kyoto Station

Above, an inside view of Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For many of us Americans, the first time we took notice of Kyoto Station was watching the 1999 movie, Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris. It was inside Kyoto Station that the kaiju Gamera battled the monster Iris (or Irys).

As it turns out, besides being in Japanese monster movie history, Kyoto Station has things to do besides catching or disembarking a train. Live Japan has listed 8 of those things.

They begin with:

Kyoto Station is the first stopover for most visitors to Kyoto. Having a modern art-esque look, the large building actually has many attractions and places to visit inside. 

The author, a Kyoto native, will introduce you to several special unique things to do at Kyoto Station, from spots where you can enjoy great views, savor delicious cuisine and find the perfect gifts! 

Kyoto Station Building, reflecting Kyoto Tower off its mirrored surface. The building has a grand presence and amazes visitors from everywhere! 

The building itself was constructed in 1997 and was designed by Hiroshi Hara. He also worked on many innovative modern structures such as the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka and Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido. 

The station concourse is spacious, where lines and curves, geometric patterns, and abstract objects are intermingled, creating a mysterious space. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is connected to the east side of the station building and JR Kyoto Isetan is connected to the west side. Between the two buildings is a large open area with a ceiling and glass wall, there is also the aerial Skyway Tunnel passageway some 45 meters above ground that connects the east and west structures. 

In the Kyoto Station Building there are many facilities with plenty of things to do to spend your whole day here.

Above, a view of Kyoto Station from a Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Station is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here.