Perhaps you’re wondering how to navigate this bustling hub. The JR Line Underground East Gate is your gateway to the sprawling Kyoto Station. It is more than just a transit point. It’s a launchpad for exploring Kyoto.
Kyoto Station is the city’s main transportation hub. The JR Line Underground East Gate provides access to a network of train lines. These lines connect you to the city and beyond.
Construction of Kyoto Station finished in 1997. It commemorated Kyoto’s 1200th anniversary as the capital. Architect Hiroshi Hara designed the station with a modern aesthetic.
Kyoto Station is one of Japan’s largest train stations. It is sixty meters tall and 470 meters wide. The station spans 238,000 square meters. It features three underground floors and sixteen aboveground floors.
Navigating Kyoto Station can seem daunting. But the JR Line Underground East Gate helps orient you. From here you can reach the Karasuma and Hachijo sides of the station.
The Karasuma side is on the north. It leads to downtown Kyoto. You will also find the main bus terminal here. The Central Gate for JR train lines is on this side.
The Hachijo side is to the south. It is where the Shinkansen platforms are located. Kintetsu Kyoto Station is also on the Hachijo side.
The Shinkansen East Transfer Gate and Central Transfer Gate facilitate transfers. They connect regular trains to the Shinkansen lines.
Kyoto Station offers more than just transportation. It is a destination in itself. You can find shops, restaurants, and attractions within its walls.
The Kyoto Tourist Information Center is on the second floor. Multilingual staff can assist you with your travel plans. The International Information Center is on the ninth floor.
Isetan department store occupies ten floors. It is located on the station’s western side. You can find clothing, food, and souvenirs here. An art museum is on Isetan’s seventh floor.
The Porta Underground Shopping Mall is beneath the bus terminal. It houses around 100 stores. The Cube Shopping Mall is also on the basement level. It features sweets and local souvenirs.
Dining options abound in Kyoto Station. Cube Gourmet Street is on the 11th floor. It has nine restaurants with varied cuisines. Kyoto Ramen Street is on the 10th floor. It offers a variety of ramen noodle bars.
For panoramic views, visit the observation deck and Skyway. Access the open-air observation deck by escalator. The Skyway tunnel offers views from above the central hall.
Exiting Kyoto Station on the Karasuma side places you near shops and hotels. Kyoto Tower is also nearby.
Leaving from the Hachijo side, you will find hotels and highway bus stops. Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is within reach from here.
As you pass through the JR Line Underground East Gate, remember the station’s history. It’s a modern hub built on centuries of tradition. Enjoy your exploration of Kyoto.