If you are staying near Kyoto Station, choosing between the Karasuma Exit and Hachijo Exit can make a noticeable difference to your arrival and daily travel. The north-facing Karasuma side puts you close to Kyoto Tower, the main bus terminal, and central sightseeing connections. The south-facing Hachijo side is especially convenient for Shinkansen passengers and airport buses. Here is how to decide which side fits your trip.
Karasuma Exit: Better for Buses, Kyoto Tower and Central Sightseeing
The Karasuma Exit faces the traditional front of Kyoto Station. This is the side most visitors recognize from photos of Kyoto Tower and the station's large central plaza.
It can be a particularly practical choice if your Kyoto itinerary involves using buses or exploring the central part of the city.
Why stay on the Karasuma side?
Kyoto Tower is directly in front of the station, making it an easy landmark when you first arrive.
The main Kyoto Station bus terminal is on this side, with services for many sightseeing destinations.
JR Kyoto Isetan and the station's shopping and dining facilities are nearby.
The area connects conveniently with the Karasuma Subway Line, making it useful for travelers who prefer rail connections.
It is a good base if you expect to start many sightseeing days from the main station plaza.
Kyoto Tower Hotel, for example, is approximately two minutes from JR Kyoto Station's Karasuma Central Gate. Its location is directly across from the station and bus terminal, while its building also connects with the underground Porta shopping area and access toward the subway.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is one of the easiest choices if you want to minimize the distance between your room and Kyoto Station itself. The hotel is integrated directly into the Kyoto Station Building, next to the Central Exit.
This can be especially useful if you arrive by JR train, need to transfer between trains, or want to avoid dragging luggage along city streets. The hotel also has direct access to the station's shopping, dining, and transportation facilities.
Directly connected to JR Kyoto Station
Excellent choice for rail connections and heavy luggage
Inside the Kyoto Station complex
Convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and station facilities
[Check Rates & Availability for Hotel Granvia Kyoto]
Kyoto Tower Hotel
If your priority is being immediately outside the station on the Karasuma side, Kyoto Tower Hotel is another practical option.
The hotel sits at the base of Kyoto Tower, about a two-minute walk from the Karasuma Central Gate. The location puts the bus terminal, Kyoto Tower, station shopping, and underground access close at hand.
About two minutes from the Karasuma Central Gate
Directly opposite the main station plaza
Convenient for the Kyoto Station bus terminal
Underground access toward Porta and the subway area
[Check Rates & Availability for Kyoto Tower Hotel]
Hachijo Exit: Better for Shinkansen and Airport Bus Arrivals
The Hachijo Exit faces the south side of Kyoto Station. For travelers arriving on the Tokaido Shinkansen or using an airport limousine bus from Kansai International Airport, this side can save time and unnecessary luggage handling.
The station's Shinkansen facilities are located on the south side, while airport buses use stops around the Hachijo Exit area.
This makes the Hachijo side particularly attractive if your first concern is getting from your arrival point to your hotel with as little walking as possible.
Why stay on the Hachijo side?
Convenient for Shinkansen arrivals and departures
Close to airport limousine bus stops
Useful for travelers arriving from Kansai International Airport
Several large hotels are only a short walk from the station
AEON Mall Kyoto and other shopping options are nearby
For example, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is located at the south side of Kyoto Station. The hotel states that it is about a two-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit, while the Kansai Airport bus stop at Avanti is about five minutes away on foot.
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is one of the clearest choices for travelers who specifically want the Hachijo side.
It is around two minutes from the Hachijo Exit, and the hotel is also convenient for airport bus arrivals. Travelers coming from Kansai International Airport can take an airport bus to the Kyoto Station Hachijo area and then walk to the hotel.
Around two minutes from the Hachijo Exit
Convenient for Kansai Airport airport-bus arrivals
Convenient for Shinkansen travelers
Good option when minimizing luggage walking is important
[Check Rates & Availability for Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo]
Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station
For travelers arriving by Shinkansen, Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station is particularly convenient.
The hotel is directly connected to Kyoto Station and is approximately one minute from both the Kintetsu Kyoto Station ticket gate and the Shinkansen Central Gate. The hotel's own directions specifically provide a short route from the Shinkansen Central Gate to the hotel entrance.
Approximately one minute from the Shinkansen Central Gate
Directly connected with Kyoto Station
Next to Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Excellent choice for travelers arriving with large luggage
[Check Rates & Availability for Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station]
So, Which Side of Kyoto Station Should You Choose?
There is no single best side for every traveler.
Choose the Karasuma Exit if you care most about:
The main bus terminal
Kyoto Tower and the front of Kyoto Station
Central sightseeing connections
Shopping and dining around Kyoto Station
Easy access to the subway area
Choose the Hachijo Exit if you care most about:
For a first Kyoto trip, the difference is less about which side is "better" and more about where you expect to enter and leave the city most often. If your itinerary starts and ends with the Shinkansen or an airport bus, the Hachijo side can be extremely convenient. If you expect to rely heavily on the main bus terminal and central station area, the Karasuma side may make more sense.
Use the Interactive Map below to compare these hotels by location and check current room rates before booking.
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