Opened in 1964 and designed to resemble a traditional Japanese candle by architect Makoto Tanahashi, Kyoto Tower is one of the more unusual structures on the Kyoto skyline. The needle-like tower sits atop a nine-storey building and rises 131 metres into the sky, making it the tallest man-made structure in the ancient capital. The tower was originally built to coincide with the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and the opening of the Shinkansen bullet train line, with Kyoto Station located directly across the road.
Also known as Nidec Kyoto Tower, the tower was constructed on the site of the former Kyoto Post Office and faced considerable controversy during its development. When it first opened, many locals felt the tower was too modern and clashed with Kyoto’s historic aesthetic. Over time, public opinion began to shift, with comparisons drawn to the Eiffel Tower, which had also been met with scepticism when first proposed in Paris.
Kyoto Tower features a public observatory 100 metres above street level, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city, and even as far as Osaka on a clear day. The tower also includes a three-storey sky lounge restaurant, providing an upmarket bar and dining experience.
The lower levels of the building house a variety of commercial facilities, including a tourist information centre, a public bath, restaurants, and the three-star Kyoto Tower Hotel.
At the time of writing, the tower was open daily from around 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with an admission fee of ¥900.
Official Website:
https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/
