Nidec Kyoto Tower

ニデック京都タワー

Nidec Kyoto Tower is a 131-meter tower and a landmark of Kyoto. Its observation deck opened on December 28, 1964. The slim white shape was designed by architect Yamada Mamoru to look like a lighthouse shining over Kyoto, and it was the first building in Japan to use a monocoque structure with no steel frame. From the observation room 100 meters above the ground, you can see the whole city and the mountains around it in 360 degrees.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

The observation deck is open from 10:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30). Hours may change without notice.

Admission

Observation deck tickets: adults ¥1,000, high school students ¥800, elementary and junior high school students ¥700, children under 6 ¥300. Free for children under 3.

Getting there

About a 2-minute walk from the Karasuma Central Gate of JR Kyoto Station.

The tower is directly connected to Porta, the underground shopping mall under Kyoto Station.

Time needed

Many visitors spend about 15 to 30 minutes on the observation deck.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Re-entry to the observation deck is not allowed. If you have a special reason, talk to staff before you leave.
Large luggage cannot be stored at the observation deck entrance. Please use coin lockers nearby.
The observation deck can be used with a wheelchair. However, there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet inside the observation deck.
The telescopes on the 5th floor of the observation deck are free to use.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Most visitors spend about 15–30 minutes on the observation deck, and there is no time limit. This makes it easy to fit in between prayer times.
Observation decks can have long waits at sunset and on weekends. A timed ticket helps you keep to your prayer times.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.