Every moment is a delightful surprise—Kyoto Station, the ultimate destination for food and shopping.

Many friends have asked me what there is to do in Kyoto besides visiting historic sites like Kiyomizu-dera. Without diving into distant spots, let me introduce you to the various attractions around Kyoto Station.

Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, you’ll quickly find the tourist information center.

A little further ahead, you’ll see the observation gate. Let’s begin our journey today through this gateway.

The steel-framed architecture here is full of design flair from every angle, making it easy even for amateur photographers to capture stunning shots. You can also gaze directly at the towering Kyoto Tower through the elevated walkway.

With just a casual snap, I captured photos I’m extremely satisfied with.

For photography enthusiasts who want to soak in every bit of scenery, I highly recommend exploring Kyoto Station via its elevators—each floor offers a unique view. The lower-level garden has a European-style charm, the upper observation deck lets you watch the Shinkansen speed beneath your feet, and the top floor features a streamlined station design that resembles an eagle ready to take flight.I truly admire the designers behind this place.

After exploring, it’s time for lunch. The Ramen Street, accessible via the elevated walkway or elevator, is an excellent choice.

This entire floor is dedicated to ramen, featuring flavors and regional varieties from all over Japan. No need to travel far—Kyoto Station has it all.

Masutani, a long-established Kyoto brand, is the originator of chicken soy sauce ramen. I ordered the Chinese-style noodles, and the taste lived up to its reputation since 1948 (Showa 23).What surprised me was that while the broth looked rich, it had a refreshing taste that wasn’t heavy at all. The layered, savory flavors spread beautifully in the mouth, leaving a lasting impression.

Next up is Toyama Black Ramen. The moment it arrived, I was drawn to its deep, almost bottomless black color. The broth is made from the gift of the deep sea—fish sauce, carefully brewed with seafood soy sauce. Eating this ramen feels like a treasure hunt, searching for the next delicious bite in the dark broth. Beyond the rich soy sauce flavor, you can also taste the umami unique to seafood. It’s worth mentioning that the meat topping comes in two thicknesses and textures, showing the chef’s attention to detail.

Finally, there’s this rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka. As someone who loves tonkotsu ramen, how could I miss trying it? The broth is incredibly rich and velvety, as if cream had been added. All the essence of the pork bones is infused into this thick soup. The noodles, soaked in the broth, are flavorful yet still maintain their chewiness. The accompanying pork is so tender it melts in your mouth with just a light bite.

After eating and drinking your fill, it’s time to explore what’s around Kyoto Station. First on the list is AEON Mall. Its massive scale means you’ll need to set aside an afternoon to fully enjoy it.

Here’s a huge treat for wine lovers~Asano Japanese Sake not only offers a wide selection of Japanese sake, including the media-favorite “Koi” (carp), but also provides a tasting service. You can sample a little of whatever catches your eye.You’re sure to find a sake you love.

FrancFranc is a brand that truly brightens up life. It’s hugely popular among young people in Japan, offering dreamy tableware and lifestyle items. Just one piece can show you how design can enhance everyday living.

No need to elaborate on Muji. This branch has an absolute size advantage—huge and perfect for an all-in-one shopping spree.

ABC Mart is another must-visit. It has unique design touches, recreating the look of each brand’s actual store. Shopping here feels like stepping into the brand’s own shop.

Another tip: Uniqlo here is not only super spacious but also has a complete range of styles. Unlike crowded stores in places like Shinsaibashi, you can shop here relaxed and at ease.

And let’s not forget Daiso—it’s the largest in Kyoto. Are you already excited?

Even better, AEON Mall offers tax-free shopping at its third-floor counter. You can buy everything you like and process the tax refund all in one convenient spot. It’s incredibly traveler-friendly, isn’t it?

If one mall isn’t enough, head to Kyoto AVANTI, another massive shopping destination.

It has everything from Don Quijote, cosmetics, snacks, and clothing to anime merchandise. You can definitely find all your desired goodies in these two malls within half a day.

The famous Don Quijote takes up a huge space here. Don’t miss out on popular items like Ichiran Ramen, Champion, Sha Sha, and matcha sweets.

There’s also Marujiro, a revolving sushi restaurant known for its super fresh ingredients and great ambiance. Sushi lovers, you must give it a try.

GU is another must-visit. Their clothes are super comfortable and stylishly versatile. No need to squeeze through crowds in Shinsaibashi—you can shop to your heart’s content here.

Finally, here comes the anime paradise that will excite all otakus~ You can freely shop for DVDs and all kinds of merchandise!

In addition to the Ramen Street mentioned above, this Kimuraya near Kyoto Station is also highly recommended for a visit. Its Japanese-style room can accommodate over a hundred people, and the environment features the most authentic Kyoto-style decor. Be sure to try their Kyoto yuba hot pot and sushi course here. The yuba is freshly made from soy milk—what we commonly know back home as dried beancurd sticks are the dehydrated version. Who would’ve thought freshly made tofu skin could taste so delicious? The yuba hot pot in the bottom right corner also completely changed my impression of soy milk—it can actually be so rich and flavorful.

Lastly, I must talk about this unagi rice bowl. The entire restaurant’s decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama. Aside from the main dining hall, there are also private rooms that can accommodate groups. Without hesitation, I ordered their signature unagi donburi. Each piece of eel is plump and juicy, and when paired with their special sauce, it creates an incredibly exquisite flavor. The sweet fish and the grains of rice complement each other perfectly—I believe no one can resist such a delicious temptation. And both of the above-mentioned restaurants accept payment methods such as Alipay and UnionPay cards!

There’s even a Bic Camera at the north exit of Kyoto Station—you can get all your electronics in one place there. And after shopping, there’s a platform inside the store that connects directly to the JR station. Isn’t that super convenient?

Today, I’ve dug out the hidden gems around Kyoto Station. For those planning to visit Kyoto next time, don’t forget to check out this amazing spot with so many great shops.