City Hall

Kyoto City Hall, a neo-baroque landmark of the centre

Imposing, Kyoto City Hall is recognisable from afar by its great central tower and its neo-baroque façade. In the heart of the former capital, it houses the municipal institutions. The Kyoto audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the administrative and modern face of a city world-renowned for its temples.

A central tower of 33 metres

The building stands out by its great central tower, 33 metres high, a true urban landmark, and by its neo-baroque façade. Seat of the municipal government of Kyoto, it testifies to the adoption of Western architectural models in modern Japan. Its monumental outline contrasts with the traditional image of the former imperial capital.

What to see

The neo-baroque façade and the great central tower make City Hall an easy landmark to locate in the centre of Kyoto. The square in front of it regularly hosts events and markets. It is mainly admired from the outside, as a witness of the city's modern history, halfway between Japanese tradition and Western influences.

Practical information

Kyoto City Hall lies in the Nakagyo ward, in the centre of the city, near Shiyakusho-mae station, reachable by public transport. It is a working administrative building: the façade and the square can be freely admired, while access inside is subject to the rules specific to municipal institutions.

How can you recognise Kyoto City Hall?

By its great central tower of 33 metres and its neo-baroque façade, which make it an easy landmark to locate in the centre of the city.

Can you visit Kyoto City Hall?

The façade and the square can be freely admired; access inside, a working administrative building, is subject to the rules specific to municipal institutions.