Nishijin

Nishijin, Kyoto’s famed weaving district, in the northwest part of central Kyoto, is one of the most traditional areas — it’s a great place to see machiya (old Kyoto townhouses).

[Sarasa restaurant in Nishijin]

Nishijin Area Description

Nishijin is located in the several blocks north and west of the Imadegawa-Horikawa intersection. The most interesting sights can be found within about 20 minutes’ walk of this intersection. In addition to some museums and galleries devoted to Kyoto’s traditional weaving industry, you’ll find some small temples. Of course, more than individual sights, one of the pleasures of Nishijin is just randomly strolling and soaking up the “Old Kyoto” atmosphere.

Nishijin Highlights

• Orinasu-kan
• Nishijin Textile Center
• Funaoka Onsen

[Nishijin Textile Center © hslo]

Things To Do And See In Nishijin

• Nishijin Textile Center
  A bit of a touristy spot, but worth a visit to learn about how kimonos are made. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a kimono fashion show.

[Orinasu-kan]

• Orinasu-kan
  The Orinasu-kan is a much better place than the Nishijin Textile Center to learn about the Nishijin district’s long history as Kyoto’s textile district.

• Urasenke Chado Research Center
  Kyoto has always been the heart of Japanese tea culture, and the Urasenke Chado Research Center is the equivalent of the Vatican of the Relgion of Tea.

• Funaoka Onsen
  Funaoka Onsen is the best sento (public bath) in Kyoto. It’s got enough tubs and things to see that you can easily make it into an evening’s activity.

Getting To Nishijin

• By bus from Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus #9 to the Horikawa-Imadegawa stop.
• By subway from Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line north to the Imadegawa stop and walk west along Imadegawa-dori for about 20 minutes.
• By taxi from Kyoto Station: A taxi from Kyoto Station will cost about ¥1500.

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