Store your luggage around Kyoto with Bounce
The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, is located on the island of Honshu and is best known for the many breathtaking classical Buddhist temples dotted among well-maintained gardens. Kyoto was first known as Heìankyo, the Capital of Peace, but was then shortened to Kyoto, meaning simply Capital.
Historic imperial palaces still stand in Kyoto and have become great tourist attractions. When in Kyoto you’ll want to experience kaiseki dining, which consists of multiple courses of authentic Japanese dishes. You’ll also want to stop and admire the Geishas who can be seen performing throughout the city. Kyoto is one of Japan’s most significant cities, with almost 1.5 million people living there.
Kyoto has been devastated by war and fires throughout its long history. Many of the shrines, temples, and palaces have survived throughout time and have been well-maintained and carefully restored when needed. Visitors head to Kyoto to experience some of the most exceptional historic buildings and to learn more about the city's rich culture.
While visiting Kyoto, see as many sights as you can. We know many places don’t allow luggage or large bags inside which is why we offer convenient short-term luggage storage, removing the burden of bags while you’re out seeing this great city.
Luggage storage in Kyoto
We work with highly-rated store partners to offer secure places to store your luggage while you’re traveling. With convenient locations across the globe, we know exactly what tourists need as they move from one adventure to another. You can traverse the marvelous city of Kyoto with just the essentials and leave extra gear at a temporary luggage storage spot near your favorite restaurant or neighborhood.
We choose the most convenient locations for our left luggage storage facilities, which are situated in partner businesses all over the city. While many storage lockers, like Kyoto station lockers, may have long lines or run out of locker availability at peak times, our service is always ready for you to use. Download the Bounce app, book storage in advance, and go about your day however you’d like.
Kyoto city guide
Top things to do in Kyoto
Planning a top-notch itinerary won't be a problem when visiting Kyoto. This city offers a variety of things to keep visitors busy, from ancient palaces and ornate temples to unique shopping malls. Enjoy a leisurely, traditional Japanese meal or spice things up and check out a Japanese fusion restaurant. Join a local tour group and learn more about the history of the city. Indulge in your interests and explore them Kyoto-style. Not sure where to start? Take a look at the cool things to do listed below.
Museums in Kyoto
Japan is known for its ancient beliefs and unique culture. When visiting Kyoto, you'll have the ability to immerse yourself and experience some of this fascinating Japanese culture firsthand. Learn about history by visiting temples, museums, and ancient palaces. Listen to the people as they share their stories with you. Below we’ve gathered suggestions for a few places to get you started on your Kyoto journey.
Nijo Castle
Built in 1603, this palace was the official residence of the first shogun during the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The palace was not completed during this shogun’s lifetime; in fact, his grandson later completed it with a five-story expansion. Today, tourists can visit the palace and learn about the history of the Edo Period.
Nijo Castle bag policy
Temporarily store luggage for a few hours while you’re sightseeing at the castle. There are coin lockers available on-site, or you can make a reservation at one of our storage spots in advance and quickly drop your things off on the way.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Built on the former site of the Umekoji Train and Locomotive Museum, this railway museum is one of the largest museums in the country. See over 53 locomotives on display, ranging from steam to electric trains. Other artifacts are also displayed, including tools, uniforms, photographs, engineer plans, and even a train simulator where you can be the conductor.
Kyoto Railway Museum bag policy
The Kyoto Railway Museum has a coin locker area where you can keep your things stored during your visit, although you do have to pay. With our luggage storage service, we’ll store store belongings of any size and you won’t have to worry about all the lockers being full.
Kyoto National Museum
One of the oldest museums in Japan, this national attraction has a fantastic permanent collection of ceramics, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other artifacts. Unique, rotating exhibitions are brought into the museum throughout the year. If you have an interest in pre-modern Asian and Japanese artwork you’ll definitely love this museum.
Kyoto National Museum bag policy
You’ll have to store suitcases, backpacks and big bags before you’re allowed to enter the museum. Stop by one of the hotels, stores or businesses that we partner with to drop off your things. We can watch over them for the entire day if you have a full itinerary planned.
Each museum has a different bag policy but many of them don’t allow suitcases. Don’t worry about leaving your belongings at the hotel, you can keep them close by in our storage locations.
Shopping in Kyoto
Kyoto has fabulous markets, shopping malls, and department stores for you to explore when you visit. Search for authentic Japanese clothing, handcrafted gifts, cute souvenirs, or just browse through the shops soaking up the culture. Check out the Kyoto Handicraft Center for all things handmade or head to a big department store for a typical Japanese shopping experience.
Nishiki Market
This market is also referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen. It encompasses five blocks filled with over a hundred restaurants and shops. Visitors can feel the excitement and vibrancy of the market and get swept away in the revelry while shopping for produce, cookware, specialty knives, and baked goods.
Kyoto Handicraft Center
This shopping center holds numerous shops filled with Japanese homemade crafts and textiles. Search for the perfect kimono to remember your trip or find a katana to give as a gift. Hand-painted fans, Japanese art, swords, and pottery are just some of the treasures to be found at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
Flea Markets
Kyoto has a few large flea markets where you can haggle for the best prices on authentic Japanese art, crafts, pottery, and textiles. Visit the Toji Temple on the 21st of each month and browse through hundreds of vendor stalls. Or, head over to the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on the 25th of each month to search for vintage and new clothing, artwork, plants, and antiques.
While you wander through these shopping destinations, explore them hands-free by storing your things at one of our nearby baggage storage spots. That way you can shop til you drop and have room to carry more shopping bags.
Restaurants in Kyoto
When you’re in Japan you have to immerse yourself in the culture, including the cuisine. The Japanese culture has some truly unique and mouthwatering dishes and you’ll have the opportunity to try foods that aren’t often served in other places around the world. Check out the traditional teahouses, and restaurants specializing in shojin ryori, vegetarian cooking, or even yakitori-ya.
Okonomiyaki Katsu
Located near the Ninnaji Temple, this intimate restaurant is very tourist-friendly and offers amazing dishes. Experience yakisoba and teppanyaki, as well as traditional sakes and beers. An English menu is available for tourists to read and order from.
Sugarhill Kyoto
This Japanese fusion restaurant has married traditional Japanese flavors with other worldly cuisines. Step outside your comfort zone and try the teriyaki chicken with wasabi sauce or the deep-fried taro. Gluten-free options are also available on their menu.
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya
This small family-owned restaurant is definitely a favorite among both locals and visitors and offers bountiful and tasty dishes. Hot towels are available for your comfort while you dine. This restaurant is best known for the Wagyu beef steak and traditional Japanese soul food.
Before you walk through the door of a restaurant make sure that you’ve stored your bags somewhere safe. You won’t want them taking up space in the restaurant. Dine with ease when you know your bags are out of the way.
Travel light by using our luggage storage service
Once you’ve arrived in one of the airports or at the train station on your way to Kyoto be sure to check your Bounce app to see the nearest locations for luggage storage in the city. You can use our service on a daily basis to keep your personal items safely stowed. Storing your bags with us makes it easier to ride the bus, go on escalators, or just simply experience the city to its fullest.
Are you continuing your travels? As you explore more of Japan, Bounce has convenient luggage storage in cities such as Osaka, Nara, and Wakayama. Check out our guides to learn more.