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Kyoto is eyeing taller buildings. Critics warn it will look like ‘every other city in Japan’

A proposal to scrap a ban on tall buildings in Kyoto to make way for towers and tourism infrastructure has drawn criticism that the move…

By Samantha Johnson / March 29, 2026
A proposal to scrap a ban on tall buildings in Kyoto to make way for towers and tourism infrastructure has drawn criticism that the move would fundamentally damage the skyline of Japan’s historic capital.

A panel advising the city government suggested revising the existing height restriction – which limits buildings near Kyoto Station to a maximum of 31 metres – to 60 metres.

The panel claimed on Wednesday the change would “revitalise” the area around the station that served as the gateway to one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, and promote broader redevelopment efforts.

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The draft proposal says structures directly north of the station should be permitted to rise to 60 metres, the same height as the current station building, which opened in 1997 but has been controversial due to its futuristic, cubic design that incorporates plate glass over a steel frame and which critics say is out of keeping with much of the rest of the city.

The proposal also calls for a larger zone around the station where a new height limit of 45 metres will be introduced.

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The panel said the existing restrictions made it difficult for developers wanting to expand properties, Kyodo News reported, and the new, taller buildings could be used for retail opportunities, office space and hotels to meet the soaring accommodation demand in Kyoto.

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