Kyoto Tower stands apart from other towers due to its unique relationship with the city of Kyoto and its past. Built in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, the 131m tower was designed to resemble a Japanese candle and sits atop a hotel near Kitaoji-Dori. The structure was constructed using steel rings and painted white to complete the iconic look. From the top of the tower visitors can see a great view of Kyoto,with Higashiyama and Arashiyama curling around on the east and west sides while Kitayama boxes the city in to the north. Clear days offer a glimpse of Shin-Osaka in the distance as well! Visiting the tower offers a wonderful opportunity to gain perspective on how much Kyoto has changed over the years.