Suggested walking/taxi routes of the city
We always suggest to try to limit your sightseeing to one area of the city on one day. The reason being you could spend an extra 30 min in an amazing garden instead of being stuck on a train or bus. We also think that Kyoto has so much beauty in every corner of the city that there is no need to criss cross the city to see the "highlights" Have a look at the courses below and let us know if one (or a mix of two) appeal(s) to you.
Arashiyama District 2-6 hrs
Romantic Train ride (1hr)
Hozu rapids boat ride (2.5hr)
Rickshaw ride (1hr)
Monkey Mountain (1.5hr)
Tenryuji and Bamboo grove (1.5hr)
Otagi Nenbutsu Ji and preserved historic district (1.5hr)
Notes: monkey mountain is a 30min hike, choose one or more activities and combine with another route.
Western route 4-5 hrs (with break for lunch)
Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Ryoanji Temple
Notes: less walking and stairs than other tours. Taxi is the most convenient way to see this route. Expect crowds at Kinkakuji.
Eastern route 4-5 hrs (with break for lunch)
Ginkakuji Temple, the silver pavilion
Path of Philosophy
Nanzenji Temple
Heian Shrine
Notes: lots of walking, beautiful gardens, less crowded, great by bike
Gion route 2-3 hrs
Yasaka Shrine
Hanamikoji Street
Shimbashi Street
Geisha quarters
Kennin-ji Temple
Notes: all on foot, near the city centre, beautiful streetscapes, chance to see geisha
Higashiyama route 2-3 hrs
Kiyomizu Temple
Sannenzaka
Ninenzaka
Yasaka Pagoda
Notes: lots of stairs, lots of shopping opportunities, beautiful small pedestrian streets
Other temples and shrines not on above routes (more to be added)
Fushimi Inari 1-3hrs
Choose to see just the highlights or a hike to the top. Most popular place in Japan. We should go before 9am or after 5pm, lots of stairs
Nijo Castle 1-2hrs
See the famous paintings, amazing gate and the famous nightingale “squeaky” floorboards
Sanjusangendo 1hr
An amazing place with 1001 buddhist statues of the “kannon” in the longest wooden building in the world.
Romantic Train ride (1hr)
Hozu rapids boat ride (2.5hr)
Rickshaw ride (1hr)
Monkey Mountain (1.5hr)
Tenryuji and Bamboo grove (1.5hr)
Otagi Nenbutsu Ji and preserved historic district (1.5hr)
Notes: monkey mountain is a 30min hike, choose one or more activities and combine with another route.
Western route 4-5 hrs (with break for lunch)
Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Ryoanji Temple
Notes: less walking and stairs than other tours. Taxi is the most convenient way to see this route. Expect crowds at Kinkakuji.
Eastern route 4-5 hrs (with break for lunch)
Ginkakuji Temple, the silver pavilion
Path of Philosophy
Nanzenji Temple
Heian Shrine
Notes: lots of walking, beautiful gardens, less crowded, great by bike
Gion route 2-3 hrs
Yasaka Shrine
Hanamikoji Street
Shimbashi Street
Geisha quarters
Kennin-ji Temple
Notes: all on foot, near the city centre, beautiful streetscapes, chance to see geisha
Higashiyama route 2-3 hrs
Kiyomizu Temple
Sannenzaka
Ninenzaka
Yasaka Pagoda
Notes: lots of stairs, lots of shopping opportunities, beautiful small pedestrian streets
Other temples and shrines not on above routes (more to be added)
Fushimi Inari 1-3hrs
Choose to see just the highlights or a hike to the top. Most popular place in Japan. We should go before 9am or after 5pm, lots of stairs
Nijo Castle 1-2hrs
See the famous paintings, amazing gate and the famous nightingale “squeaky” floorboards
Sanjusangendo 1hr
An amazing place with 1001 buddhist statues of the “kannon” in the longest wooden building in the world.
