Major Sightseeing Areas

1. HIGASHIYAMA AREA, SOUTH


Kiyomizu temple

Chion-in temple

Kodaiji temple

Attractions: Kiyomizu temple, Chion-in temple, Kodaiji temple, Yasaka shrine, Maruyama park etc...

I believe more than 95% of the tourists will visit this principle sightseeing area of Kyoto. You can enjoy a nice walking tour even with the heavy crowds there. Kiyomizu temple and Chion-in temple are the two most popular attractions you should never miss. Kodaiji-temple, meanwhile, can be skipped if you don't have time.

Start your excursion from Higashiyama station of subway Tozai line. When you get out of the station, there is a narrow shopping street(Furukawa-cho) just nearby. Walk through this old mall to the south. After you get out of the other end, you will soon find Chion-in temple.

Admission fees
Luckily, Chion-in temple can be entered free of charge. Kiyomizu temple costs 300 yen(200 yen for children up to 15 years of age). As for Kodaiji, 600 yen for adult, 250 yen for junior/senior high school students. Elementary school kids aren't charged.


2. HIGASHIYAMA AREA, NORTH


Ginkakuji temple

Nanzenji temple

Honen-in temple

Attractions: Ginkakuji temple, Honen-in temple, Road of Philosophy, Nanzenji temple, Heian shrine, Eikando temple, shinnyodo temple, hiking to Mt.Daimonji etc...

Ginkakuji temple is probably the most popular in this area. The nearby Honen-in temple is another must-see. As for Eikando temple and Shinnyodo temple, I'd recommend only for autumn foliage season, as it may not look so impressive at other times.

Get off at Keage station of subway Tozai line and walk to the north.

Climbing Mt.Daimonji
Climbing Mt.Daimonji is a good option when you get bored with temple-hopping. This 466-meter mountain, most famous for its annual okuribi fire festival at August 16th, is a very poplar hiking spot among the locals.

Starting point is about 20 meters north of Ginkakuji temple. The climb is fairly easy. In about half an hour, yo can reach its top with "Dai" mark. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city.

Please bring some drink and make a pit stop before the hike, as there is no soda machine or toilet on the trail or the top.

Admission fees
No admission fees for entering Honen-in temple, Nanzenji temple, Heian shrine and Shinnyodo temple. Ginkakuji costs 500 yen(300 yen for elementary/junior high schoolers).

Visitors to Eikando must be careful. It's usually 600 yen(400 yen for elementary and junior/senior high schoolers). But the price is raised to as much as 1,000 yen during the autumn season. It's very expensive, although its beautiful maple leaves are quite attractive. Maybe you can give up this temple.


3. ARASHIYAMA AREA


Togetsu-kyo bridge

Hozugawa river

Attractions: Tenryuji temple, Togetsukyo bridge, torokko train etc...

Another popular sightseeing area located in the west. For access, take JR san-in line from Kyoto station and get off at Saga-Arashiyama station(14-19 minuets).

Sagano Sightseeing Railway
If you have a child, Sagano Sightseeing train will be a nice option. Advanced booking is recommended for busy seasons. The fare is 600 yen(one way, adult).


4. Northern Outskirts


Sanzen-in

Kurama temple

Kibune shrine

Ohara area
Ohara is a smal farm town located in the city's north end. Sanzen-in temple is one of the best and most popular attractions in spring and autumn. So I'd recommend if you visit during either of the seasons.

Tip For Better Access
The prolonged bus ride(well over an hour) from Kyoto station to this northern outskirts of town is very tiring. So we recommend the following way to get there.

#1. Buy Kyoto Sightseeing Card, either one-day or two-day card(¥1200 and ¥2000, respectively). This is a real must for your trip to Ohara.
#2. Then take the subway Karasuma line, and get off at Kokusai kaikan(int'l conference hall) station.
#3. Ascending to the ground is a bus terminal, where you will find the Kyoto Bus(not "Kyoto City Bus"). Take #19 bus, and you will arrive at Ohara in about 25 mins.Of course you can use Kyoto Sightseeing Card here too.

This is much easier, faster and more economical choice. If you take the slow-moving Kyoto Bus, the one-way fare from Kyoto station is 580 yen. This is not reasonable.

Kurama & Kibune
Kurama temple and Kibune shrine, accessed by Enzan line

Mt. Hiei-zan and Enryakuji temple

Takao area
Maybe recommended if you are a JR Pass holder visiting during autum foliage season. The area's most famous spots are Kozanji temple and Jingoji temple. etc...
accessed by JR Bus.


OTHERS

Tofukuji temple, Fushimi-inari temple & town of Uji
These attractions in the city south can be easily accessed by JR Nara line. So if you are a JR Pass houlder, they will be worth visiting.
Tofukuji temple, however, will be nice and worth visiting only in the autum foliage time. I'm not sure the temple is so impressive in other seasons...

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