Eastern Kyoto Full Day

Honenin Temple along the Philosopher's Path

The following is a suggested full day walk for medium paced travelers that leads through the narrow streets and quiet residential areas at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains, stopping at several of the city's most popular temples and shrines along the way.
Start
Start at Ginkakuji
Ginkakuji
Zen Temple 45 minutes
Start the day at Ginkakuji, a former retirement villa turned Zen temple built in 1482
Walk
5 minutes
Philosopher's Path
A beautiful path lined with cherry trees 60 minutes
The approximately 1.5 kilometer long Philosopher's Path follows a canal and is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. The southern end of the path disappears into residential neighborhoods, so look for and follow the signs to Nanzenji.
Walk
10 minutes
Nanzenji
One of the most important Zen temples in Japan 60 minutes
Explore Nanzenji. Check out the view from Sanmon Gate and the gardens at the main temple and smaller subtemples around the complex. Finish around the brick aqueduct at the rear of the temple grounds
Walk
10 minutes
Keage Incline
One of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto 30 minutes
A trail leads off to the right from behind Nanzenji's brick aqueduct along a small canal to the Keage Incline. This tree lined slope is most beautiful in spring when it becomes one of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.
Walk
10 minutes
Heian Shrine
Shrine with a beautiful garden 45 minutes
Check out the huge torii gate along the approach to Heian Shrine. The garden behind is also beautiful in the spring when its numerous weeping cherry trees are in bloom.
Walk
20 minutes
Yasaka Shrine
Home of the famous Gion Matsuri 30 minutes
Check out Yasaka Shrine and its striking vermilion structures.
Walk
10 minutes
Kodaiji Temple
Zen temple with impressive gardens 45 minutes
Explore Kodaiji and surroundings
Walk
5 minutes
Higashiyama Streets
Winding streets lined with traditional shophouses 60 minutes
Explore the historic shopping streets of the Higashiyama District. Continue past the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Steps until you reach the approach to Kiyomizudera Temple.
Walk
5 minutes
Kiyomizudera
Temple with an iconic wooden stage 60 minutes
Check out Kiyomizudera Temple. Afterward, consider backtracking through Higashiyama to check out Gion or Pontocho for dinner.
Finish

Recommended Additions

  • Eikando
    Eikando is a large temple near Nanzenji that is especially nice to visit in autumn when the leaves change. Extremely popular evening illuminations are also held during the fall season.
  • Chionin and Shorenin
    Chionin and Shorenin are major temples on the way between Heian Shrine and Maruyama Park.
  • Gion
    Check out the historical Gion entertainment district where there are plenty of wonderful, if not pricey, restaurants to experience Kyoto cuisine.
  • Shopping
    The Higashiyama District is a popular shopping area that has been serving travelers and temple visitors for centuries. There is a large variety of stores selling Kyoto specialties, food, clothes and souvenirs. Or for more modern shopping, check out the boutiques, department stores and shopping arcades along Shijo Avenue.

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Hotels around Kyoto

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    •
      Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)
      Luxury
      Mugen is a property that was built 160 years ago, situated in Kyoto, 1 km from Nijo Castle. Every room at Mugen features an en suite shower room, toilet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. You will find a shared lounge on site and a bar at the annex building. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Imperial Palace is 1.1 km from Mugen, while Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.
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    •
      Mitsuki Kyoto
      Budget-friendly
      Set in Kyoto, 600 metres from Kyoto International Manga Museum and 1.4 km from the centre, Mitsuki Kyoto offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a garden. This 2-star ryokan offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a concierge service and a housekeeping service for guests. The units in the ryokan are equipped with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in every unit, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, the units are equipped with bed linen and towels. The ryokan serves a vegetarian and vegan breakfast and breakfast in the room is also available. A bar can be found on-site. Nijo Castle is 1.1 km from Mitsuki Kyoto, while Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 46 km from the accommodation.
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    •
      Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese guest house features free Wi-Fi and a free public computer. Shichijo Onmae bus stop is 3 minutesf walk away. A seating area and shared bathroom are provided with each room at Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS. Free toiletries are provided and blankets are available upon request. Select rooms have a garden view. A shared living area and bicycles are available for guestsf use during their stay at this Kyoto Guesthouse Compass. Access to the shared kitchen is available upon request. The guest house is 4.5 km from Imperial Palace and 2.2 km from Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle and Toji Castle are within a 30 minutesf bus ride away.
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    •
      Ryokan Tori
      Mid-range
      Ryokan Tori is located in Kyoto, 2 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The property is around 2.3 km from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The property is 3.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple and 3.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at tori can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Heian Shrine is 5 km from the accommodation. Itami Airport is 50 km from the property.
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    •
      Yado Kiramachi
      Luxury
      Yado Kiramachi offers accommodation set 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto and provides a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. The ryokan features family rooms. The units at the ryokan come with a seating area. The units have a coffee machine, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony and some have garden views. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. A bar can be found on-site. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.3 km from the ryokan, while Gion Shijo Station is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from Yado Kiramachi.
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    •
      Kyo-Anthu Inn
      Mid-range
      Located in Kyoto and within 500 metres of Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kyo-Anthu Inn features a garden, soundproof rooms, and free WiFi. It is set 1.3 km from TKP Garden City Kyoto and provides full-day security. The guest house has family rooms. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Some units also have a well-fitted kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a toaster. At the guest house, all units come with bed linen and towels. Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. Popular points of interest near Kyo-Anthu Inn include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Station and Gion Shijo Station. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 44 km from the accommodation.
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    •
      Guesthouse Engawa
      Budget-friendly
      Guesthouse Engawa offers accommodation in Kyoto. Guests can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Kyoto in their rooms. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle will be provided upon request. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Free toiletries and hairdryers are also available. There is luggage storage space at the property. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 600 metres from Guesthouse Engawa, while Heian Shrine is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.
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    •
      Gallery Nozawa Inn
      Budget-friendly
      Gallery Nozawa Inn offers accommodation in Kyoto, 25 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with a private toilet, and bathrooms are shared. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can sample Japanese-style breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients. There is a public bathhouse located a 10-minute walk away. Nijo Castle is 2.4 km from Gallery Nozawa Inn, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 36 km away.
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    •
      Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels
      Luxury
      Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels features free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Kyoto. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is 2.1 km from the city centre and 1.2 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple. All units will provide guests with a minibar. The hotel offers a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast. Popular points of interest near Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels include TKP Garden City Kyoto, Gion Shijo Station and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
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      Guesthouse HANA Nishijin
      Mid-range
      Guesthouse HANA Kyoto is located in Kyoto, 300 metres from Kitano Tenmangu and 1.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple. A simple complimentary breakfast service is provided for guests. Bathroom facilities are shared. Guesthouse HANA Kyoto features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV at the property. Nijo Castle is 2.1 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto, while Imperial Palace is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto.
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Experiences around Kyoto

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