Stroll Along Shirakawa lane & Gion

🌿 A peaceful walk along Shirakawa, a picturesque district with traditional houses and small rivers. ⛩️ Visit Tatsumi, Shrine, a charming little temple hidden in the area. 💡 Tip: Come back in the evening to enjoy the illuminated, romantic atmosphere of Shirakawa. 🚶 Continue to Gion, where you’ll see the famous kabuki theater (minami-za).

🚆 Transport: From Kyoto Station, take bus #100 or #206 to Gion Station (~15 min, 230 JPY).

⛩️ Visit Tatsumi, Shrine, a charming little temple hidden in the area.

Tatsumi Jinja, also known as Tatsumi Daimyojin, is a shrine located in the southeast direction from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is revered by the people of Gion and often visited by geisha and maiko praying for improvement in their arts. Legend has it that the shrine was built to honor leopard cats that used to bother the local residents. Situated on the banks of the Gion Shirakawa River, this shrine offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Kyoto.

🚶 Continue to Gion, where you’ll see the famous kabuki theater (minami-za).

The Minamiza Kabuki Theater in Kyoto is a historic landmark and the birthplace of kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art. Founded in 1610, it continues to host kabuki performances and other cultural events. Visitors can catch a show, enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, and shop for souvenirs at this iconic theater in the heart of Gion.

Hanamikoji Street & Kiyomizudera Temple ⛩️ (25 min walk / 10 min by bus)

🌸 Walk along Hanamikoji Street, the heart of Gion, known for its tea houses and occasional geisha and maiko sightings. 🏯 Continue to Kiyomizudera, famous for its wooden terrace offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.

💰 Kiyomizudera Entrance Fee: 400 JPY 🚶 Transport:

On foot from Gion (~25 min) to soak in Kyoto’s historic charm. By bus: Take bus #100 or #206 to Gojo-zaka (~10 min, 230 JPY), then walk 10 min

🌸 Walk along Hanamikoji Street, the heart of Gion, known for its tea houses and occasional geisha and maiko sightings.

Gion is a charming district in Kyoto known for its traditional wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, and iconic tea houses. It's the perfect place to spot geisha and maiko strolling around in their elegant kimono. With its historic atmosphere and bustling Hanamikoji Alley, Gion offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage while also providing a lively and vibrant experience for visitors.

🏯 Kiyomizudera, famous for its wooden terrace offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple in Kyoto is a must-visit spot with its iconic wooden veranda and stunning views of the city. Dating back to 778, this temple is famous for its pure water from the Otowa Waterfall, believed to grant wishes. Don't miss the love fortune stones at Jishu Jinja Shrine or the picturesque cherry blossoms in spring. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, maybe consider taking the plunge off the veranda (just kidding, it's not allowed anymore)!

Ninenzaka Street & Nene no Michi Street 🌸

🏯 Wander through these historic streets lined with traditional tea houses and souvenir shops.

Many Many tourist in this Area !! ☕ Perfect spot for a matcha break or a local snack!

🚶 Transport: Walk from Kiyomizudera (~5 min).

Ninenzaka Street & Nene no Michi Street 🌸

🏯 Wander through these historic streets lined with traditional tea houses and souvenir shops.

Many Many tourist in this Area !! ☕ Perfect spot for a matcha break or a local snack!

🚶 Transport: Walk from Kiyomizudera (~5 min).

Yasaka Shrine & Kodai-ji Temple 🏯

⛩️ Visit Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine at the heart of Kyoto. 🌿 Nearby, explore Kodai-ji Temple, renowned for its stunning gardens and bamboo grove.

💰 Kodai-ji Temple Entrance: 600 JPY 🚶 Transport: Walk from Ninenzaka (~10 min).

Famous for its weeping cherry tree.Touristy.

Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest city park, is a must-visit spot in the scenic Higashiyama area. Established in 1886, this 8,600-square-meter park offers a serene escape with its beautiful Japanese garden and famous cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy seasonal views, statues of historical heroes, and nearby attractions like Chion-in Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Whether you're strolling through the lush greenery or admiring the colorful foliage, Maruyama Park is the perfect place to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Kyoto.

Its vast grounds are adorned with colorful leaves, and evening illuminations add to the spectacle.

Chionin Temple, located at the foot of Higashiyama in Kyoto, is a serene and historic site with over 800 years of history. As the head temple of the Jodo-Shu sect of Buddhism, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its impressive wooden gates, ancient relics, and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the chance to walk along the nightingale corridor, view the massive bell tower, and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from the Santei Garden. Surrounded by other famous temples and shrines, Chionin Temple is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and culturally rich experience in Japan.

Heian Shrine is a large Shintō shrine built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto (formerly Heian-kyō). It’s famous for its massive vermilion torii gate at the entrance—one of the largest in Japan—its architecture modeled after the Heian-period Imperial Palace, and its vast, peaceful traditional Japanese gardens.

In spring and autumn, the gardens are especially stunning, with weeping cherry blossoms (shidare-zakura) and brilliant autumn foliage (momiji) among the most beautiful seasonal views in Kyoto.
Don’t miss:

• The giant torii on Oike Avenue.

Entrance fees:

• Shrine grounds: Free

• Gardens (Shinen): ¥600

Tourist level: Moderately touristy. The main plaza can get crowded during the day, but the gardens remain a peaceful hidden gem—perfect for escaping the crowds.

🥋 If you’re lucky, watch a Kyudo (Japanese archery) or Kendo class at Butokuden

The Kyoto Budo Center is a historic martial arts facility in Kyoto, Japan, offering classes in various disciplines like kendo, iaido, aikido, and kyudo. The center consists of an old wooden building from 1899 and a newer one built in 1989. Students can practice their skills in a traditional setting while also enjoying modern sports facilities like table tennis and badminton. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, the Kyoto Budo Center provides a unique opportunity to train and immerse yourself in Japanese martial arts culture.

Keage Incline 🌸 (Only in March–April!)

🚂 A former railway track turned into a cherry blossom-lined walkway. While it can be visited year-round, it's especially beautiful during sakura season.

Entrance fee: Free

Tourist level: Very popular during cherry blossom season, but otherwise quiet and mostly visited by locals.

Tip: Visit early in the morning during sakura season to avoid the crowds.

Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan, located at the base of the Higashiyama mountains in Kyoto. Founded in the 13th century, it’s known for its majestic atmosphere, massive Sanmon gate, Roman-style aqueduct (part of the Lake Biwa canal), and beautiful Zen gardens. It’s a spiritual, photogenic, and surprisingly peaceful spot despite its popularity.

Don’t miss:

• Sanmon, the huge wooden gate: You can climb it (¥500) for a stunning view.

• Suirokaku Aqueduct: Unique in Kyoto and perfect for photography.

• Hōjō, the abbot’s quarters: Home to stunning dry gardens (karesansui).

• Gorgeous momiji (autumn leaves) and year-round tranquility.

Entrance fees:

• Main temple grounds: Free

• Hōjō + gardens: ¥600

• Sanmon platform: ¥500

Tourist level: Moderately touristy. Well-known but much calmer than places like Kiyomizu-dera or Ginkaku-ji. A favorite among photographers and Zen temple lovers.