Kyoto

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    An ancient temple founded in 778 and part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.' The stage-built main hall overlooks Kyoto City, renowned for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves. Strolling along Kiyomizu-zaka and Sannen-zaka souvenir shops is also enjoyable.

    Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

    Access: About 16 minutes by city bus from Kyoto Station, get off at Gojo-zaka and walk 10 minutes

    Transportation: Surrounding roads are often congested, so taking the bus is recommended.

    Tags: World HeritageScenic ViewsCherry BlossomsAutumn Leaves

  • Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

    A UNESCO World Heritage temple symbolized by the gold leaf-covered shariden reflected in Kyokoike Pond. The seasonal reflections on the water surface and garden beauty attract visitors worldwide as a photogenic spot.

    Address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City

    Access: About 35 minutes by city bus from Kyoto Station, get off at Kinkakuji-michi

    Tags: World HeritageInstagram-worthy

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    The head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, famous for approximately 10,000 vermilion torii gates forming the Senbon Torii pathway. Hiking the pilgrimage route to the summit of Mt. Inari offers both Kyoto cityscape and mountain nature.

    Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City

    Access: 5 minutes on JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, get off at Inari Station

    Transportation: Open 24 hours for worship. Watch your step at night.

    Tags: Senbon ToriiHikingPower Spot

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    A magical walking path where lush bamboo stretches skyward. Early mornings have fewer visitors, allowing photography while feeling the wind-rustled bamboo sounds. Nearby are Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji Temple.

    Address: Saga Ogura-yama Tabuchi-yama-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

    Access: 15 minutes on JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station, get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk 10 minutes

    Tags: Bamboo GroveInstagram-worthyStroll

  • Amanohashidate

    One of Japan's Three Scenic Views. A 3.6km sandbar connecting Aso Bay and Miyazu Bay is lined with about 8,000 pine trees. The classic view from Kasamatsu Park, famous for matanozoki (viewing through your legs), is a must-see.

    Address: Monju, Miyazu City

    Access: About 2 hours on Limited Express Hashidate from Kyoto Station, get off at Amanohashidate Station

    Transportation: Tour boats and rental bicycles are also convenient.

    Tags: One of Japan's Three Scenic ViewsScenic ViewsSea

Model Courses

  • First-time Kyoto Classic 2-Day Course

    A quintessential plan efficiently touring World Heritage sites and Kyoto gourmet, utilizing city bus and subway free passes to enjoy temples, street strolls, and cuisine.

    • Best to visit right after opening when it's relatively less crowded.
    • Stroll from bamboo grove to Togetsukyo Bridge, then enjoy yudofu lunch in Arashiyama.
    • Photograph illuminated torii gates in the evening.
    • Enjoy the morning atmosphere on Sannen-zaka before worship.
    • Take limited express to enjoy Japan's Three Scenic Views, then head home.