Stop 1: Kiyomizudera
Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus number 206 (15 minutes, 230 yen). Get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, from where it is a ten minute uphill walk to the temple. Alternatively, Kiyomizudera is about a 20 minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station along the Keihan Railway Line.
Kiyomizu-dera
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500 Yen. Arrive at opening (6am) to experience before crowds arrive. Visit the Tainai Meguri, a spiritual journey into complete darkness beneath the temple, symbolising rebirth and enlightenment, and make a wish at the sacred stone.
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Stop 2: Higashiyama District
While the walk through the Higashiyama District between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine is only about two kilometers long and could be done in half an hour, you could easily spend half a day or more in the area, visiting the various temples, shrines, shops and cafes along the way.
Sannenzaka
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Walk the Historic Streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Stroll these charming, stone-paved streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
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Yasaka Pagoda: Hōkan-ji
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Known for its vibrant orange gates, this shrine is a central spot during Kyoto’s famous Gion Matsuri festival and offers a peaceful retreat year-round.
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Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple
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Yasaka Koshindo, also known as Kongoji Temple, is a colourful and unique Buddhist temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District, famous for its vibrant displays of "kukurizaru", or brightly coloured cloth balls representing monkeys
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☕️ % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama
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Located near Kiyomizudera, this minimalist café is famous for its high-quality coffee and stylish atmosphere. Perfect for a quick caffeine boost after exploring the temple. Try their Kyoto latte or single-origin espresso.
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Stop 3: Gion District
Yasaka Shrine
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Yasaka Shrine, host to the Gion Matsuri, is one of Kyoto's most popular shrines and is located at the eastern end of Shijo-dori next to Maruyama Park. The shrine's lanterns are lit every evening.
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Maruyama Park
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Kyoto’s most popular park for cherry blossoms
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Stop 4: Philosophers Path
Approximately two kilometers long, the path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji. The path got its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University.
Philosopher's Path
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Approximately two kilometers long, the path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Usually in early April these trees explode with color, making this one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.
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Okonomiyaki Kiraku
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A casual eatery near the start of the Philosopher’s Path, serving freshly made Kyoto-style okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). Try their signature okonomiyaki topped with green onions and seafood.
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Nanzen-ji Temple & Aquaduct
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(600 yen) Visit this beautiful Zen temple to admire the impressive Sanmon Gate, tranquil gardens, and the aqueduct.
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Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
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(500 Yen) Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto renowned for its understated elegance, serene gardens, and profound cultural influence
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Omen Ginkaku-ji
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A short walk from Ginkaku-ji, this popular restaurant serves delicious udon noodles with fresh seasonal vegetables. Try their Omen Udon with sesame dipping sauce.
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Stop 5: Nishiki Market
Catch the 32 City BusKyoto Gaidai (Kyoto University of Foreign Studies) via Shijo Kawaramachi and Nishikyogoku to "Kawaramachi-dori St & Shijo-dori." This takes about 33 min and costs Y230.
Nishiki Market
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Wander through this vibrant market to sample Kyoto’s culinary delights, including fresh seafood, yuba (tofu skin), and matcha sweets.
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