Major Sightseeing Areas

Outskirts

1. South Higashiyama Area

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. North Higashiyama Area

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 won't be so hard. 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. Kinkakuji to Nijo Castle AREA

Ginkakuji temple
Nanzenji temple
Honen-in temple

Attractions: Kinkakuji temple, Nijo Castle, Ryoanji-temple, Kitano-tenmangu shrine, Hirano shrine.

4. 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).


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