From 794 AD, when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo, until 1868 when Tokyo became the capital, Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Its long history has given Kyoto a wealth of historical sites and made it a center of traditional Japanese culture.
Speaking of Kyoto, the top three most popular attractions are well-known, and everyone goes to check them out: 1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). 2. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. 3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
However, many people dislike tourist spots, and the reason for this dislike might be the crowds and noisy environment, which affect people’s appreciation of the scenery. Kyoto’s charm lies not in these popular tourist destinations, but in the elegance and Zen spirit hidden in the ancient city, undisturbed.
Regarding flights, most people focus on domestic budget airlines. However, Japan Airlines often offers discounts. This time, we flew ANA (All Nippon Airways), and the round-trip price was 1600 yuan, including meals, which was incredibly cheap! Moreover, it had generous baggage allowance and comfortable seats. There were none of the issues with budget airlines (like Spring Airlines), such as low baggage allowance and non-adjustable seats. To get a discounted ticket, you have to start looking at least 4 months in advance.
Website: https://www.ana.co.jp/zh/cn/?cid=SEAbaiduchina_201708016170ANA
There are often early-bird discounts for advance purchases.
Transportation Card
Many people ask what to buy before going to Japan. Japan has numerous transportation passes, with a wide variety, making it difficult to choose. After researching numerous transportation cards and passes, we finally decided to go for the simplest option: the ICOCA & Haruka combo ticket for round-trip travel.
If you are going to Osaka, there are 1-day and 2-day passes that include transportation and attractions. However, be aware that if your attractions are not included or you cannot visit 3 or more attractions in one day, this pass is not worth it.
In Kyoto, there are subway 1-day passes and bus 1-day passes, allowing unlimited rides within the day. Similarly, if your attractions are concentrated in one area within a day, it’s not necessary to purchase them. Moreover, Japan’s transportation is extremely complex, with JR and subway lines, and their passes are not interchangeable. So, a subway 1-day pass cannot be used on JR lines! Remember this ⚠️💰
About Cash
People in Japan love to use cash, and while you can withdraw Japanese yen directly from convenience stores, it’s recommended to bring a bit more. Subway fares in Japan are significantly higher than in China, and you’ll find yourself topping up your cards frequently. This time, for 14 days, we each brought 100,000 yen, which was a bit more than enough but not by much.
Transportation
Here’s the most important thing: Download Google Maps beforehand. You can search for all routes, including transportation options, including time, routes, exits, etc. Just enter your destination, and you can search directly.
1. Kennin-ji Temple
Location: 584 Komatsu-cho, 4-chome, Shijo-dori, Yamashina-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Transportation: Get off at Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and walk for about 7 minutes.
Ticket: 500 yen
Kennin-ji Temple is located at the end of Hanamikoji Street, in an excellent location. However, it has very few tourists, while locals frequently visit. The plain walls and original wood, with their simple elegance, convey a sense of detachment from fame and fortune.
Kennin-ji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple and was the first Zen temple in Japan. Although Zen Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism, its practice differs from other schools. It emphasizes zazen meditation and does not delve into Buddhist doctrines. It advocates for “not establishing words,” requiring inner enlightenment and realization to “awaken” and reach the state of “mind like a clear mirror.”
Therefore, at its heart, the Hatto (lecture hall), you’ll find a difference from traditional Japanese architecture—the arrangement of brackets beneath the double eaves is much denser than in other halls. Brackets of the same level are scattered throughout the column heads and between columns. This approach is closer to Chinese ancient architecture. The ceiling of the Hatto features the famous giant “Double Dragon Painting,” and the temple’s Fūjin Raijin (Wind God and Thunder God) folding screens are considered highlights of Kennin-ji Temple. But for me, the greatest highlight of Kennin-ji Temple is its quiet seclusion in the midst of the bustling city.
2. Nagaoka Tenman-gu Shrine
Location: 2-chome, Tenjin, Nagaoka-kyo, Kyoto
Transportation: Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Nagaoka-Tenjin Station, exit at the West Exit, and walk for 10 minutes.
Ticket: Free
This is Nagaoka Tenman-gu Shrine. It was built to commemorate Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent scholar and politician in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), and to pray for the safety of the nation. Because the shrine is dedicated to a real historical figure, he is called the “God of Learning.” Therefore, people who visit here often come to pray for success in exams.
From March to April, the Tsutsuji azaleas lining the approach path bloom. Walking down the central passage, you’ll find large areas of Tsutsuji azaleas on both the south and north sides. Further up is the shrine building of Nagaoka Tenman-gu Shrine.
This place is even more sparsely populated and is a suitable spot for strolling throughout the year.
3. Jojakko-ji Temple
Location: 3, Sagano Ogura-yama Ogura-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Transportation: Take the “JR Saga Arashiyama Train” to “Torokko Saga Station” and walk for 10 minutes.
Ticket: 500 yen
Next to Ohara no Sanso, a famous garden in Arashiyama, lies Jojakko-ji Temple, the least populated but most surprising place in Arashiyama.
The temple’s name comes from Jojakko Pure Land. Jojakko-do is one of the Four Pure Lands in the Western Paradise, focusing on reason and karma. Jojakko-do is the land of reason. “Jo” refers to the Dharma Body, “Jaku” to liberation, and “Ko” to Prajna (wisdom). It is called “Jo” for its unchanging and permanent nature, “Jaku” for its separation from existence and nonexistence, and “Ko” for its illumination of both the conventional and the true. It is the land where the perfectly enlightened Buddha of the final fruition resides.
It is located in a relatively secluded area and is little known. The temple gate is small, revealing layers of maple trees upon entering. The path and streetlights are covered in moss, exuding a tranquil, ancient charm. I hesitated a lot but decided to buy a ticket and enter. It’s another famous spot for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto, but in summer, the delicate green scenery is worth a look.
The Niomon (Guardian Gate) within the temple is the oldest structure on the grounds. The thatched roof is also rare. The long stone steps leading to the Hondo (main hall) are lined with lush maple trees, creating a beautiful view.
After passing through the thicket, you reach the Tahoto (multi-story pagoda) on the hillside, then walk past the Shigure-tei (Shower Pavilion) to reach the summit. You can take in a panoramic view of Higashiyama, the eastern mountains, and the ancient city across the city.
4. Daikaku-ji Temple
Address: 4, Saga Oaza-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Route: Bus: 28, 61, 64, 74, 81 directly to Daikaku-ji Temple.
Ticket: 500 yen
Daikaku-ji Temple is located in Arashiyama. It was built as an imperial villa during the Heian period and later became a temple.
Daikaku-ji Temple has a significant political and historical position but is a relatively less visited place. It sits on the shore of a lake, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It’s also a good place to enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in a quiet setting.
The entire temple grounds are renowned for their vastness and beauty. Daikaku-ji Temple has a lake called Ozoe-ike, with a circumference of about 1 kilometer. Along the shore, there are approximately 650 cherry blossom trees and maple trees. Daikaku-ji Temple is also the birthplace of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), so it regularly holds ikebana festivals in spring and a Saga chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn.
5. Forever Museum of Contemporary Art
Location: 570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 605-0074, Japan
Transportation: Get off at Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Ticket: Varies depending on the exhibition.
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. In the early 19th century, at its peak, there were over 3,000 geishas. It’s a charming street filled with atmosphere but also has a lot of tourists. Amidst this bustling street, there’s a museum—a museum of contemporary art.
Despite being called a contemporary art museum, it’s perfectly integrated with a Japanese garden. It often hosts high-quality exhibitions. Beyond the exhibitions, because it’s located in the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo (dance performance hall), the 2nd floor offers performances of Gion Kobu’s Kyogen (traditional Japanese comedic drama), geisha dances, and photography exhibitions about the history of the dances and Gionmachi.
However, there aren’t many people who actually visit the museum. Beyond the tranquility of the Japanese garden, you can also enjoy the works of artists, making it a win-win situation.
6. Sanzen-in Temple in Kyoto’s Ohara
Location: 540 Oharacho, Oharairaiin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Transportation: Get off at Ohara Station on the Kyoto Bus.
Ticket: 700 yen
Sanzen-in Temple is one of the Tendai sect’s Sanmonzeki temples. Legend has it that it was originally built by Japan’s famous monk, Saicho. In the first half of the year, Sanzen-in Temple is enveloped by a world of green, with towering ancient trees and moss covering the ground, interspersed with a few cherry blossom trees that haven’t fully withered.
The most captivating view is during autumn when red leaves cover the entire area. But despite being a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, it’s relatively less visited due to its remote location.
Inside, there’s an ancient wooden Buddha hall nestled amidst a serene mossy landscape. A narrow path runs through the center, with towering pine trees on both sides.
7. Hirano Shrine
Address: 1, Hirano Miyamoto-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 603-8322
Route: Get off at “Kinugasa Gakuen-mae” on the city bus and walk for 2 minutes.
Ticket: Free
When it comes to cherry blossoms, you can’t forget Hirano Shrine, one of Kyoto’s famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Even the shrine’s crest features cherry blossoms. Within the shrine, there are approximately 500 precious cherry blossom trees, the largest number in Kyoto.
In early April, the 500 cherry blossom trees all bloom at once, and the entire shrine is awash in cherry blossoms for over a month. There are also night cherry blossom viewing opportunities. Hirano Shrine has held a cherry blossom festival every year since 985 AD, making it Kyoto’s oldest cherry blossom festival. In addition to cherry blossoms, the shrine also offers limited-edition cherry blossom confectionery.
8. Thirty-Three Bays Hall
Address: 657, Sanjusangendo-mawari-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Transportation: [Shijo Station] | Keihan Main Line
Fee: 600 yen
Sanjusangendo Hall is located at the midpoint between Kyoto’s Rakuhoku and Rakucho, with the Kyoto National Museum nearby. Its official name is Rengeoin (National Treasure). It stretches 125 meters north to south and is commonly called “Sanjusangendo Hall” because its front facade is divided into 33 bays by pillars. It’s one of the longest wooden structures in the world.
Photography is prohibited inside, but the awe it inspires is beyond words. The hall houses 1,001 seated statues of Thousand-Armed Kannon, with a seated statue of the Nine-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon at the center. Each of the 1,001 statues seems to have a different facial expression, leaving you in awe.
9. Seishu-in Temple
Address: 149, Okuyamada-gawa-kami, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto
Transportation: Driving is the easiest option. If you need to use public transportation,
From Osaka ⬇️
From Kyoto ⬇️
Seishu-in Temple is located in Ujitawara, a region known for its matcha production, less than an hour’s drive from Kyoto. It’s a summer resort. Summer temperatures are 5℃ lower than the average in Kyoto’s urban areas, and a “Wind Chime Festival” is held there every year.
The stunning ceiling murals in the Seishu-in Temple’s guest hall are a must-see. There are 160 murals in total, created through collaboration between numerous Japanese calligraphers and painters. The colors and materials used are infused with a strong Japanese aesthetic.
The most beautiful part is this heart-shaped window, called “Inomemado” in Japanese. It’s a traditional Japanese window design typically used in temples and sacred places, with the meaning of “warding off disasters and bringing good fortune.”
Even more beautiful are the snow and cherry blossom scenes.
Forgoing some conventional attractions, this time we’re not tourists, but simply taking a stroll in Kyoto.
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