There are quite a few ways to move between Kyoto Station and Ginkaku-Ji. Along the journey it is possible to add numerous stops for visiting some of the city's most interesting districts and places of interest.
The route through Higashiyama is a classic and certainly the most typical itinerary for a first-time traveller. Even if you choose this route, there will be plenty of possibilties regarding how to plan the itinerary. Another choice is to go through the city centre.
Buses offer the easiest way to get from Kyoto Station to Ginkaku-Ji. If you want to save time you may consider using the subway too.
Ginkaku-Ji is a major temple located in Southern Sakyo, just north of Higashiyama district. Regarded as a masterpiece of art, the temple exerted a great influence on the development of Japanese culture. Visiting Ginkaku-Ji is a must, even for a short-stay programme.
Distances
The distance between Kyoto Station and Ginkaku-Ji measured along major roads amounts to a little less than 10 km. As such, it is perfectly compatible for a full day itinerary on foot, especially if you consider that you can set your starting point in locations in Southern Higashiyama, typically the Sanjusangen-do or Kiyomizu-dera.
Most travellers who do not suffer from any mobility limitations will find the walking pleasant and enjoyable.
How to get to Ginkaku-Ji from Kyoto Station
Ginkaku-Ji is served by a fair number of buses, including some of the most useful lines, i.e. Line 5 (from Kyoto Station) and 204 (from Kitaoji Station via Kinkaku-Ji).
By bus
The following lines serve the Kyoto Station - Ginkaku-Ji route:
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Kyoto City Bus 5: through Higashiyama (via Gion);
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Kyoto City Bus 17: through the centre of Kyoto (Nakagyo, Kamigyo).
Bus Line 17 (around 45 minutes, 230 yen):
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1) Bus Line 17: Kyoto-Eki-mae - Ginkakuji-michi; 30 minutes, 230 yen;
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2) On foot: 10 minutes.
By subway and bus
Furthermore, if you are pressed for time and you do not want to stick to buses only, you may opt for using the subway between Kyoto Station and Imadegawa Station. The remaining leg (Imadegawa Station - Ginkaku-Ji) is covered by Line 204.
Subway and bus (around 45 minutes, 490 yen):
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1) Karasuma Line (subway): Kyoto Station - Imadegawa; 10 minutes, 260 yen;
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2) Bus Line 203: Karasuma-Imadegawa - Ginkakuji-michi; 15 minutes, 230 yen;
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3) On foot: 10 minutes.
Choosing among different solutions
The three solutions differ as for time travel time and length of the walking segment. Differences are small; many would find them negligible.
In the end you will most likely make a choice depending on how comfortable a solution is and other possible destinations along the journey.
The choice of the route will largely depend on which places of interest you wish to visit along the journey.
If you want to visit Higashiyama (Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion), you can take buses of Line 206.
If you want to visit the city centre and Kyoto Imperial Palace you can take a bus of Line 17 or the subway (Karasuma Line) and then a bus (204).
During high season
If you travel during a major national holiday, travelling by bus may be uncomfortable as buses tend to be crowded during this period. Traffic jams are also possible, especially during the cherry blossom season.
Opting for using the subway in this case is appropriate.
Suggested itineraries along the route
Hereby we give a list of possible itineraries along the transfer between Kyoto Station and Ginkaku-Ji.
Half-day itineraries
These itineraries can take up a half-day. You can devote the second half of the day to visiting Ginkaku-Ji, the Philosopher's Path and other temples in Sakyo.
Suggested itineraries (from Kyoto Station):
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1) Gion area;
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2) Southern Higashiyama;
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3) Park Maruyama and temples nearby.
1) Gion area
If you want to visit Gion you can reach Yasaka-Jinja by bus (Line 5 or Line 206) and walk along Sanjo-dori. A two-hour stroll through Gion should include Hanami-dori, Shirakawa-dori streets. Along the way you can visit Kennin-Ji, a major Zen temple.
You can then return to Yasaka-Jinja, visit the shrine, have a walk around Maruyama Park.
2) Southern Higashiyama
Under the limitations of a half-day programme, we believe the best option for a short itinerary in Southern Higashiyama is to spend the whole available time for a visit to Sanjusangen-Do and Kyoto National Museum. The two sites are very close to each other. A bus stop served by Kyoto City Bus 100 is located near Sanjusangen-Do.
3) Maruyama Park and temples nearby
Another great option, particularly interesting if you happen to visit Kyoto in Spring or Autumn is to visit temples and shrines located near Maruyama Park. A possible choice regards Kodai-Ji, Chion-In and Shoren-In.
Full-day itineraries
These itineraries take up a full day. In this case the Ginkaku-Ji is the final destination of the programme. Depending on the season you may want to reverse the order of the itinerary. In winter the temple closes at 16:30; in other seasons closing time is at 17:00.
Depending on which places you wish to devote more time to, you may modify the sequence of the visits.
1) From Maruyama Park to Ginkaku-Ji on foot
The first programme is suitable to those who enjoy walking. You can start reach Yasaka-Jinja by bus (Kyoto City Bus 100) and start your tour from Maruyama Park. You can then visit Chion-In and Shoren-In.
You can then go on northwards and reach the Philosopher's Path and Ginkaku-Ji on foot. This itinerary is a classic, a perfect programme for a one-day tour, particularly suitable for a four-day journey in Kyoto.
2) From Kiyomizu-dera to Maruyama Park; Ginkaku-Ji
Another good option is to visit Kiyomizu-dera, explore the picturesque neighbourhoods near Sannen-zaka, Ninen-zaka, Ichinen-zaka. You can then visit Kodai-Ji, Maruyama Park and Yasaka-Jinja. Afterwards you can have lunch in Gion and then take a bus to Ginkaku-Ji. If you enjoy walking, after visiting the temple you can return to Gion on foot along the Philosopher's Path.
Related articles:
Main article: Kyoto 3-day itinerary
From Kyoto Station to Ginkaku-Ji Temple: Itinerary along Kyoto-Shi Basu 100 Line
Itineraries along the Keihan Main Line: Southern Higashiyama | Northern Higashiyama and Sakyo
