A journey to Kyoto cannot omit a visit to Higashiyama and Sakyo, two of the most beautiful areas of the cities, particularly rich in historic temples and shrines.
Very close to the city centre, this area is noted for the beautiful natural landscape as well as vast swathes of traditional architecture.
In this page we briefly describe a full-day itinerary. The programme includes some of Kyoto’s most important landmarks and is particularly suitable for the first journey in Japan.
The itinerary is outlined so as to rationalise movements and keep travel time to a minimum.
Northern Higashiyama and Sakyo
The following programme is suitable for the first visit to Kyoto. Modifications and detours can be easily included, which is of particular interest to those who wish to get off the beaten track.
The programme is suitable also to those who wish to visit Kyoto with excursions from Osaka. In this case, we suggest you take advantage of the Keihan Main Line, which provides a rapid and cheap connection between the two cities.
Buses offer the cheapest and most convenient option to get around but if you are a keen walker, you can simply reach all destinations on foot.
Suggested programme
We assume you travel from Osaka. In case you stay in Kyoto, you will have two more hours to spend.
Excursion from Osaka: 8-hour itinerary:
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Kyobashi Station (Osaka)
↨ by train: 45-55 minutes | 410 yen
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Gion-Shijo Station (Kyoto)
↨ on foot: 600 metres | 7 minutes
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Gion, walking tour. Recommended duration of the tour: 1 hour
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Hanamikoji-dori, Gion’s main alley
↨ on foot: 800 metres | 10 minutes
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Tatsumi-Jinja, a small Shinto shrine set in one of Gion’s best preserved areas
↨ on foot: 600 metres | 7 minutes
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Yasaka-Jinja, historic Shinto shrine, adjacent to the beautiful Maruyama Koen, a large park, one of Kyoto’s best cherry blossom spots. Recommended duration of the visit: 30 minutes
↨ on foot: 600 metres | 7 minutes
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Chion-In, large Buddhist temple, most noted for the imposing halls, a group of works of art and two beautiful gardens. Recommended duration of the visit: 1 hour
↨ on foot: 500 metres | 5 minutes
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Shoren-In, a small Buddhist temple enclosed by a beautiful garden considered one of the most beautiful places where you can enjoy autumn colours. Recommended duration of the visit: 30 minutes
↨ on foot: 1.500 metres | 20 minutes
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Nanzen-Ji, one of Kyoto’s largest and most ancient Buddhist temples. Recommended duration of the visit: 45 minutes
↨ on foot: 500 metres | 5 minutes
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Eikan-Do, a Buddhist temple situated near a large forest, another excellent place where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn colours. Recommended duration of the visit: 45 minutes
↨ on foot: 400 metres | 5 minutes
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Philosopher’s Path, a winding narrow alley shaded by numerous cherry trees. A few temples are located near the street. Distance: 1.500 metres. Recommended duration of the visit: 1 hour
↨ on foot: 400 metres | 5 minutes
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Ginkaku-Ji, historic Buddhist temple in Sakyo, regarded as the cradle of Higashiyama Culture. A former residence of a shogun, the complex comprises architectures of exceptional beauty and artistic value. The Kannon-Den, where relics are stored, lies next to a pond and a dry garden. Recommended duration of the visit: 1 hour
↨ by bus, lines 102 or 203 (alternatively on foot: 2.500 metres | 30 minutes)
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Demachiyanagi Station (Kyoto)
↨ by train: 50-75 minutes | 480 yen
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Kyobashi Station (Osaka)
Overall duration of the tour
By combining the partial values related to the single legs of the itinerary the following estimates are derived:
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Train travel time (if you come from Osaka): 100 - 130 minutes
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Walking time: 2 hours
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Duration of the visits: 6 - 7 hours
Total: 8 - 9 hours (up to 2 hours less if your hotel is located in Gion)
Related articles:
Main article: Kyoto 3 day itinerary
Southern Higashiyama (itinerary along the Keihan Main Line) | From Kyoto Station to Ginkaku-Ji (half-day and full-day itineraries)
Western Kyoto: Itineraries along the JR Sagano Line
