One Day in Kyoto: Recommended Attractions including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and the Kamo River

I have always loved ancient capitals, and this time I finally get to experience Kyoto. Since this trip is only 4 days including commuting, the time to visit each place is quite limited. Considering the time cost and the actual attractions I want to visit, I decided to start with Kyoto, then Nara, and finally return to Osaka (since I have to fly back to Taiwan from Osaka, I hope to minimize the commuting distance on the last day to reduce fatigue, so I decided not to arrange any itinerary on the first day. When I arrive at Kansai International Airport in the afternoon, I will take the train to Kyoto).

Since I arrived at the airport after 7 pm, we chose the JR Limited Express (Haruka) to reach Kyoto as soon as possible, which takes about 75 minutes.

The unique appearance of Haruka

The "Haruka" (はるか, Haruka) is a limited express train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It primarily connects Kansai International Airport (KIX) with major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto. Departing from Kansai International Airport (KIX), it travels via the Hanwa Line, Osaka Loop Line, and Tokaido Main Line to reach Kyoto Station or Osaka Station. The journey from Kansai International Airport to downtown Kyoto takes approximately 75 minutes, and to downtown Osaka takes about 60 minutes.

Since our accommodation is near Nijo Station, upon arriving in Kyoto, we need to transfer to the Karasuma Line subway towards "Takeda". The subway ride takes about 15 minutes.

Nijo Station, it was already very late when we arrived.

The ROYAL PARK CANVAS

The hotel my wife booked is right across from the station, so there's nothing to complain about 😎. It also has a hot spring, but it seems a bit lacking compared to the ones we experienced in Hokkaido. Perhaps people don't come to Kyoto specifically for hot springs.

The lobby is stylish and spacious, offering free coffee, tea, and sparkling water.

Full of Kyoto atmosphere!?

Right across from Nijo Station, very convenient.

The room is very spacious and comfortable

Since we want to take a slow and leisurely pace, the itinerary is not tightly packed. On the second day, we need to head to Nara, so the Kyoto itinerary will focus on a few major attractions for a day trip. As our accommodation is near Nijo Station, we will need to return to Kyoto Station for subsequent trips. Many of Kyoto's main attractions are concentrated in certain areas, and many places can be reached on foot, such as the Gion district and the surroundings of Kiyomizu-dera.

Early in the morning, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine. The small station feels inadequate for the popularity of the attraction; it's so crowded XD.

Every train is so crowded.

My impression of this attraction was just a corridor filled with torii gates, but upon visiting, I realized that the entire surrounding trail is lined with torii gates.

It's nice to take a morning walk here.

On the way back, I observed the station and really liked how it matches the local attraction's characteristics.

Next, we head to Kiyomizu-dera. As we shuttle between attractions in Kyoto, I find the architectural scenery along the way more distinctive, and it's filled with various snacks and desserts.

If you don't want to encounter so many people, you have to leave early.

Found a soba noodle shop for lunch

Gokago Kyoto

If you love matcha, you must come and experience it. The biggest feature is that the staff prepares fresh matcha for you to drink on the spot. 😁

I usually don't eat pickled foods, but I saw a long queue on the way, with everyone lining up to buy Kyouuri-zuke (pickled cucumbers), so I got curious and decided to try it.

The taste is too strong for me; I still prefer Taiwanese cold pickled cucumbers.

Kyoto tsukemono (pickles) are not only a part of daily meals but also important foods for festivals and special occasions, loved by both locals and tourists. You can find various types of tsukemono in Kyoto's markets, specialty shops, and restaurants. They offer a window into understanding Kyoto's traditional food culture.

The ticket tells me I need to come back for the Cherry Blossom Festival

After purchasing the ticket, you can enter Kiyomizu-dera. Many people are wearing kimonos, but I decided not to spend extra money this time.

Found the most famous photo spot of Kiyomizu-dera. I heard somewhere that there used to be many jumping incidents here.

So, I decided to take a walk below.

After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, you can reach Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka by following the slope down from the temple. These areas are famous for their traditional Kyoto atmosphere and various shops and teahouses, making them perfect for a stroll and shopping after visiting Kiyomizu-dera.

The names Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka come from the tradition of maintaining these slopes every two and three years, respectively. These streets have a history of several hundred years and are one of the important pathways to Kiyomizu-dera.

The streets are lined with many traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouse) buildings. These old wooden houses, shops, and teahouses showcase the traditional appearance of Kyoto. Many of these buildings have now been converted into shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering various local specialty products and delicacies. It is said that those who fall on Sannenzaka will encounter bad luck within three years, so people are particularly careful when walking here. This legend adds to the mystique of the street.

When traveling to Kyoto, aside from visiting the ancient temples, the most interesting experience is wandering through these traditional streets and alleys to enjoy the old town atmosphere.

Starbucks also blends in with the traditional architectural style of Kyoto's streets. If you don't specifically look for it, you might miss it while passing by. 🤣

Kyoto's Starbucks sign

Kyoto's Starbucks entrance

Gion is a famous traditional district in Kyoto, known for its well-preserved old buildings, teahouses, and geisha culture. This area has many old wooden houses, restaurants, and performances by geisha and maiko.

It is one of the famous shrines in Kyoto, located not far from Hanamikoji Street. It is one of the most important shrines in Kyoto, known for its magnificent architecture and rich historical culture.

Yasaka Shrine is located in the eastern part of Gion, about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. It is also a major attraction that tourists often visit when exploring Kyoto, especially after strolling around the Gion area.

In summary, Yasaka Shrine is a highlight of Kyoto. Its location, along with other attractions in the Gion area such as Hanamikoji Street and Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, creates a rich travel experience.

The shrine's architectural style is unique, featuring red main buildings and green roofs.

Hanamikoji Street is an important street in the Gion area. Known for its narrow streets and traditional Kyoto appearance, it is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals. Hanamikoji Street is an excellent place to experience the traditional atmosphere of Gion and geisha culture.

After exploring the traditional streets of Kyoto, we headed towards the city center. The evening itinerary was dedicated to Kyoto's major department stores, Isetan Kyoto and Takashimaya Kyoto. From the Gion area, we passed through the streets near the Kamo River. The department stores are located on the west bank of the river, close to the city center.

The Kamo River is a major river in Kyoto, flowing through the city's central area. Its name comes from "kamo," as there used to be many ducks in the river. The Kamo River is divided into the upper Kamo River and the lower Kamo River, which merge in the city to form the entire Kamo River. There are many paths along the river, suitable for walking, jogging, and sightseeing. The green spaces and shade along the river provide a relaxing environment.

For dinner, we wanted to have hot pot, so we randomly chose a restaurant in the city. In Taiwan, we've tried various types of sukiyaki, but we've never had a hot pot with completely plain water without any seasoning. It's so healthy. By the way, why do Japanese people love yuzu-flavored sauce so much? 😂

I really like Kyoto. Although we didn't have the chance to visit some of the farther attractions like Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama due to time constraints, this one-day trip was still very satisfying. If you want to relax and slowly enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital's streets, focusing on quality rather than quantity, I highly recommend you take a walk around Kyoto. Early the next morning, we will head from Kyoto to Nara for a one-day trip. 🦌

JapanKyoto

Alvin

Software engineer, interested in financial knowledge, health concepts, psychology, independent travel, and system design.

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