Packed with the wonder of Japan Potter around in Kyoto
Kyoto is laid out in a grid so, even for first time visitors, it is relatively easy to get around. Both tourist spots such as World Heritage Sites and shopping zones are close by so even if you only have one day, you can visit a number of places without spending a lot on transport. The many historical Japanese buildings and modern shops exist in harmony not detracting from the scenery of Kyoto that preserves Japanese tradition and the townscape is quite simply a concentration of Japanese-ness.
Meander round Sagano/Arashiyama by tram!
Tram from Kameoka Station to Arashiyama.
Views from the tram
The river from Togetsu Bridge (right) / Togetsu Bridge(left)
Take a “petit” 20 minute trip gently rocked by tram to experience the full beauty of nature. Feeling the gentle breeze through the open compartments, view the impressive panorama of the beautiful Hozu Gorge. Take the tram from Kameoka Station and alight at Arashiyama where you will see the Sagano bamboo forest that evokes emotion. Walk through the bamboo tunnel that reaches up to the blue sky and you will come to a row of Kyoto souvenir shops. Just beside this is the popular attraction, Togetsu Bridge. The fatigue from your trip should melt away beside the gently flowing river.
Sagano bamboo forest
●Tram fares : Adult 600yen / Child 300yen (One-way)
※Can also be purchased at JR “Midori no Madoguchi”
●Access (JR Kyoto station ←→ Tram stop)
Outbound Route : Take the local train from 【JR Kyoto】 Station. Alight at 【JR Umahori】 Station, 2 stops before 【JR Saga-Arashiyama】 Station.
Walk along the tracks (in the direction of Saga-Arashiyama) for 10 minutes from 【JR Umahori】. When the road turns, you will find 【Torokko Kameoka】 Station (for the tram).
Return Route : As you will travel by tram from【Torokko Kameoka】→【Torokko Arashiyama】 Station, the return route is from 【JR Saga-Arashiyama】Station just beside 【Torokko Arashiyama】Station directly to 【JR Kyoto】.
Sagano Scenic Railway(tram)Official Site(Japanese)
Say a prayer at Kiyomizudera, a World Heritage Site
Kiyomizudera platform
Tell your wishes to the horse painting…
When in Kyoto, you can’t miss out on the World Heritage Site, Kiyomizudera. The view looking down onto the townscape of Kyoto from the historical Kiyomizu platform is exceptional. Beautifully lit up during the spring cherry blossom and autumn colours seasons, special night viewing sessions are arranged. The Kyoto Jishu Shrine in the grounds is very famous for its “god of marriage”. Lining the streets of Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka and Kiyomizu-zaka are souvenir shops where you can buy almost all products typical to Kyoto. There are many samples on offer so feel free to try them.
The god of marriage
Kyoto Jishu Shrine
●Access
5 – 6 minutes by taxi from downtown Kyoto 【Shijokawara-machi】.
Both sides of the streets are lined with shops and it is great fun even if you just look around so this is recommended for those who like to walk.(20 – 30 minutes)
Kiyomizudera Official Site(Japanese)
Try “Yudofu”, traditional Kyoto cuisine
Yudofu
Sashimi (top left),Small bowl (top right)
Sesame Tofu (bottom right)
Dengaku (grilled Tofu)
Vegetable Tempura
Junsei at Nanzenji Temple where you can eat your fill of “Yudofu”, the traditional cuisine of Kyoto. This Japanese residence that is still today reminiscent of a long and distinguished history was built as a place of study for medicine over 200 years ago and now it is crowded with people enjoying “Yudofu”. It is said that the reasons why Kyoto Tofu is so good are, on top of the high quality water, which makes up 90% of the ingredients, and the abundance of decidedly tasty soy beans, the fact that Tofu frequently appeared in the vegetarian diet of Kyoto that had many temples. Enjoy the soft tofu warmed to just the right temperature and feel the unique and delicate taste spread across your tongue.
※ The photo displays part of the “Yudofu Tsuki 4,000yen”
- ●Nanzenji Junsei
(main branch) - location : Nanzenjimon-mae Sakyo-ku Koyto-city Kyoto japan / TEL：075-761-2311 / Opening hours :11:00～21:30(Last orders 20:00)
- ●Awataguchi Junsei
- location : Dobutsuen-dori Awataguchi-sanjo !!agaru!! Sakyo-ku Kyoto / TEL：075-761-6161 / Opening hours :11:00-21:00(Last orders 19:30)
- ●Goin Maruyama Kagaribi
- location : Maruyamakoen-kitagawa Gion Higashiyama-ku Kyoyo / TEL：075-541-0002 / Opening hours :11:00～21:00(Last orders 19:30)
- ●Kiyomizu-tera Junse
- location : 2 Kiyomizu Kiyomizuderamon-mae Higashiyama-ku Kyoto / TEL：075-541-7111 / Opening hours :10:30～17:00
Wander around the centre of Kyoto
Kyoto shopping town
Cafés in ancient residences
From Shijokawara-machi, the most bustling area in Kyoto, to Karasuma-oike, you can, of course, enjoy shopping but you can also enjoy the scenery of Kyoto-style ancient “merchant houses”. These residences have been renovated to house gift shops, cafés and galleries for local artists and you will be able to step into the culture of Kyoto of a more gentle time. There are many arcade and shopping streets in the centre of Kyoto and it is possible to wander around a large area without having to worry about the weather. In addition, Kamogawa, a representative of the flavour of Kyoto and the streams that run parallel to it have restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto delicacies and many splendid bars and cafés along their banks so we also recommend a walk along the river.
Bars along the riverfront of Kiyamachi Street
You can discover a new world when travelling by bicycle. You can ride down narrow roads or along riverbanks that are not accessible by car while feeling the wind on your face, and you can visit Kyoto efficiently. Bicycles can be rented for between 1,000 and 1,500 yen (depends on the type of bicycle) per day for as many hours as you wish from 9:00 - 19:00 and if used in combination with trains and buses, travel becomes even more convenient and there is no mistake that this plays a part in economizing both time and travel costs.
※ We recommend doing this on weekdays because it is safer when there are less people about.
Kyoto Station Renta-cycle Terminal
This is just beside 「Kyoto Station」 which is the main gateway to Kyoto so it is very convenient for departure and return from your trip. 3 minutes walk from JR 「Kyoto」 Station
・Location : 552-13 Higashi-Aburanokoji-cho Aburanokoji-dori Shiokoji sagaru Shimogyo-ku Kyoto
・Opening hours :9:00～19:00
Nishiki Ichiba Kita Renta-cycle Terminal (Coop Inn Kyoto)
A great start for sightseeing or shopping around town. In 「Coop Inn Kyoto」 *Ask at the reception desk. 5 minutes walk from Hankyu Densha 「Kawara-machi」 and 「Karasuma」 stations or 「Shjio」 subway station.
・Location : 411 Izutsuya-cho Yanagibaba Takoyakushi agaru Nakagyo-ku Kyoto
・Opening hours :9:00～19:00
