~A day touring world heritage sites, tranquil sites, and the crossroads of nature and history~
▼Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site)
▼Heian Shrine (Meiji Era Majesty)
▼Nanzenji Temple (Suirokaku and Zen space)
▼Ginkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)
🌿Concept
This route begins by praying for a safe journey at Kasuga Shrine, and then goes through central Kyoto to the World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, which is steeped in Higashiyama culture, Nanzen-ji Temple, and Ginkaku-ji Temple.
Along the way, you can fully savor the flavors and scenery of Kyoto while enjoying the nature of the Kamo River, the tranquility of the Philosopher's Path, and daifuku at the long-established Futaba store.
This is a well-balanced route that allows you to experience "quiet Kyoto" firsthand, while also taking your time to visit popular tourist sites.
Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled a Google Maps guide for the day's sightseeing route. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it to make your sightseeing smooth.
① Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure) → Bicycle rental (Around Hankyu Saiin Station) → Kasuga Shrine (Pray for a safe journey) → Shinsenen (A garden from the Heian period) → Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site) → Mikane Shrine (Improve your financial luck) → Heian Shrine (The grandeur of the Meiji period)
②Heian Shrine (the grandeur of the Meiji era) → Incline (Keage Incline) → Nanzenji Temple (Waterway and Zen space) → Eikando Temple (Temple of tranquil beauty) → Philosopher's Path (Path of nature and philosophy) → Ginkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site) → Demachiyanagi (Futaba's bean mochi) → Along the Kamo River (picnic break) → Free time
🗺️Route overview (routes and brief introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)
▶ The starting point of today's journey. Say goodbye to the tranquility of the residential area and start.
↓ 5 minutes walk
Bicycle rental (Around Hankyu Saiin Station)
▶ Rent a bicycle to be your companion for the day.
↓３ minutes by bicycle
Kasuga Shrine (Prayer for a safe journey)
▶ A local shrine in the west of Kyoto. Start by praying for a safe journey.
↓ 7 minutes by bicycle
Shinsen-en (a garden from the Heian period)
▶ A relaxing garden where the history of Heian-kyo remains strong.
"I was amazed by the carp that came right up to my palm. An unexpected interaction experience at the pond of Shinsen-en."
▶ "A carp will eat you right into the palm of your hand!?" An unexpected interaction at Heian Pond!
▶ A cute surprise in a historic garden.
In a Heian-era landscape, carp fly straight into your heart 💘
▶ When I showed the food to the carp… it went straight for it! It came right up to my palm and started munching it down 💥It's like they're having a conversation!
↓ ５minutes by bicycle
Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site)
▶ The epitome of the Tokugawa family's prestige and beauty. Karamon Gate and Ninomaru Palace are must-sees.
↓ ５minutes by bicycle
Mikane Shrine (Increase your fortune)
▶ Look for the golden torii gate. There is no end to the people who come to pray for good fortune and wealth.
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle (heading north along the Kamo River)
Heian Shrine (Meiji Era Majesty)
▶ The large torii gate and garden are impressive. A famous spot where the vermilion shrine and modern architecture harmonize.
↓５minutes by bicycle
🚋 Incline (Keage Incline)
▶︎The best view during cherry blossom season
↓ ５minutes by bicycle
Nanzenji Temple (Suirokaku and Zen space)
▶ The stone arch of the Suirokaku is popular. Take a deep breath in the stately grounds
A retro aqueduct reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct
↓ 3minutes by bicycle
Nanzenji Junsei (Yudoufu)
Eikando (Temple of Quiet Beauty)
▶︎lFamous for its "Maple Leaves" Eikando. The fresh greenery is beautiful in spring.
Kinunkyo Bridge over Hojoji Pond (a famous spot during the autumn foliage season)
Kinun Bridge over Hojo Pond
↓５minutes by bicycle(We recommend pushing your bike on the Philosopher's Path)
Philosopher's Path (a path of nature and philosophy)
▶ A quiet promenade leading to Ginkakuji Temple. Seasonal scenery and a literary atmosphere
↓５minutes by bicycle
① Yamamoto Menzo (Kyoto curry udon)
② Hinode Udon (curry udon with a rich and spicy dashi broth)
③Okakita (tempura rice bowl)
Ginkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)
▶ A symbol of Higashiyama culture that embodies the concepts of wabi-sabi. Elegance in simplicity.
Ginkakuji Temple
↓ 7 minutes by bicycle
Demachiyanagi (Futaba's Bean Mochi)
▶ Get some takeaway daifuku from a long-established Japanese confectionery shop where you have to wait in line.
↓ 1 minute walk
Along the Kamo River (picnic break)
▶ Sit on a bench and enjoy some bean mochi in the midst of nature.
↓ 15 minutes by bicycle (Kamogawa Minamishita → Oike-dori)
Oike-dori → Sanjo Shopping Street (Walking around town)
▶ A traditional Kyoto shopping street. Perfect for souvenir hunting and snacks.
↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
Villa Kyoto Nishiin (return)
▶ A full day of cycling ends here. Thank you for your efforts!
🕒 Recommended schedule (relaxed)
| Time | Itinerary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Departure from Villa Kyoto Saiin | Pick up a rental bicycle |
| 9:15 | Kasuga Shrine | Pray for a safe journey |
| 9:45 | Shinsenen Garden | Power spot with remnants of Heian-kyo |
| 10:15 | Nijo Castle (enter) | Feel the history of the Tokugawa shogunate, a World Heritage Site (takes about an hour) |
| 11:45 | Mikane Shrine | Improve your luck at the power spot for financial luck |
| 12:15 | Head north leisurely along the Kamo River 7 | Feel the pleasant sound of the river and the breeze |
| 13:00 | Heian Shrine (prayer) | 7Be amazed by the beauty of the torii gates and shrine gardens |
| 13:30 | Nanzenji Temple | Go to Suirokaku, the setting for Ishikawa Goemon |
| 14:00 | Eikando Temple | A tranquil temple famous for its autumn leaves (also beautiful in spring) |
| 14:30 | Philosopher's Path | Enjoy the scenery as you push your bike along the small path |
| 15:00 | Ginkakuji Temple | A symbol of wabi-sabi, the pinnacle of Higashiyama culture |
| 15:45 | Demachiyanagi (Futaba) | Purchase the famous mamemochi (bean mochi) 🍡 |
| 16:00 | Take a break along the Kamo River | Relax on a bench and enjoy some daifuku |
| 16:30 | Go through Oike-dori to Sanjo Shopping Street | 1Make a detour and do some shopping at the old-fashioned arcade |
| 17:00〜17:30 | Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin | Return your bicycle - thank you for your hard work! |
🌟 Travel tips
- ✅ Start by praying for safety : We recommend starting your trip off on a good note at Kasuga Shrine.
- ✅ Enjoy World Heritage Sites : The schedule allows you to take your time to visit Nijo Castle and Ginkakuji Temple.
- ✅ Waterscapes : Push your bike along the Kamo River and the Philosopher's Path to enjoy the tranquility and scenery you can't experience by car.
- ✅ A culinary treat : Slowly enjoy a daifuku from Futaba in Demachiyanagi by the river.
- ✅ A balance of hidden gems : There are also some unique spots such as Shinsenen Garden and Mikane Shrine.
📏 Estimated time and distance
- Time required: Approximately 8 hours (including breaks, worship, and entrance)
- Total distance: Approximately 18-20km (including detours)
🚲 Notes on using a bicycle
- 🔸There are push-and-push zones around the Philosopher's Path and Nanzenji Temple. Please proceed slowly as there will be many pedestrians.
- 🔸Bicycle parking space is limited in front of Ginkakuji Temple. Please check nearby bicycle parking areas.
- 🔸The road along the Kamo River is narrow in some places. Drive safely and watch your speed.