🚴♀️【History and sweets in Kyoto local trip】Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Shimogamo Shrine Bicycle trip
~A detour plan to experience culture and flavors, visiting World Heritage sites and Japanese sweets~
▼ Nijo Castle
▼ Kinkakuji Temple
▼ Shimogamo Shrine
🌟Travel Tips
A fulfilling route that visits four World Heritage sites → Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Shimogamo Shrine, Daitokuji Temple (many sub-temples are scenic spots)
A popular sweet spot frequented by locals → A huge collection of Kyoto snacks, from Aburi-mochi (a type of rice cake), Mame-mochi (a type of rice cake), to eating your way through Nishiki Market!
Rent a bicycle, so you can adjust your time freely → A flexible plan that allows you to make detours if you see something that catches your eye.
🌿Concept
"A trip to Kyoto that can only be experienced by bicycle. Take a break with local sweets while visiting World Heritage sites and temples and shrines -- a "slightly indulgent one-day trip" of sightseeing and gourmet food." This route lets you experience the depth of Kyoto, from major spots to local areas.
📍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) → Rental bicycle (Around Hankyu Saiin Station) → Kasuga Shrine (Prayer for safe travels) → Shinsenen (Garden of Heian-kyo) → Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site) → Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (God of Academics) → Kamishichiken (Kyoto's oldest entertainment district) → Kinkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)
Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site) ▶ A gorgeous castle with ties to the Tokugawa Shogunate. The decorations on the Karamon Gate and the paintings on the sliding doors of the Ninomaru Palace are must-sees. ↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (God of Academics) ▶ A shrine famous for praying for success in exams. Stroke the cow statue to improve your luck.
Kamishichiken (Kyoto's oldest geisha district) ▶ A quiet area lined with Kyoto townhouses. Take a quiet bike ride and feel like you've traveled back in time. ↓ 10 minutes by bike
▶ Be prepared to queue at this Japanese sweets shop to get some chewy, salty bean mochi as a souvenir. ↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Kyoto Imperial Palace (picnic and stroll)
The guesthouse inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace requires a reservation. ▶ Take a break on a bench with a daifuku mochi in hand. There is also a spacious lawn for a quiet moment. ↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
▼Kyoto Imperial Palace
▼Kyoto State Guest House
Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen) ▶ Experience Kyoto's food culture at the end of your trip. Perfect for choosing souvenirs. ↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
Villa Kyoto Nishiin (return) ▶ Returning with many new encounters and memories. Thank you for your hard work!
🕒 Recommended schedule (a leisurely one-day trip)
Time
Activity plan
Notes
9:00
Rent a bicycle in Saiin → Kasuga Shrine
Start with a prayer for a safe journey
9:30
Shinsenen → Nijo Castle
Visiting time: Approximately 1 hour (*Last entrance 16:00)
10:45
Kitano Tenmangu → Kamishichiken
Walk & short break: Approximately 45 minutes
11:45
Kinkakuji Temple
Visiting time: Approximately 40 minutes
12:30
Daitokuji Temple → Imamiya Shrine & Aburimochi
Lunch & sweets time: Approximately 1 hour
13:45
Shimogamo Shrine → Demachiyanagi "Futaba"
Walk around Tadasu Forest & buy Japanese sweets
15:00
Kyoto Imperial Palace (rest)
Take a break on the grass or on a bench
16:00
Nishiki Market (food tour & souvenirs)
Approximately 45 minutes
17:00
Villa Kyoto Saiin (return)
Bicycles can be returned by 10:00 the next day
📏 Travel time and distance
Duration : Approximately 8 hours (9:00-17:00)
Travel distance : Approximately 20km
Recommended physical condition : Medium (OK for beginners. Few slopes)
🚲 Notes on bicycle routes
Riding is prohibited inside shrines and temples/walking and pushing your bike is strictly prohibited
Check for bicycle parking: Kinkakuji Temple, Shimogamo Shrine, Nishiki Market, etc. have designated bicycle parking areas
Nishiki Market has areas where bicycles are prohibited (walk and push your bike or park in front of it)
