Enjoy Kyoto's famous sights in one day! Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo Shrine, Demachiyanagi Futaba, Ginkakuji Temple, Nanzenji Temple, Eikando Temple, Heian Shrine, and Nishiki Market
▶ Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site, castle associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu)
▶ Shimogamo Shrine (World Heritage Site, shrine for matchmaking and protection from evil)
▶ Ginkakuji Temple (a temple symbolizing the beauty of wabi-sabi)
▶ Nanzenji Temple and Eikando Temple (famous for autumn leaves, via the Philosopher's Path)
Concept
This plan proposes a trip that allows you to feel the unique atmosphere and history of Kyoto while efficiently touring the main tourist sites of Kyoto using rental bicycles. Taking advantage of the high degree of freedom that only a bicycle can offer, you can enjoy the narrow alleys and local atmosphere that are often overlooked on normal tourist routes. Another attractive feature is that it shortens travel time, leaving more time for sightseeing, meals, and photography.
Enjoy the Kyoto cityscape with all five senses and spend a fulfilling day that incorporates a good balance of history, culture, and gourmet food.
📍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 (starting point) → Bicycle rental (around Hankyu Saiin Station) → Kasuga Shrine (prayer for road safety) → Shinsenen (carp feeding experience) ▶ Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site, castle associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu) ▶ Mikane Shrine (power spot for increasing financial luck) ▶ Kyoto Imperial Palace (place where successive emperors lived) ▶ Shimogamo Shrine (World Heritage Site, shrine for matchmaking and protection from evil)
② Shimogamo Shrine (World Heritage Site, a shrine for matchmaking and protection from evil) ▶ Buy Daifuku at "Futaba" in Demachiyanagi (Kyoto's famous bean mochi as a souvenir) ▶ Ginkakuji Temple (a temple symbolizing the beauty of wabi-sabi) ▶ Nanzenji Temple and Eikando Temple (famous for autumn leaves, via the Philosopher's Path) ▶︎Keage Incline ▶ Heian Shrine and Chion-in Temple (a spot where you can feel the history of Kyoto) ▶︎Yasaka Shrine
③▶︎Yasaka Shrine▶ Shijo Kawaramachi area (beware of bicycle-free areas) → detour to Sanjo Ohashi Bridge → go through Oike-dori ▶ Nishiki Market (stop by in the evening and enjoy Kyoto cuisine) ▶ Go through Sanjo Shopping Street and return to Villa Kyoto
📍One-day tour model route (route and brief introduction)
Departure point: Villa Kyoto Nishiin | Departure at 08:30
▶︎Departure base
▶︎Rent a bicycle and head to Kyoto city!
▶︎Kasuga Shrine (Pray for a safe day)
🏯 ① Nijo Castle (9:00 - approx. 45 mins)
▶︎The highlights are the gorgeous partition paintings and gardens associated with the Tokugawa family. Take a quick tour of this World Heritage castle, where you can sense the atmosphere of the Edo period.
⛩️ ② Mikane Shrine (10:00 - approx. 20 mins)
▶︎A famous power spot for increasing financial luck. Characterized by a golden torii gate. Popular for praying for financial luck! A shrine marked by a golden torii gate
🌿 ③ Kyoto Imperial Palace (10:30 - approx. 40 mins)
▶︎Former Imperial Palace. Stroll through the vast grounds and historic architecture.
▶︎Various grounds and a sense of history. The remains of the prestigious Imperial Palace
🍁 ④ Shimogamo Shrine (11:30 - approx. 40 mins)
▶︎ World Heritage Site. Calm your mind at a quiet shrine surrounded by the Tadasu Forest.
▶︎ Pass through the Tadasu Forest and visit the power spot
🍽️ ⑤ Lunch (12:30 - approx. 1 hr)
Recommended restaurants]
・Demachi Rororo (Japanese cuisine, set meals)
・Tsuruya (udon, soba)
・Kil Fait Bon Kyoto (tart specialty store)
🍡 ⑥ Demachi Futaba (13:30 - approx. 15 mins)
The specialty "mame mochi" is delicious! It's best to line up early.
▶︎Get your hands on some bean mochi even if you have to queue! Enjoy the taste of this long-established Japanese confectionery shop
🏞️ ⑦ Ginkakuji Temple (14:00 - approx. 40 mins)
▶︎Enjoy the symbol of wabi-sabi, the Silver Pavilion, and the beautiful dry landscape garden.
▼Climb the slopes of Higashiyama to reach the beauty of wabi: The Philosopher's Path
🍂 ⑧ Nanzenji Temple - Eikando Temple (15:00 - approx. 1 hr)
▶︎Nanzenji Sanmon Gate: A leisurely stroll through the photogenic Suirokaku and famous autumn foliage spots
▶︎Nanzenji Suirokaku and a great spot for viewing autumn foliage
▼Eikando's garden is a must-see.
⛩️ ⑨ Chion-in Temple - Heian Shrine (16:30 - approx. 1 hour)
▶︎ Heian Shrine - Majestic temple and large torii gate.
▶︎ Heian Shrine Large Torii Gate - Scenery of the ancient capital with its huge temple and large torii gate
▶︎ Chion-in Temple
。
⚠️ ⑩ Shijo Kawaramachi (Passing from 17:30)
▶︎ Bicycle-prohibited area! Push your bike or take a detour ⚠️
(※Bicycles are not permitted on Shijo Street, so be careful on the sidewalks too)
🍢 ⑪ Nishiki Market (18:00 - approx. 45 mins)
▶︎ Park your bike and search for gourmet food and souvenirs at "Kyoto's Kitchen" ♪
🏘️ ⑫ Via Sanjo Shopping Street → Return (19:00)
Take a final stroll around Kyoto at the Arcade Shopping Street and return to Villa Kyoto Saiin.
📌 Additional Notes:
- Please be sure to follow traffic rules when riding a bicycle. You cannot ride on Shijo Street or in some pedestrian-only areas.
- We also recommend using a one-day pass for city buses and subways.
Recommended lunch spots.
- Around Demachi Futaba: "Kyoto Udon Izumoya" … a long-established restaurant where you can taste Kyoto udon noodles with a strong dashi broth.
- Around Ginkakuji: "Omen" … their famous tsukemen-style udon noodles are popular.
- Around Okazaki: "Shizuya" … a bakery from Kyoto, perfect for a light lunch.
Bicycle-free areas in Shijo Kawaramachi.
There are areas around Shijo Kawaramachi where riding bicycles is prohibited, and you will need to push your bicycle, especially in the following sections:
- Shijo Street (Karasuma to Kawaramachi): There are many pedestrians and bicycle traffic is restricted.
- Kawaramachi Street (Shijo to Sanjo): As this is a commercial area, there are many signs prohibiting bicycles.
- Around Nishiki Market: Bicycles are not permitted within the market, so you will need to push your bicycle around.
Travel tips.
- The freedom of movement that only a bicycle can offer: Kyoto city is densely packed with tourist attractions, so renting a bicycle allows you to get around efficiently.
- A balance of history and gourmet food: In addition to touring Kyoto's famous sites, you can also enjoy delicious lunches and sweets, and a taste of Nishiki Market in the evening.
- Check bicycle rules: The Shijo Kawaramachi area is a no-bicycle zone, so we recommend pushing your bicycle when traveling.
- Plenty of photo spots: The route includes many quintessential Kyoto landscapes, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, and Ginkakuji Temple.
- Enjoy Kyoto at night: By passing through Sanjo Shopping Street on your way home, you can feel the local Kyoto atmosphere as you return to your accommodation.