⛩ From Heian Shrine to Ginkakuji Temple - A luxurious one-day plan to experience beauty and history -

Travel around Kyoto by subway and city bus! A one-day trip to see famous places and enjoy delicious food

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🎯【Concept】

"A one-day trip to Kyoto for adults that also allows you to enjoy travel"
🚍 This is a smart and affordable Kyoto tour plan that makes the most of the "one-day subway and city bus pass" and includes shrines, temples, gardens, gourmet food, and walking around the city. Travel easily using the subway and city buses without worrying about transportation costs!

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📍Check the route on Google Maps

We have compiled the sightseeing route for the day on Google Maps. 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 ▶︎ Discount ticket store ▶︎ Nishioji Shijo bus stop ▶︎ Shinsenen ▶︎ Nijo Castle ▶︎ Mikane Shrine

② Keage Station ▶︎ Heian Shrine area ▶︎ Nanzenji Temple ▶︎ Eikando Temple ▶︎ Philosopher's Path ▶︎ Ginkakuji Temple ▶︎ Kyoto Imperial Palace ▶︎ Yakiniku Renzo ▶︎ Nishiki Market ▶︎ Villa Kyoto Saiin

🗺️Route overview (routes and brief introduction)

🏠Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)

▶︎Tozai Subway Line: Fast and convenient　・City bus: Enjoy the scenery from the window　・On foot: Take your time to explore the city

▶︎10 minutes on foot

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⛩️Shinsen-en

▶ An imperial garden from the Heian period. A power spot with a historic pond and garden that quietly spreads out.

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🏯Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site)

▶ A famous castle that conveys the glory of the Tokugawa family. Karamon Gate and Ninomaru Palace are must-sees!

⬇️Just a short walk away

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💰Mikane Shrine

▶ Very popular for increasing financial luck. The golden torii gates and offerings of talismans are very impressive!

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Heian Shrine area (Keage Incline, Nejirimanpo (Keage Tunnel), Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, etc.)

▶ A shrine built in the Meiji era with its iconic large torii gate. The vast gardens are also worth seeing. ▶ Heian Shrine Large Torii Gate

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↓A 10-minute walk while enjoying the scenery

🧘 Nanzenji Temple

▶ A prestigious head temple of the Zen temple. A charming space famous for its Suirokaku waterway and autumn leaves.

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↓A 15-minute walk while enjoying the scenery

Eikando (Zenrinji Temple)

▶ Famous for its “Maple Leaves Eikando,” the temple is home to the impressive “Looking Back Amida,” a statue of Amida Buddha looking back.

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🌸Take a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher's Path

▶ The Philosopher's Path, which leads to Ginkakuji Temple, is a beautiful path that changes with the seasons.

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🏯 Ginkakuji Temple (Jishoji Temple)

▶ A world of tranquility that symbolizes Higashiyama culture. Its beauty contrasts with that of Kinkakuji Temple.

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Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto State Guest House)

▶ The residence of successive emperors. Experience the vast grounds and prestigious beauty of the architecture.

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🍽️ Yakiniku Renzo (Karasuma Oike)

▶ A popular local yakiniku restaurant for a late lunch or early dinner. A5 Kuroge Wagyu beef is great value for money!
Exquisite yakiniku made with local ingredients and a special sauce.

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↓ 8 minutes walk

🛍️Nishiki Market

▶ Kyoto's kitchen. A foodie paradise with everything from Kyoto vegetables, pickles, sweets, and souvenirs.

⬇️Subway or bus transportation

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💤 Villa Kyoto Nishiin (return)

▶ Free transfers with a city bus 1-day pass. Easy return trip!

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⏰ Recommended schedule (model)

time zone	contents
08:30	Depart from the villa - go to the ticket shop at Nishioji Shijo
09:00	Take the subway to Nijo → Shinsenen
09:45	Visit Nijo Castle (about 1 hour)
11:00	Visit Mikane Shrine (about 15 minutes)
11:30	Take the city bus or the Tozai subway line to Heian Shrine
12:00	Visit Heian Shrine ~ Nanzenji Temple
13:30	Visit Eikando Temple
14:30	Stroll along the Philosopher's Path → visit Ginkakuji Temple
16:00	Take the city bus to Kyoto Imperial Palace (visit before closing time) *Kyoto State Guest House requires prior reservation
17:00	Dinner at Yakiniku Renzo
18:30	Wander around Nishiki Market & buy souvenirs
19:30〜20:00	Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin

🌟Travel Tips

• Reduce travel costs and ride as much as you want with a one-day city bus and subway pass (1,100 yen for adults)!
• A full course of history + gardens + temples and shrines + gourmet food + walking around town
• Mostly use trains and buses to reduce walking distances and travel in a healthy way
• Allocate your time to cover famous tourist spots while avoiding crowds
• A meal at Renzo is the perfect way to end your trip in a Kyoto-like way!

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⏳Estimated travel time

• Total: 11-12 hours (estimated 8:30-20:00)
• Transport: Total of about 2 hours by bus and subway
• Time for sightseeing, eating, and walking: A generous 9 hours

⚠️【Notes】

• 🚏 Avoid using city buses at peak times (morning commuter times/evening rush hour)
• 📱 We recommend using bus and subway apps (such as "Kyoto Chika Toku")
• 💡 Be aware of temple opening times (most close between 4pm and 5pm)
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes (there are many gravel paths along the Philosopher's Path and within the Imperial Palace)

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