🇺🇸🚴‍♂️ An adventurous trip around the major tourist spots in one day!

📍 A plan to tour around Kyoto by rental bicycle: Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Ninna-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Shimogamo Shrine, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and To-ji Temple

This plan allows you to efficiently visit Kyoto's famous sites while enjoying the freedom of a rental bicycle.
Depending on time constraints, you can flexibly choose the places you stop by and pass through, and discover Kyoto in your own way.

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🔵 Route overview (clockwise) 📍 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.

② Omuro-Ninna-ji Temple (famous for Omuro-zakura cherry blossoms) → Ryoan-ji Temple (famous for its rock garden) → Kinkaku-ji Temple (a symbol of Kyoto shining in gold) → Daitoku-ji Temple (a quiet Zen temple) → Shimogamo Shrine → Ginkaku-ji Temple → Philosopher's Path → Eikando Temple (famous for autumn leaves) → Nanzen-ji Temple (photo spot at Suirokaku)

③Nanzenji Temple → Heian Shrine → Yasaka Shrine (center of Gion) → Yasaka Pagoda → Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka → Kiyomizu-dera Temple (a Kyoto staple) → Toji Temple → Villa Kyoto Saiin

Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours (including sightseeing time)
Distance: Approximately 40-50km (depending on route selected)

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⏰ Recommended schedule

🕗 8:00 -
We start in the cool morning hours, heading for Arashiyama first!

🕘 8:30 - 9:30 | Walk around the Arashiyama area (about 1 hour)
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▶︎Enjoy the morning scenery at Togetsukyo Bridge
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▶︎Bicycle through the bamboo forest
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(If you have time, go via Daikakuji Temple and Hirosawa Pond)

• [Daikakuji Temple] Daikakuji Temple conveys the elegance of the Heian period to the present day. This temple was once the emperor's villa, and you can quietly stroll around the gardens and shoin study rooms surrounded by an elegant atmosphere. In particular, Osawa Pond, which spreads across the garden, is Japan's oldest man-made forest and spring garden, and is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves and moon viewing. Away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy a moment immersed in the elegant history of Kyoto.
• ［Hirosawa Pond and Sagano Area] Hirosawa Pond, a symbol of the natural beauty of Sagano, is a soothing spot where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. In particular, the pond shows a different face every time you visit, such as the "mirror-like water surface" before rice planting, the "moon-viewing and autumn leaves" in autumn, and the "freezing" in winter. The area around Hirosawa Pond is perfect for a stroll, and you can enjoy the rural scenery of Sagano while taking a leisurely walk. It is a place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and encounter scenery that will relax your mind.

🕙 10:30 - 11:30｜North Area (Ninna-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple) (about 1 hour)

▶︎Kinkaku-ji Temple (a symbol of Kyoto shining in gold)

🕛 12:00 - 13:00｜Lunch & rest (around Daitokuji Temple) Lunch at a nearby townhouse cafe or Japanese restaurant

🕐 13:30 - 14:30｜Area (Shimogamo Shrine and Ginkakuji Temple) (about 1 hour) Shimogamo Shrine (forest bathing in Tadasu Forest)

▼Shimogamo Shrine → Ginkaku-ji Temple

🕒 15:00 - 16:30｜Nanzenji Temple, Heian Shrine, Eikando Temple (about 1.5 hours)

Note

*This route is intended for sightseeing by bicycle, but if you go from Kinkakuji to Ginkakuji, it may take longer than planned. Therefore, it may be difficult to enter Kiyomizu-dera (opening hours: until 4:30 p.m.) and Toji. Especially if you depart in the afternoon or your sightseeing time is prolonged, we recommend that you change your visit to Kiyomizu-dera and Toji to another day. However, you can stop by Yasaka Shrine without any problems.

▶︎Kiyomizu-dera Temple (a Kyoto staple)

🕔 17:00 - 18:00｜Toji Temple & Return

• Toji Temple (with its beautiful five-story pagoda)
  → Recommended for visiting at dusk

🕕 18:30｜Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin
Thank you for your hard work! After this, you can relax at the inn or have a drink at a nearby izakaya.

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🌟 Travel tips

✅ Allocate your time freely! You can decide whether to stop at the main spots or just pass them by, depending on your preference.
✅ Have lunch depending on your mood! Choose from a machiya cafe, ramen, or Kyoto specialties.
✅ Take a break at a cafe if you get tired. Don't push yourself, and take a break with some matcha sweets or Japanese confectionery.
✅ Relax in the evening We also recommend relaxing at an inn to soothe your travel fatigue.

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Shortcut Route Now Available!

Since the main course is a bit long, we’ve added a shortcut route along the way. It’s perfect for those who prefer a shorter walk or are short on time. Don’t worry—the shortcut still offers great scenery and a pleasant experience. It’s a different way to enjoy the course, so feel free to choose the route that best suits your pace!

① Villa Kyoto Saiin Departure point → Bicycle rental (near Hankyu Saiin Station) → Kasuga Shrine (prayer for safety) → Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge → Tenryuji Temple (World Heritage Site, beautiful garden) → Bamboo forest path → (If you have time → Daikakuji Temple → Hirosawa Pond) → Omuro Ninnaji Temple (famous for Omuro cherry blossoms) → Ryoan-ji Temple (famous for its rock garden) → Kinkaku-ji Temple (a symbol of Kyoto shining in gold)→Head to Nijo Castle → Villa Kyoto Saiin → In the evening, enjoy talking about your travels at a bar near Saiin Station.