～From the bustle of the market to a tranquil Zen space. A bicycle tour around historic shrines, temples and culture.
Kyoto Central Market Tour
Kyoto Central Market offers early morning tours where you can see the lively "auction market". The tour starts at 5am, and the morning is the recommended time to feel the heat of the market.
The fish auction in particular is very immersive. The voices and actions of professional buyers are the best part of the market. You can visit the market from 5am to 5pm, but if you want to see the auction, we strongly recommend that you come as early in the morning as possible.
[Note]
Advance reservations are required for the tour. If there are a large number of participants, admission may be restricted.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in.
The market is open during business hours, so please follow the instructions and do not enter the restricted areas.
There are some restrictions on taking photos, so please follow the instructions of the local guide.
This tour is a valuable experience that allows you to see the behind-the-scenes of Kyoto's "food" and experience the passion of the craftsmen up close. In the clear air of the early morning, please experience the lively scene unfolding in Kyoto's kitchen.
🌟 Concept
Head southwest from Kyoto Station towards Higashiyama.
This is a fulfilling route where you can experience popular tourist sites such as Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Sanjusangendo Temple, as well as local culture at Kyoto Central Market and Sennyuji Temple.
Don't forget to start by praying for a safe journey at Kasuga Shrine. This is Kyoto's Prayer Road, where tranquil moments and moving scenery intersect.
🎯 Travel Tips
- 🛕 You can visit World Heritage and National Treasure shrines and temples, and markets where local life is alive, all in one day
- 🚲 Most of the places are accessible by bicycle. Easy to get around, and recommended for beginners
- 🌉 Full of "famous scenes" such as the bridge at Tofukuji Temple, the Thousand Kannon Bodhisattva at Sanjusangendo, and the Thousand Torii at Fushimi Inari
- 🧧 Start by praying for safety at Kasuga Shrine! Enjoy your trip with peace of mind
- 🍱 There are two gourmet spots: Kyoto Central Market and Kyoto Station!
・🍜 Kyoto's most famous ramen shop: Honke Daiichi Asahi Takabashi
📍 Check the route on Google Maps
We have compiled a Google Maps for the sightseeing route for the day. You can check the route and highlights of each spot at a glance on the map. Please use it to make your sightseeing smooth.
①Villa Kyoto Saiin (Today's adventure starts here)▶︎Rent a bicycle to join you (near Hankyu Saiin Station)▶︎Kasuga Shrine (Prayer for a safe journey)▶︎Kyoto Central Market (Tour and breakfast)▶︎Toji Temple (World Heritage Site)▶︎Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates)▶︎Tofukuji Temple (Tsutenkyou Bridge, Gaunkyo Bridge, Komyoin Temple)▶︎Sanjusangendo Temple (Thousand Kannon Bodhisattva)▶︎Kyoto Station
②▶︎Kyoto Station ▶︎ Ramen Daiichi Asahi Takabashi store where there is always a line ▶︎Nishi Honganji Temple (World Heritage Site) ▶︎Villa Kyoto Saiin (return)
🗺️ Route Overview (Route and Brief Introduction)
Villa Kyoto Saiin (Departure)
▶ The starting point is surrounded by the tranquility of a residential area. Today's adventure begins here.
↓ 5 minute walk
Bicycle rental (near Hankyu Nishinoin Station)
▶ Get your bike for the day and get going!
If you're strong, you can use a regular bike,
if you're weak, you can use an electric bike (I choose this one)
↓ 自転車5分
Kasuga Shrine (Prayer for a safe journey)
▶ A simple shrine loved by locals. Pray for a safe journey before setting off.
↓ 15 minutes by bicycle
▶︎Kyoto Central Market (tour and breakfast) *Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays
▼ Kyoto's "food kitchen"
▶ Experience fresh seafood and dashi culture.
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Toji Temple (World Heritage Site)
▶ An esoteric Buddhist temple associated with Kukai. The five-story pagoda stands out against the Kyoto sky.
↓ 20 minutes by bicycle
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Senbon Torii)
▶ A spectacular torii tunnel. Take great photos while walking along the approach to the shrine
▶︎Senbon Torii
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Tofukuji Temple (Tsūtenkyo Bridge, Gaunkyo Bridge, Komyoin Temple)
▶ A Zen temple decorated with the beauty of the four seasons. A fusion of architecture and beautiful gardens.
↓ 5 minutes by bicycle
Sennyuji Temple (Imperial family temple)
▶ A quiet temple with an imperial atmosphere. You can also try copying sutras and meditating.
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Sanjusangendo (Thousand Kannon Bodhisattva)
▶ Be overwhelmed by the solemn space lined with national treasure Kannon statues.
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Kyoto Station (rest/souvenirs)
▶ Take a short break in the basement of Isetan or in the station building. You can also buy Kyoto's famous sweets.
Kyoto Tower
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Nishi Honganji Temple (World Heritage Site)
▶ The head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect. The huge Goei-do Hall and the historic Karamon Gate are must-sees.
↓ 10 minutes by bicycle
Villa Kyoto Saiin (return)
▶ Safely reached the finish line! A day that began with a prayer for safety turned into a fruitful journey.
🕰️Recommended Schedule (Model Plan)
| Time | Content |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Depart from the villa and pick up your rental bicycle |
| 08:45 | Pray for a safe journey at Kasuga Shrine |
| 09:15 | Kyoto Central Market (tour and light breakfast) |
| 10:15 | Visit Toji Temple |
| 11:15 | Stroll around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine |
| 12:15 | Tofukuji Temple (Tsutemkyo Bridge and Komyoin Temple) |
| 13:15 | Sennyuji Temple (walk in the silence) |
| 14:00 | Sanjusangendo Temple |
| 15:00 | Shopping and cafe time at Kyoto Station |
| 16:00 | Nishi Honganji Temple |
| 17:00 | Return to Villa Kyoto Saiin |
📏Time Required, Distance, and Area Information
- Total distance: Approximately 19km
- Time required: Approximately 8-9 hours (including sightseeing and breaks)
- Bicycle area: All areas are within the Kyoto City bicycle zone
- Note: Areas around Fushimi Inari and in front of Sanjusangendo are pedestrian priority areas. Please push your bicycle to ensure safety.