- (A) Higashiyama Area
- Kiyomizu Temple - Sannen-zaka Slope - Maruyama Park - Chion-in Temple - Shoren-in Temple - Heian Shrine; about 50 min. Take a City Bus No.206 from Bus Terminal A2 at Kyoto Station and get off at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. The winding, stone-paved approach up to Kiyomizu Temple is flanked by innumerable curio and souvenir shops. On returning from the temple, halfway down 'Teapot Lane' on the right, is Sannen-zaka which - dotted with cherry blossoms in the spring and brilliant autumn maple leaves in the fall - leads past an intriguing mixture of shops, shrines, temples, old houses and pottery workshops to beautifully landscaped Maruyama Park. A short distance opposite the park is Yasaka Shrine, home of the Gion Festival. Further along the main route on the way to Heian Shrine are the famous Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples and a cluster of museums.
- (B) Along The Old Canal
- Ginkakuji Temple - The Path of Philosophy - Eikando Temple - Nanzenji Temple; about 50 min. Take a City Bus No. 5 from Bus Terminal A1 at Kyoto Station and get off at Ginkakuji-michi stop. This is a remarkably pleasant, leisurely stroll along the tree-lined, traffic-free old Sosui Canal, better known as the 'Path of Philosophy.' Meditators of all ages have long preferred this contemplative, peaceful way down to Nanzenji Temple.
- (C) Arashiyama Area
- Arashiyama bus stop - Shaka-do Temple - Gioji Temple - Jojakkoji Temple - Kameyama Park - Tenryuji Temple; about 1 l/2 hrs. Take a Kyoto Bus No. 71, 72 or 73 from Kyoto Station and get off at Arashiyama. Pine-clad hills, plenty of cherry blossoms in spring, blazing maple leaves in autumn and a scattering of temples evoke the mood of the aristocratic Kyoto of yore in this western part of the city.
- (D) Ohara Area
- Ohara bus stop - Sanzen-in Temple - Jakko-in Temple; about 2 hrs. A one hour ride on a Kyoto Bus No. 17 or 18 from Kyoto Station takes you to Ohara bus stop. For a touch of rural tranquility,Ohara just northeast of the city. is the suggested destination. At least half a day should be allowed for a comfortable walking tour. Jakkoin Temple is a gem and hill-top Sanzen-in Temple is impressive. Views of the maple leaves in mid-November are justly celebrated.
This WWW version of the guide is brought us by courtesy of Japan Window project.
