Kyoto's popular tourist spots can get extremely crowded depending on the season and time of day. However, by choosing off-peak hours like early morning or evening, or by visiting hidden gems, you can fully enjoy Kyoto's charm at a relaxed pace. This guide introduces tips for timing and spot selection to help you enjoy a comfortable sightseeing experience in Kyoto.
Getting Around by Rental Bicycle
Would you like to explore Kyoto by rental bicycle? You can feel the wind while cycling and fully experience the charm of this ancient capital. Here are the rental bicycle spots and recommended sightseeing courses. Rental bicycles are particularly convenient for accessing Ohara Sanzenin and Kifune Shrine.
Main Rental Bicycle Shops:
Kyoto Station Front Rental Cycle - Convenient for sightseeing from the station
Kyoto City Rental Cycle - Located throughout the city
Shijo Karasuma Area Rental Cycles - Ideal for central area sightseeing
Here are the rental bicycle shops around Shijo Karasuma:
MM Rental Cycle Shijo Karasuma Store Open: 8:00-19:00 Website: https://mm-rental-cycle.com/
J-Cycle Shijo Store Open: 9:00-18:00 Website: https://j-cycle.com/
Kyoto Eco-rinko Shijo Karasuma Store Open: 8:30-18:30 Website: https://kyoto-eco-rinko.com/
These shops are ideally located in the Shijo Karasuma area for central sightseeing.
Below, we'll introduce bike-sharing services that allow you to drop off bikes anywhere! Simply download the app to conveniently use bicycles throughout the city!
LUUP
Available in major areas of Kyoto city
Easy to start using with smartphone app
Can be dropped off at any location
Website: https://luup.sc/
Hello Cycling
Stations located throughout Kyoto city
Available 24 hours
Many stations near tourist spots
Website: https://www.hellocycling.jp/
PiPPA
Stations deployed around Kyoto tourist areas
Available from 15 minutes per use
Credit card payment accepted
Website: https://www.pippa.jp/
Recommended Cycling Courses:
Ohara Course: Exploring the Ohara area centered around Sanzenin
Kifune Shrine Course: To Kifune Shrine in the cool air
Philosopher's Path Area: Leisurely exploration in a quiet atmosphere
Sagano Area: Course visiting quiet shrines and temples
You can enjoy more comfortable sightseeing by choosing times when there are fewer tourists.
Walking Routes to Major Kyoto Tourist Spots
Here are three suggested walking routes to major tourist spots in Kyoto:
1. Philosopher's Path Area Course
Ginkakuji → Philosopher's Path → Nanzenji → Heian Shrine
Total distance: About 3km
Time required: About 2-3 hours (including photo taking and temple visits)
A course where you can stroll leisurely in a quiet atmosphere.
2. Ohara Jakkoin Course
Ohara Station → Jakkoin → Sanzenin → Shorin-in
Total distance: About 4km
Time required: About 3-4 hours
An ideal course for visiting quiet shrines and temples.
3. Bukkoji Area Course
Shijo Station → Bukkoji → Rokuhara Mitsuji → Kiyomizudera
Total distance: About 2.5km
Time required: About 2 hours
A course featuring hidden spots including the urban oasis of Bukkoji.
You can enjoy more comfortable sightseeing by choosing times when there are fewer tourists.
Recommended Hidden Spots
While Kyoto's famous tourist spots are wonderful, there are many lesser-known locations that offer equally enchanting experiences with fewer crowds. These hidden spots allow you to experience the city's authentic charm and tranquil atmosphere. Here are some carefully selected hidden gems in Kyoto:
Bukkoji Location: Shijo Area Access: 5-min walk from Exit 6 of Shijo Station on Karasuma Line, or 3-min walk from Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop (Bus routes 205, 206, 207) Feature: A hidden temple maintaining tranquility despite its urban location Website: https://bukkoji.or.jp/
Jakkoin Location: Ohara Access: 15-min walk from Ohara Bus Terminal, or 50-min bus ride on Kyoto Bus "Ohara" line from Demachiyanagi Station Feature: A charming temple in a quiet mountain setting. Recommended to visit along with Sanzenin and Shorin-in Website: https://www.jakkoin.com/
Philosopher's Path Area Location: From Ginkakuji to Nanzenji Area Access: Get off at Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop (Bus routes 5, 17) or Ginkakuji-mae Bus Stop (Bus routes 32, 100) Feature: A path perfect for quiet strolls Related Site: Kyoto Tourism Navi - Philosopher's Path
Sagano Area Shrines and Temples Location: Sagano Access: From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, or 15-min walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Also accessible via Bus route 91 Feature: Area dotted with historic shrines and temples wrapped in tranquility Related Site: Kyoto Tourism Navi - Sagano Area
Rokuhara Mitsuji Location: Near Kiyomizudera Access: 5-min walk from Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop (Bus routes 206, 207), or 10-min walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on Keihan Line Feature: A temple with a peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds Website: https://www.rokuhara.or.jp/
You can enjoy a more serene atmosphere at any of these spots by visiting during less crowded times.
Local Restaurants and Cafes (Non-Tourist Oriented, Reasonable Prices)
Here are seven reasonably priced dining spots popular with Kyoto locals:
Ohara Shokujidokoro "Yamaji" Location: Ohara Area Feature: Known for set meals using fresh local vegetables and mountain vegetable dishes Website: https://yamaji-ohara.com/
Manzaratei Location: Near Demachiyanagi Station Feature: A dining hall serving Kyoto home cooking, recommended for daily special set meals Website: https://manzara.co.jp/
Kissaten Madoragu Location: Imadegawa Area Feature: Traditional Japanese cafe, popular for morning sets Website: http://madrague.info/
Kotokoto Cafe Location: Shimogamo Area Feature: Cafe in a renovated traditional house, known for homemade sweets and daily lunch specials Website: https://kotokoto-cafe.com/
Shokudo Ogawa Location: Marutamachi Area Feature: Traditional public dining hall, known for generous daily special set meals Website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xdsfwjCHXvuMVdZCA
Smart Coffee Location: Teramachi-dori Sanjo Feature: A retro cafe established in 1932. Recommended for breakfast and lunch Website: https://smart-coffee.jp/
YAMAZAKI COFFEE Location: 5-min walk from JR Nijo Station Feature: Traditional cafe known for homemade hotcakes and pudding. Smoking allowed Website: https://www.instagram.com/yamazaki_coffee/
These spots are hidden gems loved by locals with fewer tourists. Prices generally range from 800 to 1,500 yen, offering authentic Kyoto flavors.
Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds
Kyoto's attractive tourist spots can get crowded depending on the season and time of day. Timing is crucial for comfortable sightseeing in Kyoto. Here are the best times to visit major tourist spots to avoid crowds and fully enjoy Kyoto's atmosphere:
Kiyomizudera Best time to visit: 6:00-7:00 AM right after opening Access: 15-min walk from Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Fushimi Inari Taisha Best time to visit: 7:00-8:00 AM early morning Access: Right at JR Inari Station Website: https://inari.jp/
Bukkoji Best time to visit: 9:00-10:00 AM Access: 5-min walk from Shijo Station Website: https://bukkoji.or.jp/
Jakkoin Best time to visit: 9:00 AM right after opening Access: 15-min walk from Ohara Bus Stop Website: https://www.jakkoin.com/
Philosopher's Path Best time to visit: 7:00-9:00 AM early morning Access: Right at Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop
Rokuhara Mitsuji Best time to visit: 10:00-11:00 AM Access: 5-min walk from Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop Website: https://www.rokuhara.or.jp/
Sagano Area Best time to visit: 2:00-4:00 PM Access: 15-min walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station
Generally, visiting right after opening or avoiding lunch hours is recommended. You can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere by choosing times when there are fewer tourists.
Secure your spot without waiting in line - Japanese Cooking Lessons with Advance Reservation!
Sushi Lab. by Sumaya
Sushi-making class open for 2 or more participants Learn about Japanese food culture while making sushi, one of Japan's most popular foods. We offer various classes including vegan sushi and salmon-only options to enjoy different flavors! Check out the details using the button below!
Komentarze