The Ultimate 1-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Course 3: Byodo-in, Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Summary

Welcome to my ultimate itinerary in Kyoto! This is Kyoto Itinerary Course 3, a fast-paced guide linking four critically important destinations: three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Kyoto’s historic food nexus, Nishiki Market. This course spans over 1,000 years of Japanese history, from the Heian aristocracy to the power struggles of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

As this course links distant locations (Uji in the south and Kinkakuji in the north), the schedule is intentionally tight and relies heavily on efficient use of the JR and Subway lines. All four places offer enough depth to warrant a full day each, so if you feel this timetable is too tight, please pick which venues you want to prioritize, or split the itinerary into two or more days.

⏱️ The Critical Time Strategy

Time Slot	Destination	Core Goal	Rationale
8:45 – 10:15	Byodo-in Temple (Uji)	Beat the crowds	Secure the best viewing time before school groups and more tourists arrive.
11:30 – 12:30	Nishiki Market	Food Walk & Lunch	Experience the market's vibrant lunchtime atmosphere.
1:00 – 3:00	Nijo Castle	History & Architecture	Feel the rise and the end of the most powerful regime of the Samurai.
3:30 – 5:00	Kinkakuji Temple	Golden Hour View	Capture the pavilion when it reflects the stunning afternoon sunlight.

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Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

1. Byodo-in Temple (Uji)

History and Significance

Originally built as a magnificent riverside villa for the most powerful aristocrat Fujiwara no Michinaga in the 11th century, it was converted to a Buddhist temple by his son Yorimichi in 1052. It stands as a rare example of Heian period (794–1185) court architecture and reflects the widespread belief in Pure Land Buddhism prevalent at the time.

The Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do/ Hoh-oh-doh)

The temple's centerpiece is the Phoenix Hall (Hoh-oh-doh in Japanese pronunciation). It is the only original structure remaining from the temple's founding.

• Iconic Motif: This hall is such an important architectural icon in Japan’s history that it is used for currency motifs. The Phoenix Hall itself is depicted on the 10 yen coin, and the phoenix statue on the roof was used on the previous version of the 10,000 yen bill. You might see someone trying to photograph a coin with the hall.
• Architectural Philosophy: Based on the Buddhist concept of the Western Paradise, called "Pure Land (Jodo)," the entire structure was designed to resemble the palace of the Amida Buddha. Since this paradise lies in the West, the hall faces East to welcome worshippers.
• Photography Tip: This East-facing alignment means you must visit in the morning to photograph the hall with the sunlight illuminating its façade, rather than shooting against the light in the afternoon.

Pro-tips

• Crowd Strategy: The original owner, Fujiwara no Michinaga, and his son Yorimichi are top-tier figures in Japanese history, which makes this place a must-visit for school field trips. This is why it’s always full of school children and tourists.
• The best time to enter is 8:45 a.m. at its opening.
• It is essential to make use of the 30-45 minutes of "Golden Time" before 9:30 a.m., as massive numbers of school children typically arrive after this time, dramatically increasing crowd levels.
• This facility holds a walking tour into this 1,000-year-old wooden architecture for an extra fee. Book the walking tour immediately upon entering if you wish to see inside, as it tends to fill up quickly.
• Don't forget it takes 15-20 minutes on foot from JR Uji Station to the temple. The train takes 20-25 minutes from Kyoto Station to Uji Station.

Uji Area

• Uji is famous nationwide for its high-quality green tea, making this a great spot to purchase authentic tea souvenirs. You’ll find a lot of shops, restaurants, and cafes offering various kinds of tea products. You can enjoy experiences of tea milling and tea ceremony.
• Ujigawa, or River Uji, is also a scenic place to stroll. A beautiful riverside walk is refreshing.
• This Uji area is a stage for the final chapters of the Tale of Genji, considered the oldest novel in the world.
• Across the Ujigawa River to the north, you’ll find Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine, which is also a World Heritage Site as the oldest existing architecture of a Shinto shrine, considered to be built decades after Byodo-in Temple.
• Further north, this area has a hiking course and another beautiful Buddhist temple, Mimurotoji, which is famous for its hydrangeas.
• Obaku Station, the next JR station north of Uji Station, is home to Manpuku-ji Temple, which is famous for Fucha-Ryori, a traditional vegetarian cuisine of Buddhists.

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2. Kyoto Station (Transit Hub)

Kyoto Station is a vast complex connecting Shinkansen, JR lines, Kintetsu, City Subway, and buses, with huge shopping complexes and restaurants. It is easy to get lost.

• Internal Navigation: Don’t forget you can walk through the station between the north (Karasuma side) and south (Hachijo side) inside the station building, as Google Maps tend to show you outside routes. The west side of the station has a bridge on the 2nd floor, while the east side has an underground street.

From Uji to Subway Transfer

• You will arrive from Uji using the JR Nara Line. The back cars of the train are closest to the most convenient transfer point.
• When transferring from the JR lines to the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line, the Underground East Gate is the most convenient exit, as it is located right next to the Subway gate entrance, saving you significant walking time inside the station.

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3. Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen)

This 400-meter-long covered street is known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," and has been the essential supplier of local ingredients, traditional cuisines, and unique delicacies for centuries. The famous 18th-century painter Ito Jakuchu was born here.

Access

• Once you arrive at Shijo Station via the Kyoto City Subway, a short walk brings you to Nishiki Market. Head northeast. Walk through Daimaru Department Store to the north, and you’ll find the entrance on your right hand.
• The underground streets connect Subway Shijo Station, Hankyu Karasuma Station, Daimaru Department Store, and other buildings along Shijo-dori Street, which is a main street of Kyoto.
• On the other side from Daimaru, it’s connected to two more shopping arcades: Teramachi-dori and Shinkyogoku-dori, at the corner of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. You can access this area from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Keihan Gion-Shijo Station (across the Kamogawa River).
• Teramachi-dori shopping arcade has Honno-ji Temple at the north end, which has a grave of Oda Nobunaga, the most popular warlord in the history of Japan.

The Vibe

• The market is packed with over a hundred shops and restaurants, ranging from traditional vendors selling tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and wagashi (traditional sweets) to modern street food stalls.
• The market is most vibrant during the lunchtime rush. You can easily spend an hour walking and sampling the various treats, making a light lunch out of the delicious samples available.

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Karamon Gate in Nijo Castle

4. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site that bookends the Tokugawa Shogunate era (1603–1868), the most powerful regime of the Samurai, which ruled Japan for over 260 years. This castle played the most important pivotal roles for modern Japan.

History

• The Beginning: The castle was initially built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu when he received the title of Shogun, as his residence and reception hall in Kyoto.
• The End: In 1867, the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, formally announced the return of governing power to the Emperor here (the Taisei Hokan), marking the end of the feudal era, the start of the Meiji Restoration, and the modernization of Japan.

Features

This castle is a big place with a lot of features which hardly makes you feel too crowded. It’s a wonderful place to spend a whole day especially with its seasonal beauty.

• Ninomaru Palace: The palace inside the castle, where the Taisei Hokan was declared, is famous for its "Nightingale Floors" (or uguisubari). These squeaky floors were ingeniously designed as an early warning security system against intruders, as they chirp when walked upon.
• Honmaru Palace: Transferred from Kyoto Imperial Palace after the Meiji Restoration with some modifications, this palace is one of the highest achievements of Imperial architecture. Note that this facility requires an extra charge and reservation to watch inside.
• The Gardens: The castle features stunning traditional gardens, including the Ninomaru Garden and the large Honmaru Garden and surrounding moat.
• Castle Tower Base: Nijo Castle used to have a beautiful 5-story main tower, which was burnt down in 1750 by a thunder strike. The base remains, offering a panoramic view.
• Seasonal beauty: This castle is famous for its seasonal beauty, especially the stunning plum blossoms in late winter to early spring, cherry blossoms in mid-spring, energetic vivid green in summer, and colorful autumn leaves.

Pro-tips

• Logistics: The main gate is located in the southeast corner of the castle, which is right in front of Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line. Access from JR Nijo Station requires a 10–15 minute walk.
• Time: 2–3 hours is the average time to spend there, including Ninomaru Palace. In addition, Honmaru Palace needs 1.5–2 hours if you wanna watch inside. It is possible (though not recommended) to watch essential parts briefly in 1 hour or less, as the Ninomaru Palace and Garden are the only parts designated as National Treasure or equivalent.
• Subway Route: From Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line, get on the front or second car of your subway to Karasuma Oike Station, the next station. You’ll see the way to the Tozai Line, and Nijojo-mae Station is the next stop. Alternatively, you can directly walk from the west end of Nishiki Market to Karasuma Oike Station in about 10 minutes.

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5. Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)

Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most iconic sights in Japan. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a Zen temple after his death. The official name for this temple is Rokuon-ji Temple, which belongs to Shokoku-ji Temple (one of the most prestigious Zen temples in Japan), along with Ginkaku-ji.

• The Incident: The current structure is a faithful reconstruction after the original was tragically destroyed by a fire in 1950. The arson incident, committed by a trainee monk who confessed his complex feelings toward this absolute beauty, attracted famous authors; The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima is particularly famous.
• The Architecture: The dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is covered in gold leaf and beautifully reflects the sunlight on the surrounding Kyoko-chi Pond (Mirror Pond). It combines three distinct architectural styles: the shinden style of Heian aristocracy on the first floor, the Samurai style on the second, and the Zen Buddhist style on the third.

The Golden Hour Hack and Timing

As an icon of Japan, a large crowd is inevitable. The temple opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. The average time to stay is 1–1.5 hours. The most important hack here is timing to visit.

• It's good to visit there with its opening at 9:00 a.m. But most likely it’s queued and people will rush in at the same time.
• The other best time is around 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The temple closes its entrance at 4:30 p.m., but visitors already inside can usually tour the grounds until 5:00 p.m. Arriving near closing time might allow you to experience the site with fewer crowds.
• At this time, the sun is lower in the sky and catches the gold leaf of the pavilion beautifully, casting a brilliant reflection across the pond. Literally it's a Golden Time. A famous tea master even built a small hut called Sekka-tei (which literally means "hut with a beautiful evening light") on the hillside to view the pavilion with the sunset.

Direct Transit to Kinkakuji

Historically, Kinkakuji was time-consuming to reach. However, the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line now provides an efficient route:

1. Go to Nishioji Oike Station (on the Tozai Line) and go up to ground level.
2. You will find a major intersection, called Nishi-Oji Oike. From here, it’s approximately 3 km away to the north. You must travel straight North to reach the temple.

• Recommendation: Take a taxi or an Uber. It takes only 5-10 minutes, and the fare difference from a bus is minimal, especially for parties of four or more people.
• Be sure to take a northbound taxi immediately; if your taxi tries to go in any other direction, get off and take another one. 
• Buses are also available from slightly south of the intersection, a ride of about 15 minutes.

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The Ultimate 1-Day Kyoto Itinerary: Course 2: The Definitive Arashiyama Guide

Summary

Welcome to my ultimate itinerary in Kyoto! This is Kyoto Itinerary Course 2, the comprehensive guide to Arashiyama in western Kyoto! This itinerary strategically covers the essential sights, from the globally recognized Bamboo Forest to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the serene Zen and other Buddhist temples.

Arashiyama's core attractions—the Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the central riverfront of Katsuragawa (River Katsura)—are closely linked, allowing you to flexibly customize your own special trip.
Though you can wrap up the Bamboo Forest and riverside walk around Togetsukyo Bridge in 2-3 hours, I recommend you pick some more into your wonderful half-day or 1-day excursion to fully appreciate the region's diverse offerings. After a short or half-day trip, you can connect to the iconic Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion or other World Heritage Sites using the Randen Tram.
Most visitors arrive via JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or Randen Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Electric Railway), both of which are conveniently located near the start of the Bamboo Forest path. We will explore the region by dividing it into three distinct zones:

• The Central Zone: The Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the adjacent stations.

• The Southern Zone: The river, Togetsukyo Bridge, Monkey Park, and surrounding hills.

• The Northern Zone (Saga Toriimoto Area): The quiet, historic temples and historic preservation streets.

The river flowing through the area is known by three names: the Hozugawa or River Hozu, which is used specifically for the gorge and rafting area; the Oigawa or River Oi; and the Katsuragawa or River Katsura, which is most commonly used around the bridge and southern areas. We will primarily use Katsuragawa or River Katsura in this guide.

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Walking Course in the Central & Southern Zones

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1. The Central Zone: Bamboo, Zen, and Transit Hubs

Located between the JR railroads and the River Katsura, this area is the heart of Arashiyama, containing the most essential landmarks and the main transport access points along the main street, Nakatsuji-dori Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants.

The Bamboo Forest

The Bamboo Forest is arguably the most famous sight in Arashiyama. This spectacular natural monument features towering bamboo stalks that create an ethereal, dimly lit path, with a unique sound as the wind rustles the canopy. The path is always open and free of charge, but be careful at nighttime as it has almost no street lighting and has a cemetery nearby.

• Crucial Hack: Timing is Everything. To avoid the crush of daytime tourists, the best time to visit is very early in the morning (before 7:30 a.m.) or late in the afternoon.

• Nonomiya Shrine: Located along the Bamboo Forest path, this small but important Shinto shrine is mentioned in The Tale of Genji and is famous for granting luck in marriage and childbirth.

• Okochi Sanso Villa: Located at the far end of the Bamboo Forest Path. This scenic retreat, built by actor Okochi Denjiro, offers stunning collections of gardens and traditional architecture, with admission including matcha green tea and a sweet treat.

• Arashiyama Park (Kameyama Area): Arashiyama Park consists of two areas. The Kameyama Area is a vast public park located just behind the Bamboo Forest. The hilltop offers excellent panoramic viewpoints of the Hozugawa River gorge and the surrounding mountains.

Tenryu-ji Temple and Sub-Temples

Tenryu-ji Temple is the most significant and largest Zen Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate. Though it is one of the most prestigious Zen temples (along with Nanzenji, Shokokuji, Kenninji, and Tofukuji), this temple was unfortunately involved in the battles that led to the Meiji Restoration and was almost entirely burnt down in 1863 durind the Kinmon Incident (also known as the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion). The beautiful gardens and buildings we see today are all reconstructed after that time.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its highlight is the celebrated Sogenchi Teien garden, which utilizes the surrounding Arashiyama mountains in its "borrowed scenery" (shakkei) design.

This temple has a couple of beautiful sub-temples (Tacchu). These two are particularly remarkable:

• Hogon-in Temple: 
  A sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, known for its beautiful moss garden and seasonal openings, particularly during the autumn leaf season. Its Shishiku-no-Niwa Garden ("The Garden of Lion’s Roar") is the corresponding garden to Kogen-ji's garden.

• Kogen-ji Temple: 
  Another atmospheric sub-temple located near the main complex. Its Kosho-no-Niwa Garden ("The Garden of Tiger’s Roar") is the corresponding garden to Hogon-in's garden.

Transport and Scenic Hubs

• JR Saga-Arashiyama Station and Randen Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line) are the primary entry points for tourists. Buses are also available from Kyoto Station and major spots, though they require significantly a long time.

• JR Saga-Arashiyama Station: This is the main entrance to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station. Its South exit is convenient for tourists, while the north exit is mainly for local residents.

• Randen Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line): Along the main street, Nakatsuji-dori Street, this station is located very close to the main entrance of Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest. At first glance, you might not recognize it as a transit hub but as a shopping complex, as it is surrounded by massive shops and restaurants.

• Sagano Romantic Train (Torocco): This is a scenic railway, which runs through the Hozugawa River gorge. The main station, Saga Torocco Station, is located next to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

• Hozugawa River: The thrilling Hozugawa Kudari (traditional boat ride) through the gorge finishes near here.

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Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsuragawa River

2. The Southern Zone: Riverfront and Panoramic Views

This zone centers on the river crossing, riverside walk, and the panoramic viewpoints across the bridge.

Togetsukyo Bridge and the River Katsura

The Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge) is the iconic symbol of Arashiyama. It was originally built in the 9th century as a part of the pilgrimage route for Horinji Temple. Though it was reconstructed in the 1930s, it retains the 9th-century aesthetic and spans the Katsuragawa River, where you can enjoy various types of boat ride. Some options include a wonderful lunch set.

• Arashiyama Park (Nakanoshima Area): Nakanoshima Area is a large public park situated on the river island south of the bridge. It is a fantastic spot for viewing the cherry blossoms and autumn colors reflecting in the Katsuragawa River.

Panoramic Views and Transit

• Iwatayama Monkey Park: 
  Located on the hillside of the Arashiyama mountains south of the river, this monkey park gives you a special experience. After the 20-minute walk uphill, you can meet friendly wild monkeys at the top of the mountain. It has a fenced rest area along with an outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto City.

• Hankyu Arashiyama Station: 
  This station is located on the south bank of the river, requiring visitors to cross the Togetsukyo Bridge to access the central Bamboo Forest area. This line allows us to approach Arashiyama directly from Osaka, though you have to change trains at Katsura Station.

• Horinji Temple: 
  Located on the hillside south of the river, Horinji Temple has historical importance and is accessed by a beautiful staircase. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of Kyoto City and the surrounding areas from its hilltop location. It is also known as a place of Hari-Kuyo, a festival of broken sewing needles held on the 8th of February and December.

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Bamboo Path in Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

3. The Northern Zone (Saga Toriimoto Area): History and Serenity

The path north of the Bamboo Forest leads into the quieter Saga district, characterized by less crowded temples and historic preserved streets. The Saga Toriimoto Historic Preserved Street has a scenic landscape rich in culture. The Gozan-no-Okuribi Festival, known as an iconic event to wrap up the summer season in Kyoto, features five bonfires lit in specific shapes on five mountains. The Saga Toriimoto Area is in charge of the bonfire on Mt. Mandara, where a Torii-shaped bonfire is lit on August 16th to guide ancestral spirits back to the spiritual world.

On Main Street, Nakatsuji-dori Street

You can walk straight north along the main street.

• Seiryoji Temple: 
  Located at the north end of Nagatsuji-dori Street, this is a large, important temple famous for its wooden statue of Amida Buddha, which is rarely opened to the public.

North Section of the Bamboo Forest (Closer to Central Zone)

You can easily walk to these places from the central zone. 

• Jojakkoji Temple: 
  Known for its highly photogenic moss garden and steep stone stairs lined with maples, making it a beautiful spot in autumn.

• Nison-in Temple: 
  Named for the two statues in its main hall (Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai), this temple is historically significant, marking the birthplace of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems).

• Rakushisha (Fallen Persimmon Hut): 
  A tiny, humble hermitage known for its connection to the Haiku poet Matsuo Basho and his disciple Mukai Kyorai. It offers a glimpse into simple, aesthetic Zen living.

Further North to Saga Toriimoto District

These are distant from the central zone, which needs over 30-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station.
Best to take a brief ride of taxi or Uber from the central zone to Gioji Temple or Izusen traditional restaurant. Bus is available to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple but not frequent.

• Gioji Temple: 
  A small, atmospheric temple known for its perfectly manicured moss garden, offering a quiet, shaded retreat.

• Saga Toriimoto Historic Preserved Street: 
  This lane runs from Adashino Nenbutsuji south, preserving the traditional architecture of the Edo and Meiji eras, with beautifully restored thatched-roof houses and shops.

• Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple: 
  Famous for its thousands of small stone Buddhist statues and stupas, honoring the spirits of the dead. This temple has a short bamboo path, which is a frequently featured alternative in photography as the original bamboo forest path got too famous and crowded for professional photoshoots.

• Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: 
  The northernmost and most unique temple, famous for its 1,200 individual stone statues (rakan), each with its own distinct, whimsical expression.

Northeast to Daikakuji Temple

• Daikakuji Temple: 
  This is a vast former imperial villa which was established by Emperor Saga in the early 9th century, and it was converted into a Buddhist temple in 876. It features a large artificial lake (Osawa-no-Ike) and is historically significant as the birthplace of the Saga School of Ikebana (flower arrangement). The Saga Chrysanthemum is renowned as a traditional imperial flower.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

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Walking Course between Gioji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

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💡 Beyond Arashiyama: Connecting by Randen

The Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad) connects Arashiyama directly to central Kyoto and also provides convenient access to several other major World Heritage Sites in northwest Kyoto from Arashiyama Station.

Connection to City Subway and Hankyu Railway

Connect to	Station	Randen Stop
Kyoto City Subway (Tozai Line)	Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station	Randen-Tenjingawa Station
Hankyu Kyoto Line	Saiin Station	Sai Station
Hankyu Kyoto Line	Omiya Station	Shijo-Omiya Station

Connection to Northwest World Heritage Sites

When you want to go to these three World Heritage Sites, you need to change trains at Katabiranotsuji Station with no extra charge.

World Heritage Site	Randen Stop	Notes
Kinkakuji Temple  (Golden Pavilion)	Kitano-Hakubaicho Station	Switch to bus, taxi, or Uber from this stop.
Ryoanji Temple	Ryoanji Station	Walk north through the local residential alley.
Ninnaji Temple	Omuro Ninnaji Station	You can see the temple gate from the station.