Kyoto/North

By train

Keihan Railways connects North Kyoto with Eastern Kyoto at Demachiyanagi Station, the final stop on the line.
On the Western side, the Keifuku Railroad (Randen) streetcar provides easy access to the area from Arashiyama, with stops for Ninnaji, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, and Kitano Tenmangu (Kitano Hakubaicho Station). Fare is a flat ¥220, ¥110 for children 6–12 (Nov 2018).

By subway

Kitaōji Station on the municipal subway system's Karasuma Line gives travellers easy access to a key bus terminal that serves parts of northern Kyoto. The Karasuma Line continues north all the way to Kokusaikaikan Station, near the Kyoto International Conference Center.

By bus

Northern Kyoto covers a large area, so many buses travel through the region. The #8 North (北８) bus makes a loop around the entire northern area. In the northwest, #59 passes most of the major attractions. In the northeast bus #4 and #5 each travel around popular touring spots.
The #8 is the only bus that will take you to and from the Takao area. The #17 bus will take you to the Ohara area. Both of these areas are located outside of the boundary of the ¥500 All-Day Bus pass, so do not purchase the pass if you are travelling to either of these areas.

North-western Kyoto

Visiting the vast temple complexes of north-western Kyoto can take the better part of a day. A suggested itinerary is to take the subway (Karasuma line) to Kitaoji station, and walk west along Kitaoji-dōri. Daitoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji and Ninna-ji Temples are all on Kitaoji-dōri, and about 15-30 minutes' walk apart. However if it is summer time and sweltering hot it is easy to take the bus from temple to temple as well, just read the route map at the stops. En route, you will see the giant "dai" (大) symbol burned on Mt. Daimon-ji, which can be climbed in an hour or so - look for the entrance near Kinkaku-ji (see below). If you're in Kyoto at night on August 16th, look up - you'll see the (大) aflame. Hirano Shrine is a short walk south along Nishioji-dōri from Kinkaku-ji. If you still have time left at the end of the day, take the pleasant electric railway (Keifuku Kitano line) from Omuro to Katabiranotsuji, then take the JR Sagano line from nearby Uzumasa station back to central Kyoto.

• Kinkaku-ji Temple

  address: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku
  The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji (鹿苑寺), is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. (The story became the basis for Yukio Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.) The beautiful landscaping and the reflection of the temple on the face of the water make for a striking sight, but keeping the mobs of visitors out of your photos will be a stern test for your framing abilities. Get there early if you can to beat the school groups. Visitors follow a path through the moss garden surrounding the pavilion, before emerging into a square crowded with gift shops. It's only a short walk from Ryōan-ji (below), making for an easy pairing (and study in contrasts).

• Ryōan-ji

  phone: +81 75-463-2216
  Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond.

• Ninnaji Temple

  phone: +81 75-461-1155
  Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. Admission to the grounds is free, allowing visitors to view the 17th century five-story pagoda, and the plantation of dwarf cherry trees (which are always the last to bloom in Kyoto, in early-mid April). Inside the former palace building (which admission is charged to enter) some beautifully painted screen walls are featured, along with a walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, which takes an hour or two (rather than a month or two). This can provide a delightful end to a day of looking at tourist attractions.

• Daitokuji Temple

  phone: +81 75-491-0019
  address: 53 Murasakino
  A large temple complex, boasting many smaller sub-temples within its grounds. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto, and if you visit it at the start of the day, you could virtually have it to yourself. 8 of the 24 sub-temples are open to the public (most days 09:00-17:00), and each charges an admission fee (around ¥400). The most popular sub-temples are Daisen-in (大仙院), located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden, along with delicious cinammon sweets that only this temple has rights to sell and produce (you can sample one if you get the tea or buy a pack for ¥700), Kōtō-in (高桐院) particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn, if you don't mind the crowds, and Hōshun-in (芳春院) which features the same architectural style as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples as a backdrop to the elegant bridge over a pond.

• Imamiya Shrine

  phone: +81 75-491-0082
  address: 21 Imamiya-cho Murasakino Kita-ku
  Although the current structure dates back to 1902, the original was built during the Heian Period. At the time, the city was being plagued by illness and disease, so Imamiya Shrine was built to appease the gods. Even today, many visitors come to pray for good health and to ward off illness.

• Tōji-in

  phone: +81 75-691-3325
  Dedicated to the Ashikaga family, the statues inside represent each Ashikaga ruler. The temple also features a lovely garden.

• Hirano Shrine

  address: Hirano Miyamoto-cho, Kita-ku
  A small shrine, which is an especially popular destination during the cherry blossom season, setting up amusement and food stalls. A small park of cherry trees next to the shrine is hung with lanterns and drawings by local schoolchildren.

• Kitano Tenman-gū

  phone: +81 75-461-0005
  Kitano Tenmangū Shrine was built to appease the soul of Michizane Sugawara, who was a respected member of the Heian Court until he was exiled to Kyushu after falling into disfavor with the Emperor. He died while in exile, and soon after his death, a series of natural disasters mysteriously began plaguing Kyoto. Many suspected that it was the soul of Michizane seeking vengeance, so in order to console his spirit, he was made the God of Learning, and Kitano Tenmangū was built to honor him. Many plum trees were planted within and around the grounds of the shrine, because they were Michizane's favorite flowers, so this shrine is especially beautiful during the plum blossom season from mid-February to mid-March.

• Myōshin-ji Temple

  phone: +81 75-461-5226
  address: 64 Hanazono Myōshin-chō, Ukyō-ku
  A large Zen temple complex famous for its large collection of famous artwork. To enter the main hall of Myōshin-ji, you must pay for a tour (tours typically operate every 20 minutes). Inside the main hall you'll find the temple's large dragon painting on the ceiling and the bell. Myōshinji's bell was made in 698, making it one of the oldest in Japan. As one of the head Zen temples, there are many sub-temples on the temple grounds, each with its own sites and separate fees. Some of the sub-temples are even available for overnight stays and meditation (see "Sleep" section).

Takao area

While the Takao area offers a modest number of sightseeing opportunities, it is one of Kyoto's most famous places to view the fall leaves. Throughout the autumnal season, the place is quite lively with vendors selling fresh treats and lanterns along the river at night. On the off-season, the area is very quiet, with few tourists. You can see the area in a half-day trip if you wish or stay a little longer to revel in the area's natural beauty (see Momijiya in "Sleep" section for accommodation in the area).

• Jingo-jiAn overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto. Jingoji Temple was established by Priest Kukai as the head of the Shingon Sect during the Heian Period. Make sure you walk all the way to the back of the temple ground to a commanding view of the Kiyotaki River below wedged between two hills; here you can buy clay disks, which you throw down the mountain after making a wish. The temple is especially lovely in the fall, when the leaves all turn colors.

• Saimyōji TempleA former sub-temple of Jingoji. While it is not worth making a special trip to see this temple, those touring the Takao area might as well visit, as it is located on the path connecting Jingo-ji to Kōzan-ji. The bridge leading to the temple and the lanterns outside the entrance are quite nice.

• Kōzan-jiRegistered as one of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kōzan-ji is a small temple dating all the way back to the Kamakura period. Inside the temple you'll find a famous painting of rabbits and monkeys acting as humans, considered to be the world's first manga.

North-eastern Kyoto

• Shimogamo Shrine

  phone: +81 75-781-0010
  address: 59 Izumigawa-cho, Shimogamo
  It was built prior to Kyoto becoming Japan's capital. Shimogamo is one of the first shrines built in Kyoto. Together with Kamigamo Shrine, they are known as the Kamo Shrines. These shrines were one of the most revered shrines by the Imperial Court, who made often made offerings here. The forest surrounding the shrine, known as Tadasu no Mori, is believed to be a natural forest, and legend has it that the secrets of those who enter the forest will be revealed. Shimogamo is also a great place to experience Japanese festivals, as many special events are held here, including the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's top three festivals.

• Kamigamo Shrine

  address: 3-3-9 Motoyama
  Collectively, Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine are known as the Kamo Shrines, and they were highly favored by the Imperial Court during the Heian Period. The shrine is most famous for the tatesuna, the two large sand cones. Their origins and original purpose are unknown, but it has been speculated that they represent nearby mountains. Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites.

• Kyoto Botanical GardenJapan's first botanical garden, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is quite large and houses a wide variety of plants. It is a popular place for plum blossom viewing in February and early March and cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in early April. The indoor garden has a wide variety of tropical plants, desert cactuses, and other plants. The entrance fee only covers the outside gardens, but the additional fee to see the garden is quite nominal, so it is well worth it.

• Shūgakuin Imperial Villa

  phone: +81 75-211-1215
  address: Sakyō-ku, Shūgaku-in, Yabuso
  A beautiful villa commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno-o in 1655 and completed four years later. The area is separated into three separate villas. In the lower villa, you'll find a lovely garden with a stream running through it and the Jugetsukan, where the emperor relaxed before making his way to the upper villa. The middle villa is home to the Rakushi-ken, princess Akinomiya's home, and the Kyaku-den, which was also given to Akinomiya when the consort that is was built for died prior to its completion. These buildings contain some particularly beautiful artwork, and an interesting flat pine tree. After seeing all of that, you will finally be escorted to the upper villa. Upon entering the villa, you will ascend the stairs to discover a gorgeous view of the garden and Yokuryū Pond. The tour ends with a stroll along the outer edges of a pond, past a waterfall and the bridges. Princess Diana was once a guest here, a fact the tour guides love to share with visitors. The best time to visit is said to be the autumn when the leaves are changing. If you plan to visit, make your reservation 3 months in advance for the best chances. One-hour tours (in Japanese) start at 9am, 10am, 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm.

• Entsū-jiA temple famous for its gardens. A particularly unique feature of this garden is incorporation of Mount Hiei, of which there is a great view from the temple, into the layout of the garden.

• Myoman-ji

  phone: +81 75-791-7171
  address: 91 Hataedacho Iwakura
  For anyone looking to see something slightly different from the standard Japanese temple, Myōman-ji offers a replica of Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha obtained Enlightenment. The rest of the complex is quite Japanese, but still very beautiful, with artwork and a garden.

• Shisen-dō

  phone: +81 75-781-2954
  address: 27 Monguchi-machi
  Built in 1641, this temple once housed the poet Jōzan Ishikawa. Inside the temple there are portraits of 36 influential Chinese poets. Outside there is a garden filled with many azaleas.

Ohara area

• Jakko-in

  phone: +81 75-744-2545
  Built in honor of Prince Shōtoku's father, the temple's Jizo contains 6000 tiny Buddha statues inside. The temple is also significant as the final resting place of Empress Kenreimonin, the only member of the Taira clan to survive in the Tales of Heike.

• Sanzen-inAs the top attraction in the Ohara area, this temple is well worth the visit. Housed within the temple are three ancient Buddha statues. Outside, there is a lovely moss garden and a variety of buddhist statues ranging from the typical spiritual statues to adorable, animated statues.

• Raigō-in

  phone: +81 75-744-2161
  address: 537 Raigo-in-cho, Ohara
  A temple famous for its Buddhist chants, visitors can hear these chants for free on Sundays at 13:00. Sutra copying is also offered for ¥1000.

• Amida-jiA temple where followers are trained to recite the Nyoho Nenbutsu chants. The statue kept within the shrine was originally adorned with the hair of the temple's founding priest.

• Shorin-in

  phone: +81 75-744-2409
  address: 187 Shorinin-machi
  The priest Hōnen's famous question-and-answer session was held in the temple's hondō (main hall). At the session, he is said to have shined the temple's principal Buddhist sculpture using only his prayers.

• Hōsen-in

  phone: +81 75-744-2409
  address: 187 Shorinin-machi, Ohara
  Like Yogen-in in Higashiyama, the ceiling of Hosen-in was built using the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where a bloody historic battle took place. As a result, you'll notice blood stains on the ceiling. Outside, there is a charming garden containing a famous 700 year old pine tree.

• Zen Meditation at Shunkō-in

  phone: +81 75 462 5488
  address: 42 Myōshiji-chō, Hanazono, Ukyō-ku
  The temple's American-educated vice abbot, Rev. Taka Kawakami, offers a detailed English tour of temple and leads Zen meditation lessons. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and also connected to Shinto and Christianity, and also offers accommodation for ¥5000/night.

• Zen Meditation at Taizō-inMuch more than simply a Zen meditation session, after one hour of meditation, participants will also get to experience a brief tea ceremony, calligraphy lessons, and an English tour of the temple's garden. It is a rare opportunity for tourists, but be aware that you will need to devote half of a day for the entire session. Reservations are required, but you can make your reservation in English at the website. All participants must be at least 15 years of age.

• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Flea MarketOn the 25th of each month Kitano Tenmangu hosts a flea market, with vendors lining both sides of the pathway leading up to the honden and then extends around each side. Pottery, porcelain, traditional dolls, and clothing are among the items sold, along with food. If you can manage to get here on the 25th, it's a great place to find unique souvenirs for great prices.

Budget

• Kurazushi

  address: 4 Hiranomiyajiki-cho
  A cheap and fun way to dine. For every five plates you finish, put the down the shoot to play a game on the screen above the sushi. Each game is different, but you'll typically be asked to choose one of three options and then watch the animation to see if you win. If you win, you get a prize. It's entertaining, and the sushi tastes good.

Mid-range

• Falafel Garden

  address: 3-16 Shimoyanagi-cho
  An Israeli restaurant serving a variety of falafel pockets, as well as meal sets.

Splurge

• Bistro CerisierA French restaurant decorated with a variety of French posters. They claim to have the approval of the French themselves.

Most of the drinking options in the Northern area are located in the Eastern section, within walking distance of Keihan and Eizan Railway stations.

• Bar MoonwalkOffers a large selection of drinks at a great cost. Finger food is also available.

• Ringo

  address: 23 Tanakamonzen-cho B1
  A bar dedicated to the Beatles' singer Ringo Star, with Beatles memorabilia decorating the walls and even a cover band that plays here live. The fresh pizza is quite good.

• The Flying Keg

  address: 6 Tanakasatonomae-cho, Sakyo-ku
  A great place for anyone wanting to sample beers from around the world or missing beer from home, The Flying Keg offers beers from the U.S., Kenya, Germany, Ireland, Israel, China, Mexico, Australia, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Belgium, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Italy, and the UK.

• Kyoto Kamigamo Mankawa

  address: 56-3 Kamigamo Shoubuen-cho, Kita-ku
  A cocktail bar along with a restaurant serving various health food dishes.

Budget-minded travelers and those escaping the bustle of the urban core may prefer this area. To reach the central city easily, look for connections to the Kitaōji subway station (K04 on the Karasuma line) and bus terminal, the transportation hub of northern Kyoto.

Budget

Temple lodgings

• Myōren-ji Temple

  address: Teranouchi Omiya Higashi-iru, Horikawa, Kamigyo-ku
  Facilities: in-room air-conditioner; no bath but a public bath is nearby; guests should bring their own bath towel and shampoo as the public bath only lends out mini-towels and soap.

• Myōshin-ji Daishin-in

  address: 57 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku
  10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 50; in-room air-conditioner, kotatsu heating table in winter, shared bath and toilet. Lights out at 10pm.

• Myōshin-ji Shunko-in Temple

  address: 42 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-Ku
  The only English available temple accommodation in Kyoto. The guest house has two rooms. A room has a private shower room, toilet, and AC (or a heater). Next to the guest house, there is a fully equipped shared kitchen. The temple hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and Christianity. One of the properties is the Bell of Nanbanji, which is designated as a national cultural important properties. Call or e-mail for reservation.

• Myōshin-ji Tōrin-in

  address: 59 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku
  Only accept reservations from foreigners if they are with a Japanese person. 10 rooms with a maximum capacity of 40; shared bath. Curfew at 21:00. Lights out at 23':00.

Hostels

• Utano Youth Hostel

  phone: +81 75-462-2288
  address: 9 Nakayama-cho, Uzumasa, Ukyo-ku
  Near Ryoanji and Kinkakuji in northwestern Kyoto. There are three bus lines that go out there (26 from Kyoto Station, 10 and 59 from Sanjo-Keihan station) and the stop is right in front of the hostel (Utano Youth Hostel Mae). Bicycle rentals are available and guests are welcome to use the kitchen, bath and laundry facilities.

Hotels and minshuku

• Apical Inn Kyoto

  phone: +81 75-722-7711
  address: 3-3 Kotakeyabu-Cho Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku

• Duo Inn

  phone: +81 75-465-8800
  address: 3F, 1039-31 Kamiyagawa-cho, Nishi-iru, Onmae, Imakoji-dōri, Kamigyo-ku
  Apartment hotel. Fairly far out in northwest Kyoto but the prices are reasonable. Prices are significantly lower for stays of 7 or more nights. Payment by cash only. No daily cleaning and no bath towels provided. Bus journey from Kyoto Station takes about 50 minutes.

• GuestHouse Bon

  phone: +81 75-493-2337
  address: 63-2 Kamimonzen-cho Murasakino, Kita-ku
  Located in northwest Kyoto, immediately east of Daitokuji. Inexpensive bicycle rentals. The guest house owner has lived in Western countries before and can speak fluent English and a pinch of Spanish. All Japanese-style rooms, but can be converted to dorm style upon request for larger parties.

• Hotel Chrysantheme

  phone: +81 75-462-1540
  address: 51, Hirano Kamihatcho Yanagi-machi, Kita-ku
  Western-style rooms with shower and bath shared between every two rooms. Also oriented towards the longer-stay market, with discounts starting at 5 days and increasing through 30.

Mid-range

• Momiji-ya

  phone: +81 75-871-1005
  address: Takao Umegahata, Ukyo-ku
  Although this hotel operates year round, it is extremely popular in the autumn ("momiji" is the Japanese term for the changing of leaves). It is located in the quiet, far northeastern area of Takao near the foot of the stairway leading to Jingo-ji. It makes for a nice retreat, and you can opt to stay in a room with an open-air bath to relax while you enjoy the natural surroundings.

Splurge

• Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto

  phone: +81 75-712-1111
  address: 1092-2 Iwakura-Hataeda-cho, Sakyo-ku

• Central Kyoto
• Arashiyama (Western Kyoto)
• Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto)
• South Kyoto