Go temple hopping through Kyoto’s world heritage sites

It’s no secret that Kyoto has its fair share of Japanese tourist spots, including an impressive collection of World Heritage sites. This itinerary will guide you through three World Heritage sites including Kitayama: Kinkakuji Temple which is popular with overseas visitors, Ninnaji Temple which is stunning during cherry blossom season, and the world famous Ryoanji Temple home to a mysterious but stunning rock garden. What are you waiting for? It’s time to go temple hunting in Kyoto.

• #Temples
• #World Heritages
• #Sweets
• #Cafe
• #Lunch
• #Local Food

NAVITIME

Update 2023.08.07

• 

  2023-07-21

  • Ninna Ji Temple

    09:00

  • Ryoanji Rock Garden

    11:00

  • Omura House

    12:30

  • Kinkakuji Temple

    13:45

  • Sarasa Nishijin

    15:02

  

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• • Ninna Ji Temple

    09:00

    90min

    Temple

    Famous for its five-storied pagoda, Ninnaji is a fantastic place to start when exploring Kyoto’s temples. Founded in 888, the temple was once also known as Omuro Imperial Palace. Sadly none of its original buildings have survived, however the reconstructions are still undeniably stunning, especially in spring when the area is surrounded by the soft pink omuro cherry trees in bloom.

    Address

    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Omuroouchi 33

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    • Ninna Ji Temple

  • Public transportation / Walk

    30min

  • Ryoanji Rock Garden

    11:00

    60min

    Temple

    Now it’s time to head on over to the tranquil surrounds of Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. During the Heian Period, the site was an aristocrat's villa, but it was turned into a Zen temple in 1450. The rock garden itself remains a little bit of a mystery, its specific origins and creators are unknown which adds to the site’s mystique.

    Address

    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Ryouanji Otoritoshita 13

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    • Ryoanji Rock Garden

  • Public transportation / Walk

    30min

  • Omura House

    12:30

    60min

    Other Western Cuisine

    Time now for a quick bite for lunch at Omura House restaurant. The restaurant’s speciality is ‘omurice’ a type of Japanese comfort food consisting of an omelette on rice filled with a variety of different additional toppings. If you’ve never had it before, this is the place to try it.

    Address

    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kinugasasoumonchou 10-9

    • Omura House

  • Public transportation / Walk

    15min

  • Kinkakuji Temple

    13:45

    60min

    Temple

    Also more colloquially known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple sits to the north of Kyoto. It’s arguably most famous for the fact that its top two floors are covered in magnificent glittering golf leaf, a reflection of the extravagance of Kitayama culture. Be sure to inspect a little closer as the interior of each floor of the building represents a different style of Japanese architecture. Nearby you’ll find food stands selling gold leaf covered soft serve, a locally loved treat.

    Address

    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Kinkakujichou 1

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    • Kinkakuji Temple

    • Kinkakuji Temple

  • Public transportation / Walk

    17min

  • Sarasa Nishijin

    15:02

    60min

    Cafe

    Finally finish off your journey with a visit to the very unique Sarasa Nishijin café, a bathhouse turned café. This historic hangout is popular with locals and visitors alike, giving it a warm, welcoming ambience, and the perfect spot to unwind and potentially make friends with some locals and fellow Kyoto explorers.

    Address

    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Kita-ku Murasakinohigashifujinomoricho 11-1

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    • Sarasa Nishijin

  • FINISH

    16:02

• • 1 Ninna Ji Temple
  • 2 Ryoanji Rock Garden
  • 3 Omura House
  • 4 Kinkakuji Temple
  • 5 Sarasa Nishijin

Based on the introduced itinerary, you can create your original itinerary. In addition, simply add the place you want to go and display the route and time schedule automatically, your itinerary will be completed in no time!

Create your itinerary from this itinerary