Kyoto walking route: Nishiki Market to Kinkaku-ji

Explore Kyoto's cultural landmarks on this 64 km route connecting 14 major attractions including Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Nijo Castle. The route covers historic temples, traditional shopping streets like Nishiki Market and Teramachi, riverside walks, and the city's iconic Kyoto Tower observation deck.

Distance
64.0 km
Mode
route
Start
Nishiki Market
End
Samurai Ninja Museum
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Nishiki Market — Narrow food street with open hours 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  2. Teramachi Street — Historic shopping arcade lined with traditional temples and modern boutiques, blending Kyoto's spiritual heritage with contemporary retail culture.
  3. Kyoto Tower — Observation tower in the heart of Kyoto next to Kyoto Station, tallest structure over 100m
  4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — Naturally occurring forest consisting mostly of moso bamboo with several pathways for tourists
  5. Kyoto Railway Museum — Museum showcasing Japanese train technology and transportation systems
  6. Kamo River Walk — Nature walk through the city offering different seasonal colors and a relaxing place for exercise
  7. Kiyamachi-dori — Popular nightlife neighborhood located along the river with cozy pubs and ramen
  8. Kinkaku-ji — Zen Buddhist temple known as the Golden Pavilion on a lake, one of the most popular buildings in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site
  9. Fushimi Inari Taisha — Popular Shinto Shrine featuring a 2-3 hour mountain hike through more than 10,000 orange Torii gates with observation point offering views of Kyoto Valley
  10. Nijo Castle — Built in 1603, was the primary residence for the first Shogun of the Edo period from 1603 to 1867
  11. Saga Toriimoto Old Town — Preserved wooden geisha district featuring narrow lanes, traditional machiya houses, and atmospheric tea houses nestled in bamboo groves.
  12. Kyoto Imperial Palace — Former residence of Japan's emperors for over 1,000 years, showcasing authentic Heian-period architecture and intricate court gardens.
  13. Teramachi Shopping Street — Shopping area with various retail stores intersecting with Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
  14. Samurai Ninja Museum — Museum located along Teramachi street with history about samurai, Shogun, and Emperors

Useful for your trip

Timing
Arrive at Nishiki Market early as it opens at 9:00 a.m., as it gets very crowded throughout the day.
Tip
Nishiki Market is covered by a roof, providing protection if it's raining or snowing.
Save money
Kyoto Tower ticket costs 800 Yen (around $5-6) for 360-degree city views; plan about an hour for your visit.
Timing
Visit Kyoto Tower during sunset for the best views.
Tip
Plan to visit Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple) on the same day.
Save money
Railway Museum tickets cost 1,500 Yen per person (around $10).
Where to stay
Consider getting a hotel near Kiyamachi-dori neighborhood if looking for nightlife, as it offers cozy bars and ramen shops.
Timing
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early morning between 7-8 a.m. or at night (especially in summer) to avoid crowds.
Tip
Bring hiking shoes for Fushimi Inari Shrine; the uphill trek is 2-3 hours round trip, but descent is much faster.
Save money
Fushimi Inari Shrine has no entrance fee.
Timing
Visit Kamo River Walk in spring for cherry blossoms or fall for orange and red foliage colors.

Video on this route

Best Things To Do in Kyoto Japan 4K

More routes nearby

Map