Kyoto walking route: Kinkakuji to Fushimi Inari, 35.4 km
This 35.4 km route through Kyoto covers the city's most significant cultural landmarks, including the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The itinerary connects historic districts like Gion and Pontocho Alley with key temples including Kiyomizudera, Nanzenji, and Yasaka Pagoda, offering a comprehensive introduction to Kyoto's temples, traditional streets, and natural attractions.
- Distance
- 35.4 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- The best time to visit Kyoto
- End
- Kiyomizudera Temple
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- The best time to visit Kyoto — Spring and autumn offer ideal weather and stunning seasonal views, with cherry blossoms and fall foliage attracting visitors worldwide.
- Explore the streets of Gion — Historic geisha district featuring traditional wooden machiya houses, atmospheric lanes, and cultural performances reflecting Kyoto's preserved past.
- Nishiki Market — Narrow and long shopping street with hundreds of shops and restaurants.
- Pontocho Alley — Area filled with many types of restaurants and bars offering seafood, soba, and yakiniku.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — Famous forest home to hundreds of bamboo trees that can grow over 30 meters tall.
- Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavilion — Gold-leaf-covered Zen temple reflected in a mirror pond, representing one of Japan's most iconic architectural masterpieces from the 14th century.
- Fushimi Inari — Sacred Shinto shrine famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates creating tunnel-like pathways up a forested mountainside.
- Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji Temple) — Famous viewpoint in Gion where photographers gather for perfect shots.
- Hanami Koji Street — Historic street maintaining original appearances of tea houses and buildings; famous for spotting geisha.
- Nanzenji Temple — Famous for its water gate and rock garden.
- Kiyomizudera Temple — Best known for its wooden stage near the main hall, sitting on a hillside with city views.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit in autumn when leaves change to orange and red tones, making the city more magical. Book accommodations months in advance as autumn is the busiest season.
- Timing
- Spring is a fine alternative to autumn. Summer is hot and humid but allows you to experience Kyoto's famous matsuri summer festivals.
- Tip
- Stay 3 to 5 days to visit the most important places in Kyoto.
- Where to stay
- Stay in central Kyoto if you plan to do a lot of exploring, as it's a transportation hub with easy access to all areas. Alternatively, stay near Gion if possible.
- Transport
- Use an IC card to get around via trains and buses. The card works in most major cities including Osaka and Tokyo.
- Transport
- Consider the Kansai Thru Pass if you plan to visit other cities in the Kansai region such as Osaka and Nara.
- Avoid
- Photography is banned on Hanami Koji street and many other areas in Gion due to issues with certain tourists. Follow local rules.
- Food
- Visit Nishiki Market for hundreds of shops and restaurants offering different flavors of Kyoto cuisine.
- Food
- Explore Pontocho area for various restaurants and bars offering seafood, soba, and yakiniku.
- Tip
- Arrive early at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to avoid crowds.
- Tip
- Explore the many streets of Gion including Ninsaka, Sunden Saga, and Hanami Koji, which feature historic buildings and specialty shops. You may spot geisha and maikos.
Video on this route
Kyoto Travel Guide - The Best Things to Do in Kyoto