Higashi Hongan-ji Temple - Officially known as Shinshū Honbyō, Higashi Honganji is the main temple of the Shinshū Ōtani-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū (Shin Buddhism), founded by Shinran (1173-1262). The image of Shinran is enshrined on the altar in the Founder’s Hall, while Amida Buddha’s image is in Amida Hall. After Shinran’s death, his followers built a mausoleum at Ōtani in Kyoto, where his ashes were interred, eventually leading to the establishment of the present Higashi Honganji. With strong support from its followers, Higashi Honganji has become a spiritual center where one can encounter the Nenbutsu teaching as clarified by Shinran, discover the meaning of life, and awaken to a true relationship with the Dōbō (those following the same path).

Entoku-in - A sub-temple of Kodaiji Temple and Kenninji Temple, known as the “Temple of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Nene.” Nene spent 19 years at this restored castle from Fushimi Castle before her passing. The enshrined three-sided Daikokuten statue is a “Nenjibutsu,” a Buddha to remember Hideyoshi. The ink paintings by Hasegawa et al. on the 32 sliding doors are designated as an Important National Cultural Property, with a digital replica currently in place. The North Garden is also designated as a Special Site of Scenic Beauty. The front garden, originally an Ikeizuma-style garden from Fushimi Castle, was transformed into a dry landscape garden by Masakaza Kobori when it was moved here. Visitors can also see Nene’s actual hand bowl and enjoy Matcha in the tea room.

Gion Shirakawa - Located in the entertainment district near Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shirakawa features traditional wooden houses, restaurants, and teahouses along the stream, creating a unique atmosphere. In spring, the pink cherry blossoms and fresh green weeping willows provide a beautiful contrast. Lucky visitors might see wedding couples in kimono, geisha, or maiko on the street. A light-up event is held during the sakura season.

Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area - Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street is a must-visit for those seeking a traditional Japanese experience. Its historical significance and beauty make it a standout attraction in Kyoto. Located northwest of downtown Kyoto, Toriimoto is at the far end of Sagano. The conservation area spans about 600 meters along Atago Kaido Highway, leading to Atago Shrine via Kiyotaki. The approach to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple and the first torii gate of Atago Shrine are located at the back. The street features a mix of farmhouse-style buildings with thatched roofs and townhouse-style buildings with two-story, tiled roofs, preserving the rustic historical landscape of Sagano outside of Kyoto.

Arashiyama - A sprawling area in western Kyoto centered around the Katsura River and surrounding mountains, Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot. Visitors can see people in kimono or yukata enjoying local food, shopping, and visiting local temples. Rickshaw drivers are available to take visitors to destinations such as the bamboo forest or the historic temples of Arashiyama.

Kyoto Imperial Palace - Rich in tradition, Kyoto Imperial Palace preserves the look and ambiance of the Palace as it was during Japan’s ancient imperial dynasties. Rebuilt in 1855, the Palace comprises several structures, including the Shisinden, Seiryoden, Kogosyo, Ogakumonjyo, and Otsunegoten, reflecting various architectural styles.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousand shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes, believed to be Inari’s messengers, are represented by numerous fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine predates the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794. At the back of the shrine’s main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate-covered hiking trail, starting with two dense, parallel rows of gates called Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). The torii gates along the trail are donations from individuals and companies, with the donor’s name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate.

Kinkakuji Temple - Known for its famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku), a pagoda housing sacred Buddha relics, this temple is popularly called Kinkaku-ji (“Temple of the Golden Pavilion”). Officially, it is the Rokuon-ji, a branch temple of the Rinzai-sect Zen temple of Shokoku-ji. The temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Kyoto - Travel time between temple and shrine.