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.

NAVITIME

Update 2023.08.07

DAY1

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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DAY1

- 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
  - Sarasa Nishijin
- FINISH
  
  16:02