Kyoto, steeped in history and brimming with serene temples, gardens and geisha districts, is a magnet for travelers worldwide. While navigating a city of 1.4 million people might seem overwhelming, it’s actually one of the easiest cities to explore (thanks to excellent public transportation). We spent 5 nights in Kyoto and were able to explore its neighborhoods and nearby towns using trains, buses and our own reliable feet.
This guide will tell you all you need to know to plan your own walking-focused trip to Kyoto, including transportation tips, best day trips to neighboring towns, day hikes, and our recommended walking tour operators.
Table of Contents
Transportation in & around Kyoto
The transportation system in Japan is one of the best in the world, especially in the Kansai region where Kyoto resides. Trains connect every major city and town, subways connect inter-city locations and buses connect everything else. Inside Kyoto was super helpful when we were planning our trip and it covers all aspects of travel to Japan, but here’s a quick summary of how we explored Kyoto and neighboring towns:
Get an ICOCA card
Assuming you fly into Osaka (like we did), go directly to the Japan Rail (JR) station at the airport and look for a kiosk selling ICOCA cards. Add however much you think you’ll need (machines take CASH ONLY). We estimated how much we’d need BEFORE our trip, knowing we’d be tired and overwhelmed upon arrival. We did NOT purchase train tickets in advance as we wanted flexibility to hop on the most convenient route. We used several trains that were not JR lines, so it didn’t make sense to get a JR Pass.
Lesson-learned: When swiping your ICOCA card only do it once, then quickly walk through the gate. If you swipe several times the card will lock and you will need to visit a JR office to get it fixed. We discovered this the hard way.
Pre-book JR Shinkansen Trains
If arriving from Tokyo, it’s advised to purchase high-speed train tickets in advance. This guide offers excellent advice for making train reservations.
Get Internet
You’ll need data to navigate Kyoto and while free WiFi is easy to find in Japan you’ll want it always accessible. We use GoogleFi since we travel so much but you have several options for internet in Japan, including renting a WiFi hotspot, purchasing an eSim or international data plan.
Use Google Maps
Some blogs suggest using Jorudan (Japan’s transit site) but we found Google Maps to be much easier and just as accurate. In case of data being unavailable, look up your transit routes for the day and screenshot them while you have WiFi.
Prepare for the Buses
Trains announce in English but buses do not, so prepare ahead of time for bus rides:
- Look up your route while you have internet and screenshot the detailed bus stops so you have an idea when your stop is coming up. Not all of the buses had digital signs showing the stops, so you have to pay attention.
- Screenshot the cost, this is much easier than trying to figure it out on the bus when you’re watching for stops.
- Have coins. The ICOCA card worked for every bus in and near Kyoto, but there’s always a chance machines can malfunction and the more rural buses don’t always take the card.
- When you get on the bus, take a ticket (you’ll see it as soon as you step in). Give this ticket to the driver when you depart. If not using ICOCA you’ll need to have exact change ready.
- Sit towards the front if possible.
The GETTING HERE instructions below are meant as a guide. Transit routes change, especially during high season when additional routes may be added, so ALWAYS CHECK CURRENT ROUTES.
Explore Kyoto's Neighborhoods on Foot
Kyoto can be divided into the following neighborhoods, each of which can be explored on foot in a day (or less) and easily accessible by public transportation. For this guide, we’re going to assume you are staying somewhere near Kyoto Station as it’s the most convenient location for visiting multiple places within and outside of Kyoto. If you are here for a longer stay, consider renting an Airbnb anywhere in Higashiyama near a subway/train station.
Southeast Kyoto
This is the easiest neighborhood to start with as it’s closest to Kyoto Station. It’s also home to the popular Fushimi-Inari Taisha. If you start early enough, you could combine this with a half day of walking in Uji (which is reached using the same train). If you want to escape cities, consider an off-the-beaten-path walk to Mt. Oiwa.
Getting here: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station (10mins)
Highlights: Tofuku-ji, Fushimi-Inari Taisha
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Chris Rowthorn Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari, 4hr guided ($266 per group)
Japan Tour Adventures Fushimi, 5hr guided ($80 per person)
Southern Higashiyama
Temples, shopping and people-watching kimono wearers are the top attractions in Kyoto’s southern Higashiyama neighborhood. It’s a fun place to walk and can take a full day if you explore all the major temples, from Kiyomizu-dera to Shoren-in.
Getting here: City Bus from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizumichi (20mins)
Highlights: Kiyomizu-dera, shopping & people-watching on Ninnenzaka & Sannenzaka Streets, Kodai-ji, Shoren-in Temple, Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park, Chion-in Temple, Yūzen-en garden
RECOMMENDED TOUR
Chris Rowthorn Classic Southern Higashiyama, 4hr guided ($266 per group)
Geisha Districts & Nishiki
The geisha districts are in southern Higashiyama but we list it separately because we recommend saving this section for an evening stroll. The neighborhoods of Gion and Pontocho are popular for geisha sightings, but be careful to follow the rules here. Kyoto is actively trying to protect local residents by charging fines if you take photos of geisha and a new rule preventing access to private alleyways. Best advice, get a trustworthy guide who follows the rules and leave the phone in your pocket.
Getting here: Subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Shijō Station (10mins)
Highlights: Nishiki Market, Hanamikoji Street, Kamo River, food hall underneath Takashiymaya department store, Gion Shinbashi Bridge, Pontocho Park
RECOMMENDED TOUR
Pinpoint Traveler Kyoto Food Tour, 3hrs guided ($84 per person)
Northern Higashiyama
There is a LOT to see in this part of Kyoto so plan an entire day. The Philosopher’s Path and temples around Nanzen-ji and Eikandō are the primary draw, but don’t overlook the canal walking and hydroelectric facilities which are equally fascinating.
Getting here: Subway Karasuma Line & Tozai Line to Keage Station (20mins)
Highlights: Keage Incline & Tunnel, Philosopher’s Path, Konchi-in garden, Tenju-an garden, Nanzen-ji complex, Lake Biwa Canal, Garyūrō Spiral Staircase, Eikandō Temple, Ōtoyo Shrine, Kōun-ji, Nishida Kitaro’s Poem Stone, Hōnen-in Temple, Higashiyama Jisho-ji, Ginkaku-ji
RECOMMENDED TOUR
Chris Rowthorn’s Northern Higashiyama Highlights, 4hrs guided ($266 per group)
Mt. Hiei
Further north you’ll find Mt. Hiei, where Kyoto residents escape to the mountains. Both a hiker’s paradise and spiritual destination, exploring the trails and Enryakuji Temple is worth a full day.
Getting here: several options but all require at least one train/bus + cable car (1-1.5hrs)
Highlights: hiking Mt. Hiei, mountains and wildlife, Enryaku-ji
RECOMMENDED TOUR
Kyoto Guided Walks Mt. Hiei, 6hrs guided ($264 per group)
Central Kyoto
Sites are more spread out in central Kyoto so be prepared for a lot of walking or some bus hopping. This is the one neighborhood we would skip if you’re short on time. If castles are what you seek, we recommend leaving the city for Himeji Castle (1hr by high speed train).
Getting here: City Bus 50 or 9 from Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae (20mins)
Highlights: Nijo Castle & Ninomaru-Goten Palace, Kyoto Imperial Palace & gardens, Sento Gosho, Rozan-ji, Shimogamo-Jinja, Kyoto Botanical Gardens
RECOMMENDED TOUR
GPSMyCity Imperial Kyoto, self-guided (free)
Northwest Kyoto
There aren’t as many attractions in Kyoto’s northwest neighborhood but it is where you will find the iconic Kinkaku-ji, also known as Golden Pavilion. Several temples reside nearby, many with quiet gardens, so prepare to walk a lot! You can also make a full day of it and visit Saimyō-ji temple complex which is beautifully tucked away in the mountains.
Getting here: City Bus 26 from Kyoto Station to Omuro Ninnaji (40mins); City Bus 8 to reach Saimyō-ji (30mins)
Highlights: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji, Daitoku-ji, Ninna-ji, Haradani Garden
RECOMMENDED TOUR
Kyoto Guided Walks Northern Kyoto, 5hrs guided ($198 per group)
Arashiyama
The Bamboo Forest may be one of the most crowded tourist destinations in Kyoto, but this area offers plenty of space to walk with views of a river, quiet forests and plenty of temples. Even better, avoid the crowds by walking through the more serene bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. We suggest planning a full day, as it takes a bit of work to get here, and adding a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train.
Getting here: Train to Arashiyama Station and taxi to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Highlights: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Saimyō-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Tenyru-ji & garden, Okochi Sanso Villa, Sagano Train, Horen-ji
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Delightful Travel Notes Arashiyama, self-guided (free)
Chris Rowthorn’s Arashiyama, 4hrs guided ($266 per group)
Kyoto Guided Walks Arashiyama, 8hrs guided ($330 per group)
Best Day Trips from Kyoto for Walking
Nara
Unlike Kyoto, where temples and gardens are more spread out and surrounded by urban sprawl, Nara packs everything into one gigantic green space. Most tourists only visit for the day but you need at least 2 days. We spent one night in Nara and I would have preferred to stay several nights – it’s truly a special place. Walk the Yamanobe-no-michi Trail if you have time. Since Nara Park is easy to navigate on your own, we’ve focused on food walking tours to give you a more immersive experience.
Getting here: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station; do NOT take a JR train as their station is much further and you’ll end up walking more than necessary
Highlights: Nara Park (museums, deer, temples & shrines, old forest), artisan shops, Naramachi, hike Mt. Wakakusa, Isuien and Yoshikien Gardens
RECOMMENDED TOURS
NaraWalk Old Town Stroll, 2hrs guided ($20 per person + $3.30 sake tasting)
Japan Adventure Nara Beer/Sake/Food, 3.5hrs guided ($100 per person)
Fermentation Homestay, 3 days ($330 per person, all-inclusive + time to walk)
Uji
It’s unfathomable to me that more tour companies aren’t including Uji in their itineraries, but I’m also glad because this beautiful river town remains unblemished by mass tourism. Known for its matcha tea and excellent food shops, as well as the gorgeous Byodo-in Temple, Uji is a perfect day trip for walking and food tasting. See why we loved Uji so much.
Getting here: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji Station (20mins)
Highlights: Byodo-in & Museum, Uji River, Tale of Genji statues, matcha tea shops & pastries, Daikichiyama Observation Deck, Ujikami Shrine
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Journey through Southern Kyoto, self-guided tour of Uji and other tea towns (free)
Pinpoint Traveler Uji Tea Tour, 4hrs guided ($60 per person)
Kurama & Kibune
Look northeast of Kyoto and you’ll find the villages of Kurama and Kibune, which are connected by walking paths leading to Kurama-dera Temple. This is a fantastic way to explore Kyoto’s mountains, villages and beautiful shrines without having to go too far. It started snowing the day we planned to visit so I changed our plans (kinda regret it).
Getting here: several options which require a train + bus (1hr)
Highlights: Mount Kurama, Kurama-dera Temple, Kifune Shrine, lunch on the Kibune River
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Inside Kyoto Kurama to Kibune, 3hrs self-guided (free)
Chris Rowthorn’s Kurama to Kibune, 4hrs guided ($266 per group)
Hiking Trails near Kyoto
If you want to escape the city entirely, it’s easy to do because Kyoto is surrounded by mountains that offer forested paths and shrines. Here are the favorite hiking trails near Kyoto, recommended by local guides and outdoor enthusiasts.
7mi (11km), one-way
Start with a train to Miidera Station then walk back towards Kyoto, following the Lake Biwa Canal until you reach Keage Station. This route can be combined with the Philosopher’s Path for a long day of walking. You can also shorten the walk by ending at Misasagi Station.
7mi (11km), one-way (return by train)
A day hiking along a river, beginning in the village of Takao and stopping to enjoy bridges, a waterfall and a temple where you can throw kawarakenage (clay discs representing evil juju) into the river.
1mi (1.5km), roundtrip
Short climb up to Mt. Daimonji-yama from Ginkaku-ji Temple. If you’re planning to visit this temple, save time to add this extra hike.
Long Distance Trails near Kyoto
The Kumano Kodo takes center stage for long-distance hikes in this region, and we’ll cover it in a separate post, but there are some other alternatives.
52mi (84km), one-way
Sometimes called the Kyoto Circuit, this is a network of trails that connect mountain and forest paths surrounding the city from the west, north and east. It’s not a true loop, but if you want a long-distance loop hike that exists a little further northwest in the Keihoku region. Both trails are managed by the Kyoto Trail Guide Association.
62mi (100km) 9-day inn to inn hike
This multi-day hike connects Oe to Tateiwa through the mountains northwest of Kyoto and ending with UNESCO San’in Kaigan Geopark on the Sea of Japan. Designed by Adventure Travel Kyoto to highlight the oni (malevolent spirit) legends and statues of this region, the Oni Trail can be walked inn to inn. NOTE: THIS IS A NEWLY DEVELOPED TRAIL AND WE ARE WAITING FOR CONFIRMED DETAILS ON HOW TO WALK THIS ROUTE. WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS WE HEAR BACK FROM THEM.
Preferred Walking Tour Companies
While you don’t need a tour guide to explore Kyoto, there is much value to be had in hiring a local guide for at least 1 day. We suggest booking a tour for your first or second day and choose one that covers an area for which you would like a deeper knowledge.
Hands-down our favorite selection of walking tours in Kyoto and Nara. Rowthorn is the creator of InsideKyoto.com and his tours focus on covering each neighborhood on a deeper level (instead of cramming multiple areas into one day). Great choice if you’ll be in Kyoto for several days. Tours range from $233 (2hr) to $499 (8hr) per group.
We equally love Kyoto Guided Walks because they offer full day tours focused on specific neighborhoods, often taking you away from the crowds for a more local experience. Their tours incorporate vegetarian options and visiting with local shopkeepers, which also makes them a stellar choice. Tours range from $132 (2hr) to $330 (8hr) per group.
Excellent choice for tours in Nara, plus they provide walking tours for the Fushimi neighborhood and Arashiyama. Tours start at $80 per person.
For a customized day of walking that’s supported by a private driver, JGA is a good choice. They offer a 6-hr self-guided tour with an English speaking driver ($466 up to 3 people) as well as walking tours focused on gardens.
One of the few offering day tours to Uji (for now) plus an evening food tour of Gion/Pontocho and day tours covering Higashiyama and Arashiyama. We took their Gion tour and loved it! Tours start at $48 per person.
US based tour company with an office in Japan that offers multi-day private and small group travel all over Japan. Look at their destinations to see a sample of what’s possible in the Kansai region or look at their 7-day Rural Cultural Tour on Responsible Travel. Good choice for customized trip or add-on to extend traditional walking tours such as the Kumano or Shikoku pilgrimages. Prices range $400-$650 per person per day (midrange) to $1300+ per person per day (luxury).
Recommended Resources
- Inside Kyoto: I dare you to find a better resource for travel to Japan! Everything you need, with expert and updated advice, is on this site.
- Lonely Planet Best Day Hikes Japan: best English hiking guide still in print (as of 2024)
- Willie Walks: If you want inspiration to hike mountains, here’s a guy who set out to hike 100 mountains in Japan – and succeeded! He has an entire series of 100 Mountains of Kyoto on his YouTube channel.
We walked many of the places mentioned in this guide and you’ll find our personal stories and photos at Exploring Japan, the Slow Way and Planning a Trip to Japan’s Kansai Region. Stay tuned for our comprehensive guide for walking the Kumano Kodo.
