Text & Photos / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
The Kiyomizu Stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is many people’s first impression of Kyoto, and the nearby Stone Steps Path is a famous sightseeing spot lined with quaint shops that exude traditional Japanese charm.
Gion, known for its Hanamikoji Street, has its main thoroughfares—Shijo Avenue and Hanamikoji Street—always bustling with tourists, but venture down any small alley and you’ll find a tranquil scene of old Japanese townhouses. Geisha still live and work in Gion, and in the evenings, you might catch a glimpse of them hurrying by.
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Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
Kiyomizu-dera can only be reached by bus. Walking from either of the two nearby bus stops (Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka) to the temple takes about 15 minutes. The stroll from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion is one of Kyoto’s most scenic sightseeing routes—about 1.2 km—but with all the interesting spots along the way, it usually takes nearly half a day.
The main bus stops in Gion are located at the intersection of Higashi-oji Street and Shijo Avenue in front of Yasaka Shrine, and at the intersection of Shijo Avenue and Kawabata Street. Heading west along Shijo Avenue across the Kamo River will take you to Shijo-Kawaramachi; it’s about a 5-minute bus ride or 17-minute walk.
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Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
Kennin-ji Temple
Nestled deep within Kyoto’s geisha district, Kennin-ji is a Zen temple founded in 1202. It is famous for its National Treasure, the “Fujin Raijin-zu” (Wind and Thunder Gods) painting, and the large painting of twin dragons on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. The small Tōsai-in courtyard offers interesting experiences such as Zen meditation and yoga.
[info]
?347-13 Koyamachi, Kiyomizu-dera Minami-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
?Adults ¥500, High School & Junior High Students ¥300
[info]
?347-13 Koyamachi, Kiyomizu-dera Minami-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
?Adults ¥500, High School & Junior High Students ¥300
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Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
Anrakuji Inari Shrine (Amagasaki Inari Shrine / Anraku Kannon)
This intriguing shrine is dedicated to forging good relationships and cutting off bad ones. To make a wish, write your desire on a white slip of paper, affix it to the “Enkiri Enmusubi Stone” (Stone of Cutting and Tying Bonds), and then pass through the hole. Going from the front entrance to the inner entrance means cutting off bad ties, while going the other way signifies forming good ones.
[Info]
?70 Shimodenjin-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto (Note: corrected location per common references; please verify exact address)
?Free, Emakimono Hall + Glass Hall Adults ¥500
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Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
Chaya Tomitsu (Tea House Tomitsu)
Want to step inside a real tea house and dine or play games with a geisha? While most tea houses do not accept first-time visitors, Tomitsu offers many relaxed experiences where tourists can enjoy time with maiko (apprentice geisha)—some of whom even speak English.
[Info]
?347-13 Kitagiono-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
?Plan A: ¥29,400 per session for 6 people
?347-13 Kitagiono-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
?Plan A: ¥29,400 per session for 6 people
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Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just 500 Yen！
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