Text & Photos / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
The Kiyomizu Stage of Kiyomizu-dera is many people’s first impression of Kyoto. The nearby stone-paved alley is a famous sightseeing spot lined with charming little shops, brimming with traditional Japanese ambiance.
Famous for Hanamikoji Street, Gion’s main thoroughfare, Shijo Avenue and Hanamikoji Street are always crowded with tourists. But if you turn down a side alley, you’ll be greeted by the tranquil, old-world streetscape of traditional machiya townhouses. Geisha still work and live in Gion, and you might occasionally catch a glimpse of them hurrying by in the evening.
Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
Kiyomizu-dera can only be reached by bus. Walking from either of the two bus stops (Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka) to the temple takes about 15 minutes. The walk from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion is one of Kyoto’s most scenic sightseeing routes, spanning roughly 1.2 kilometers. However, with all the temptations along the way, it usually takes nearly half a day to complete the stroll.
The main bus stops in Gion are located at the intersection of Higashioji-dori and Shijo Avenue in front of Yasaka Shrine, and at the intersection of Shijo Avenue and Kawabata-dori. Heading west along Shijo Avenue and crossing the Kamo River will take you to Shijo-Kawaramachi. It’s about a 5-minute bus ride or 17-minute walk away.
Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
Kennin-ji Temple
Nestled deep within Kyoto’s entertainment district, Kennin-ji is a Zen temple founded in 1202. It is famed for its National Treasure, the “Fujin Raijin-zu” (Wind and Thunder Gods) painting, and the large dragon mural on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. The small Tōfuku-an courtyard offers fun experiences such as zazen meditation and yoga.
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The admission fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for junior and senior high school students.
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The admission fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for junior and senior high school students.
Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
Anrakuji Inari Shrine (also known as Yasui Konpiragu)
A unique shrine for praying for good relationships or cutting off bad ones. To make a wish, write your desire on a white slip of paper, affix it to the “Enkiri Enmusubi Stone,” and then pass through the hole. Going in through the front and out the back means cutting off bad ties, while the reverse brings good fortune.
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The admission fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
The admission fee for the Kyoto Glass Museum is ¥500 for adults.
Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
Chaya Tomitsuki Fuji
Want to step inside a real tea house, dine and play games with geisha? Though most tea houses are closed to first-time visitors, Fuji offers fun, relaxed experiences where tourists can enjoy time with maiko (apprentice geisha)—some of whom even speak English.
[Info]
Located at 347-13 Kitagiono-cho, Gion.
Plan A: ¥29,400 for a group of 6.
Located at 347-13 Kitagiono-cho, Gion.
Plan A: ¥29,400 for a group of 6.
Photo / Kyoto Bus Tour: Explore Kyoto for Just ¥500!*
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