KYOTO Tourist Guide

■Northern Kyoto

●Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) ―⑰

Kinkakuji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Kinkakuji can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes and for 230 yen. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and take a taxi (10 minutes, 1000-1200 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 230 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkakuji.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
Take the Kyoto city Bus Line number 12 from Higashiyama-sanjo Bus Stop(Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station) to Kinkakuji-mae Bus Stop (36 mins, 230 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus Line routes 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop(18 mins ,250 yen). Change buses to Kyoto City Bus Line routes 12 to Kinkakujimichi Bus Stop (36 mins, 230 yen).

●Kibune―⑱

Kibune is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, which developed around Kibune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled in a yellow boat (hence the name Kibune) from Osaka all the way up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kibune Shrine was built at the site where her boat journey had come to an end.

Kibune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and believed to be the protector of those at sea. Here you can obtain a unique type of fortune written on paper slips (omikuji) that reveal their messages when dipped into water. Okunomiya, the inner sanctum and original site of Kibune Shrine, lies about one kilometer further up the valley. It has a large rock, known as the boat stone, which is said to be where the goddess' yellow boat is buried.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Kibune is connected with central Kyoto by Eizan Railway. The one way trip along the Eizan Kurama Line from Demachi-Yanagi Station to Kibune-guchi Station takes 30 minutes and costs 420 yen. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes. From Kibune-guchi Station, it is a further five minute bus ride (160 yen one way, departures timed to the trains) or a 20-30 minute walk up the road to Kibune Shrine.
The fastest way to reach Demachi-Yanagi Station from Kyoto Station is by taking the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station (140 yen, 2 minutes), where you can transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachi-Yanagi Station (270 yen, 10 minutes).

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Karasuma Line to Kokusaikaikan  Station(22 mins, 290 yen). Take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 52 to Kibuneguchi Bus Stop(20 mins, 280 yen), from where it is a 10 mins walk to the Kibuneguchi Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto City Bus number 33 Line to Kibune Bus Stop(4 mins, 160 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus number 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(16 mins ,290 yen). And change trains to the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station(6 mins, 260 yen). Take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 52 to Kibuneguchi Bus Stop, from where it is a 10 mins walk to the Kibuneguchi Bus Stop. And then take Kyoto City Bus number 33 Line to Kibune Bus Stop.

●Kurama―⑲

Kurama is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto.

Outdoor and indoor baths can be enjoyed at Kurama Onsen, a ryokan located at the upper end of the town of Kurama. It can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the train station along the town's only road or along a nature trail following the river. Staying guests can use the baths for free, while daytrippers pay 2500 yen to use all of the baths or 1000 yen for just the outdoor bath (rotemburo).

Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town. It takes about 30-45 minutes to climb up to the temple's main buildings from the town below. A cablecar (100 yen one way) leads about halfway up the mountain.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Kurama is connected with central Kyoto by Eizan Railway. The one way trip along the Eizan Kurama Line from Demachi-Yanagi Station to Kurama Station takes 30 minutes and costs 420 yen. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes.
The fastest way to reach Demachi-Yanagi Station from Kyoto Station is by taking the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station (140 yen, 2 minutes), where you can transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachi-Yanagi Station (270 yen, 10 minutes).

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Karasuma Line to Kokusaikaikan  Station(22 mins, 290 yen). Take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 52 to Kurama Bus Stop(24 mins, 320 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus number 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(16 mins ,290 yen). And change trains to the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station(6 mins, 260 yen). Take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 52 to Kurama Bus Stop(24 mins, 320 yen).

●Ryoanji Temple―⑳

Ryoanji Temple is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple stands just a kilometer to the south.

As for the history of Ryoanji's famous rock garden, the facts are less certain. The garden's date of construction is unknown and there are a number of speculations regarding its designer. The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden's design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.

Along with its origins, the meaning of the garden is unclear. Some believe that the garden represents the common theme of a tiger carrying cubs across a pond or of islands in a sea, while others claim that the garden represents an abstract concept like infinity. Because the garden's meaning has not been made explicit, it is up to each viewer to find the meaning for him/herself. To make this easier, a visit in the early morning is recommended when crowds are usually smaller than later during the day.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Ryoanji can be reached directly from Kyoto Station by JR bus. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, costs 230 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. There are buses every 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, Ryoanji is a five minute bus ride or 20 minute walk west of Kinkakuji.
The temple can also be reached by the Keifuku Kitano Line, a small train that runs through the calm residential areas of northwestern Kyoto and offers a connection to Arashiyama. To access Ryoanji, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station from where it is a 10 minute walk to the temple.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
Take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 5 to Kawaramach-sanjo Bus Stop(7 mins, 230 yen), and transfer to the number 59 Line to Ryoanji-mae Bus Stop(38 mins, 230 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus routes 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-omiya Bus Stop(25 mins, 270 yen) , from where it is a 4 mins walk to the JR-West Bus Line Sijo-omiya Bus Stop. And then take the JR-West Bus Line to Ryoanji-mae Bus Stop(19 mins, 230 yen).

●Sanzenin Temple―㉑

Sanzenin Temple is the main attraction of the rural town of Ohara, which is located about an hour north of central Kyoto. The approach from Ohara bus stop to Sanzenin is lined with shops and restaurants catering to temple visitors, and there are a number of smaller temples in the vicinity. Sanzenin Temple itself has large temple grounds and a variety of buildings, gardens and walking paths.

Sanzenin is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and was founded by nobody less than the revered monk Saicho who introduced Tendai Buddhism to Japan in 804. Sanzenin is a monzeki temple, one of only a few temples whose head priests used to be members of the imperial family.

■Getting There

Sanzenin Temple is located a ten minute walk uphill from Ohara bus stop.

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
From Kyoto Station, the fastest way to reach Ohara is to take the Karasuma Subway Line to its terminal station Kokusaikaikan Station (20 minutes, 280 yen) and then Kyoto City Bus number 19 to Ohara (20 minutes, 340 yen, every 40 minutes). Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus number 17 provides a direct connection from Kyoto Station to Ohara (60 minutes, 580 yen, every 20 minutes) via Shijo-Kawaramachi (45 minutes, 510 yen). The bus rides are not covered by the 1-day bus pass.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Sanjo-keihan Station(One min. 210 yen) and transfer to the Kyoto Bus number 17 Line to Ohara Bus Stop(41 mins, 500 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-kawaramachi Bus Stop(15 mins, 250 yen) , from where it is a 4 mins walk to the Kyoto Bus Line Sijo-kawaramachi Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto Bus e number 17 Line to Ohara Bus Stop(48 mins, 520 yen).

 

●Enryakuji Temple (Mount Hieizan) ―㉒

Located in Kyoto's eastern mountain range on Mount Hieizan, Enryakuji is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history and the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Many influential monks studied at Enryakuji, including the founders of a number of later sects, such as the Pure Land (Jodo), Zen and Nichiren sects.

Enryakuji was founded in 788 by Saicho, the monk who introduced Tendai Buddhism from China into Japan. At its peak, Enryakuji had as many as 3000 subtemples and a powerful army of warrior monks who often engaged in power struggles with other monasteries and political leaders.

On his way to remove all potential rivals and unite the country, Oda Nobunaga attacked and destroyed most of Enryakuji's buildings and killed most of its inhabitants in 1571. Therefore, most of today's temple buildings date back to the early Edo Period, when Enryakuji was rebuilt.

■Getting There

Enryakuji is located on Mount Hieizan, which lies on the border of Kyoto Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture. The mountain can be ascended from either the Kyoto side by Eizan Cablecar and ropeway, or from the Shiga side by Sakamoto Cablecar. There is also a toll road that leads up to the temple, which is used by buses from central Kyoto.

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
○By Sakamoto Cablecar (around the year)
Take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station to Hiei-Sakamoto Station (15 minutes, 320 yen one way), where it is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride to the lower station of the Sakamoto Cablecar. The cablecar ride takes 11 minutes and costs 860 yen one way or 1620 yen for a round trip. From the upper station, Hieizan's Todo area can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.

○By bus (does not operate in winter)
There are direct buses from Kyoto Station and Keihan Sanjo Station to Hieizan's Todo area. The one way trip takes about one hour and costs 770 yen. There are 4-6 buses per day, except from December through mid March when no buses run.

○By Eizan Cablecar and Ropeway (does not operate in winter)
Take the Eizan Main Line from Demachi-yanagi Station in northeastern Kyoto to Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station (15 minutes, 260 yen). From there, take the Eizan Cablecar and Eizan Ropeway to the summit of Hieizan (15-20 minutes, 850 yen one way, 1700 yen round trip). From the summit, it is another 5 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk to the Todo area. The cable car and ropeway do not operate from early December to mid March.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Higashiyamasanjo Bus Stop(Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station), take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 206 to Hyakumanben Bus Stop, from where it is a 4 mins walk to Kyoto Bus Line Hyakumanben Bus Stop. And take the Kyoto Bus number 57  Line to Enryakuji Bus Center(42 mins. 770 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus routes 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-kawaramachi Bus Stop(15 mins, 250 yen), from where it is a 4 mins walk to the Kyoto Bus Sijo-kawaramachi Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto Bus Line number 51 to Enryakuji Bus Center(55 mins, 770 yen).

●Kamo Shrines―㉓

The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto.

In fact, the Kamo Shrines even predate the city's establishment as national capital in 794. Throughout the thousand years that Kyoto served as Japan's capital city, the Imperial Court patronized the shrines as establishments dedicated to the city's protection and prosperity.

Shimogamo Shrine is located at the junction of the Takano and Kamo rivers. It is surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori, a forest which was preserved during the modernization of the city and contains trees that are up to 600 years old.

Kamigamo Shrine stands about three and a half kilometers upriver from Shimogamo Shrine. It is well known for two sand cones on its grounds that serve a purification function for the shrine, and have been made ritually since ancient times.

The Kamo Shrines jointly hold one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri. Every May 15th at 10:30am, a large procession dressed in the style of the Heian court leaves from the Imperial Palace, continues to Shimogamo, and ends the day at Kamigamo. Both shrines also host other smaller festivals throughout the year.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
○Shimogamo Shrine is a 15 minute walk from Demachi-Yanagi Station on the Keihan Line. Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus number 4 bound for Kamigamojinja-mae can be taken from the station to Shimogamojinja-mae bus stop (5 minutes, 230 yen) directly beside the shrine.

○Kamigamo Shrine can be reached in 30 minutes from Demachi-Yanagi Station or Shimogamo Shrine by Kyoto City Bus number 4 (230 yen). Get off at the last stop, Kamigamojinja-mae. Alternatively, the shrine can be reached in a 15 minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
○Shimogamo Shrine／From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyamasanjo Station, take the Tozai to Sanjo-keihan Station. Change trains to the Keihan Main Line at Sanjo Station, and get off at Demachi-Yanagi Station, from where it is a 12 mins walk to the shrine.

○Kamigamo Shrine／From Kyoto City Bus Higashiyamasanjo Bus Stop(Kyoto City Subway Higashiyamasanjo Station), take the Bus number 206 Line to Karasuma-kitaoji  Bus Stop , from where it is a 3 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus number North 3 Line Karasuma-kitaoji Bus Stop. Change buses to the Kyoto City Bus number North 3 Line, and get off at Misonoguvhi Bus Stop.

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
○Shimogamo Shrine／Take the Keihan Bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Kawaramachi-gojo Bus Stop(13 mins, 250 yen), from where it is 4 mins walk to Kyoto City Bus Line Kawaramachi-gojo Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto City Bus number 4(Matsugasaki) Line to Shimogamo Shrine Bus Stop(22 mins, 230 yen).

○Kamigamo Shrine／Take the Keihan Bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Kawaramachi-gojo Bus Stop(13 mins, 250 yen), from where it is a 4 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus Line Kawaramachi-gojo Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto City Bus number 4(Matsugasaki) Line to Kamigamo Shrine Bus Stop(45 mins, 230 yen).

●Kitano Tenmangu Shrine―㉔

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important of several hundred shrines across Japan that are dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician who was unfairly exiled by his political rivals. A number of disasters were attributed to Michizane's vengeful spirit after his death in exile, and these shrines were built to appease him.

Sugawara Michizane is associated with Tenjin, the kami ("Shinto god") of education. Consequently, many students visit Kitano Tenmangu to pray for success in their studies. The shrine can become especially crowded with students during exam times and school trip seasons.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine can be directly reached by Kyoto City Bus numbers 50 or 101 from Kyoto Station (230 yen, 30 minutes). An indirect but perhaps quicker route during rush hours is to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station and catch the 102 or 203 bus to the shrine. In either case get off at the Kitano Tenmangumae bus stop.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Bus Line Jingumichi Bus Stop, take the Bus number 5 Line to Kawaramachi-sanjo Bus Stop, from where it is a 3 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus number 10 Line Kawaramachi-sanjo Bus Stop. And take the Kyoto City Bus number 10 Line to Kitano-tenmangu-mae Bus Stop.

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus numbers 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B Line from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(15 mins ,250 yen), from where it is a 4 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus Line Sijo-Karasuma Bus Stop. And take the Kyoto City Bus number 55 Line to Kitano-tenmangu-mae Bus Stop(22 mins, 230 yen).

 

■Western Kyoto

●Arashiyama and Sagano―㉕

Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

North of central Arashiyama the atmosphere becomes less touristy and more rural, with several small temples scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area north of the Togetsukyo Bridge is also known as Sagano, while the name "Arashiyama" technically just refers to the mountains on the southern bank of the river but is commonly used to name the entire district.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
○By Japan Railways (JR)／The fastest access from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is provided by the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line). The one way ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes and costs 240 yen. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, central Arashiyama can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.

○By Keifuku Railways (Randen)／The small trains on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line connect Arashiyama with Omiya Station at the intersection of Shijo Street and Omiya Street in central Kyoto (20 minutes, 200 yen). Keifuku Railways also provides access to Kitanohakubaicho Station in northern Kyoto, not far from Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Temples (20-30 minutes, 200 yen). One transfer of trains is required along the way. Keifuku Arashiyama Station is located in the very center of Arashiyama.

○By Hankyu Railways／From Kawaramachi or Karasuma Station in central Kyoto (Shijo Street), take the Hankyu Main Line to Katsura Station and transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for Arashiyama. The one way trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 220 yen. Hankyu Arashiyama Station is located on the opposite side of the river, about a 5-10 minute walk from central Arashiyama.

○By bus／Bus lines connect Arashiyama with several parts of Kyoto, however, it is recommended to access Arashiyama by train to avoid the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Sanjo-keihan Station and transfer to the Kyoto City Bus Line number 11 to  Sagaarashiyama-ekimae Bus Stop(55 mins, 230 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus Line number 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(15 mins ,250 yen), from where it is a 3 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus number 91 Line Bus Stop. And take the Kyoto City Bus Line number 91 to Sagaarashiyama-ekimae Bus Stop(16 mins, 230 yen).

●Kokedera (Moss Temple) ―㉖

Saihoji, more commonly known as Kokedera, is one of Kyoto's Unesco World Heritage Sites. Entrance to this temple requires a reservation made well in advance by mail.

Kokedera means Moss Temple, referring to the temple garden's estimated 120 different varieties of moss. Visitors to the temple can walk through this spectacular garden, which has strongly influenced subsequent Japanese garden design.

Kokedera was originally the site of Prince Shotoku's villa before becoming a temple in the Nara Period. In 1339, the temple was renovated and converted into a Zen temple under the priest Muso Soseki. Muso is also credited with creating Kokedera's gardens.

■Getting There

Kokedera is a 20 minute walk from Matsuo Taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line.

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station (3 minutes) and transfer to a Hankyu Kyoto Line train to Katsura Station (8 minutes). At Katsura Station, switch to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line which takes five minutes to Matsuo Taisha Station. In total, the trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 430 yen.
Alternatively, Kyoto Bus number 73 runs one or twice hourly from Kyoto Station via Arashiyama to Kokedera (1 hour, 230 yen one way, not covered by the 500 yen 1-day bus pass). On busy days, this bus is likely to be delayed due to congestion in the Arashiyama area.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Bus Line Jingumichi Bus Stop, take the Bus number 5 Line to Shijo-karasuma Bus Stop, from where it is a 3 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus number 29 Line Shijo-karasuma Bus Stop. And take the Bus to Kokederamichi Bus Stop(32 mins, 230 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B Line from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(15 mins ,250 yen), from where it is a 3 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus number 91 Line Bus Stop. And take the Bus to Kokederamichi Bus Stop(32 mins, 230 yen).

●Katsura Imperial Villa―㉗

Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the finest examples of purely Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.

The villa can be viewed only on tours held by the Imperial Household Agency. They last about one hour and are in Japanese only, however, an English audio guide is available. During the tour, the tour group walks along the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. The palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside. Photographing is allowed only from a few designated spots.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Katsura Rikyu is located in western Kyoto, a 15 minute walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Alternatively, you can reach the villa by Kyoto City Bus number 33 from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Get off at "Katsura Rikyu-mae" bus stop. The bus ride costs 240 yen.

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Karasuma Line to Shijo  Station(18 mins, 210 yen). Change trains to the Hankyu Kyoto Line at Karasuma Station, and get off at Katsura Station, from where it is 15 mins walk to the Katsura Imperial Villa.

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan Bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B Line from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-kawaramachi Bus Stop(15 mins ,250 yen).
Change trains to the Hankyu Kyoto Line at Kawaramachi Station, and get off at Katsura Station(11 mins, 190 yen), from where it is 15 mins walk to the Katsura Imperial Villa.

●Tenryuji Temple―㉘

Tenryuji is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. The two important historic figures used to be allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a struggle for supremacy over Japan. By building the temple, Takauji intended to appease the former emperor's spirits.

■Getting There

From Hotel Fine Garden KYOTO-MINAMI, Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO-MINAMI
Tenryuji is just a short walk from the Keifuku Arashiyama Station, which is connected by the small Keifuku trains (also referred to as Randen) with the Ryoanji/Kinkakuji area and Omiya Station along Shijo-dori Street. The temple can also be reached in a 5-10 minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is connected with Kyoto Station by train (10-15 minutes, 240 yen).

From Hotel Grand Fine KYOTO OKAZAKI
From Kyoto City Subway Higashiyama Station, take the Tozai Subway Line to Uzumasa-tenjingawa Station(15 mins, 260 yen) and transfer to the Keifuku Dentetsu Arashiyama Line at Randen-Tenjingawa Station, and get off at Arashiyama Station(12j mins, 210 yen).

From Olive KYOTO YAMASHINA
Take the Keihan-Bus bus numbers 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B from Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop to Shijo-omiya Bus Stop(25 mins, 270 yen) , from where it is a 4 mins walk to the Kyoto City Bus Line Sijo-omiya Bus Stop. And then take the Kyoto City Bus number 28 Line to Arashiyama-tenryuji-mae Bus Stop(319 mins, 230 yen).

 

《Hotel Fine Group in Kyoto》

◆Hotel Fine Garden Kyoto-Minsami, Hotel Grand Fine Kyoto-Minsamai

To Kyoto Station(JR, Kyoto City Municipal Subway, Kintetsu Line)
By Kyoto City Municipal Subway Karasuma Line or Kintetsu-Kyoto Line：7 mins from Takeda Station

To Kyoto City Municipal Subway Sijo Station
By Kyoto City Municipal Subway Karasuma Line：11 mins from Takeda Station

To JR Osaka Station
By JR Kyoto Line：29 mins from JR Kyoto Station.

To Kansai International Airport
By Airport Limousine for KIA：90 mins from Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Bus Stop

◆Hotel Grand Fine Kyoto-Okazaki

To Kyoto Station(JR, Kyoto City Subway, Kintetsu Line)
Take the Kyoto City Municipal Subway Tozai Line at Higashiyama Station, change trains to the Karasuma line at Karasumaoike station：14 mins from Higashiyama Station

To Keihan Line Gion-Shijo Station
Take the Kyoto City Municipal Subway Tozai Line at Higashiyama Station and get off at Sanjo-Keihan Station, change trains to the Keihan Line at Sanjo Station：15 mins from Higashiyama Station

To JR Osaka Station
By JR Kyoto Line：29 mins from JR Kyoto Station.

To Kansai International Airport
By Airport Limousine for KIA：90 mins from Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Bus Stop

◆Hotel Olive Kyoto-Yamashina

To Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop
By foot：3 mins from the Hotel.

To Kawatamichi Bus Stop
By foot：8 mins from the Hotel.

To Yamashina Station(JR Tokaido-Main Line Yamashina Station, Kyoto Subway Tozai Line Ymashina Station, and Keihan Electoric Rail Way Kyozu Line Keihan Yamashina Station)
By bus：From Kawatamichi Bus Stop, take the Keihan-Bus bus number 29A Line to Yamashina Station Bus Stop.
By taxi：10 mins from the hotel. Cost：1,090 yen～.

To Kyoto Station
By taxi：14 mins from the hotel. Cost：1,810 yen～.
By bus and Kyoto Municipal Subway：From Kamikazankubocho Bus Stop, take the Keihan Bus bus number 82, 82C, 83, 83A, 84, 84C, 85A, 86, 86B, 87A, 87B Line to Shijo-Karasuma Bus Stop(23 mis, 250 yen). Change trains to the KyotoMunicipal Subway Karasuma Line at Shijo Station, and get off the Kyoto Station(5 mins, 210 yen).

To Osaka Station
By JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid：29 mins to JR Kyoto Station. Cost is 560 yen.

To Kansai International Airport
By Airport Limousine for KIA：90 mins from Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Bus Stop. Cost is 2,550 yen.