Northwest Kyoto

Northwest Kyoto is one of the city’s most serene and culturally rich regions, known for its temples, mountains, and tranquil natural beauty. It offers a more peaceful alternative to the busy city center and is ideal for those seeking traditional Kyoto charm and spiritual depth.

A little farther from downtown and the main train stations, but Northwest Kyoto is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji with its renowned rock garden, and the expansive Myoshin-ji Temple complex.

[Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple]

Northwest Kyoto Area Description

The Northwest Kyoto Area encompasses a large swath of the city north of Imadegawa-dori and west of Senbon-dori, bounded on the west by the mountains that rise in the north and west of the city. Buses, taxis or bicycles are the best way to explore this area.

Northwest Kyoto Highlights

• Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)
• Ryoan-ji Temple
• Daitoku-ji Temple

[Kinkaku-ji Temple: Sompol / Shutterstock.com]

Things To Do And See In Northwest Kyoto

• Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion)
  Kinkaku-ji, the famed ‘Golden Pavilion,’ is Kyoto’s most iconic sight. It’s well with a visit, just try to pick a time when the crowds aren’t there.

[Ryoan-ji Temple: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com]

• Ryoan-ji Temple
  Japan’s most famous ‘Zen’ garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks that float mesmerizingly on sea of gravel — an example of carefully calculated randomness.
• Toji Temple
  This rarely visited temple in Northwest Kyoto is a hidden gem. The garden is superb, the halls are elegant and the teahouse is sublime.
• Myoshin-ji Temple
  Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring.
• Ninna-ji Temple
  Yet another sprawling temple compound in Northwest Kyoto, Ninna-ji Temple is a rarely visited temple that makes for long contemplative strolls.
• Kitano-Tenman-gu Shrine
  One of Kyoto’s most beautiful shrines which is popular with students praying for success on exams. It’s also home to one of Kyoto’s best flea markets.

[Daitoku-ji Temple: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com]

• Daitoku-ji Temple
  Not just a temple — a world of temples. Daitoku-ji Temple is home to some of my favorite Zen gardens in Kyoto.
• Haradani-en Garden
  Kyoto’s most spectacular cherry blossom spot is little-known Haradani-en Garden. Located in northwest Kyoto, it’s a must-see for serious cherry blossom fans.
• Tea Ceremony Camellia Garden
  Camellia Garden is the most beautiful easily accessible tea ceremony venue in Kyoto. This is a super place to experience the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Tea Ceremony KOTO
  Tea Ceremony KOTO is a great place to try a traditional Japanese tea ceremony when in Northwest Kyoto.
• Robert Mangold Gallery
  For serious collectors of Japanese art and antiques, a visit to the Robert Mangold Gallery is a must. The gallery carries a wide range of work, from Jomon to contemporary, with ceramics, tea ware, painting and Japanese armor well represented.
• Funaoka Onsen
  Funaoka Onsen, which is actually a sento, is the best public bath in Kyoto. It’s well worth a trip across town to relax in this beautiful bath house.

Getting To Northwest Kyoto

• By train from Kyoto Station: the JR Sagano/San-in Line stops near Myoshin-ji Temple. The Randen Line stops a short walk from Ninna-ji Temple.
• By bicycle from Kyoto Station: Cycle north on Karasuma and through the Kyoto Gosho, then cut west on Imadegawa-dori.
• By bus from Kyoto Station: Kyoto City Bus #101 or 205 to Kinkakuji-michi.
• By bus from downtown Kyoto: Kyoto City Bus #12 or 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to Kinkakuji-mae.

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