Southeast Kyoto
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
Southeast Kyoto, at the far southern end of the Higashiyama Mountains, is home to two of Kyoto’s greatest sights: the Shinto wonderland of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine and the Zen world of Tofuku-ji Temple and all the subtemples that surround it.
[Torii Gateways in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: gowithstock /
Shutterstock.com]
Southeast Kyoto Area Description
Southeast Kyoto, easily reached by train, bus, bicycle or even foot from Kyoto Station and downtown Kyoto is one of the city’s richest areas for sightseeing. Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine is arguably Kyoto’s single most impressive sight, and it’s also a fantastic place for a hike. Nearby Tofuku-ji Temple contains one of my favorite karesansui (Zen rock gardens) and is surrounded by sublime subtemples, each of which contains their own fine gardens.
Southeast Kyoto Highlights
[Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine: Pajor Pawel /
Shutterstock.com]
Things To Do And See In Southeast Kyoto
- Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
Perhaps the single most impressive sight in all of Kyoto, bar none, Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine is the most important shrine in the entire city. Don’t miss it!
[Tofuku-ji Temple: monnee /
Shutterstock.com]
- Tofuku-ji Temple
One of the most attractive temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple also has the advantage of not being very crowded UNLESS you come during the fall foliage season.
[Sennyu-ji Temple: Roscoe Chui /
Shutterstock.com]
- Sennyu-ji Temple
If you want to boast that you’ve been to a temple that no other tourist has visited, this is your spot: Sennyu-ji is a lovely temple hidden in the mountains above Kyoto. - Unryu-in Temple
Located atop a hill in southeast Kyoto, this seldom-visited temple is secret treasure. Both the garden and the Buddhist images are superb.
Getting To Southeast Kyoto
- By JR Train from Kyoto Station: Take a local on the JR Nara line and get off at Tofukuji Station for Tofuku-ji or Inari Station for Fushimi-Inari-Taisha.
- By Keihan Line: Take any train except a tokkyu (limited express) and get off at Tofukuji for Tofuku-ji Temple and Fushimi-Inari for Fushimi-Inari Taisha.
- By bus from Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus “minami” #5 (“minami” means “south and it’s written like this 南)
- By taxi: A taxi from Kyoto station will cost about ¥1500.
- By bicycle: Cycle east on Shichijo-dori, turn south on Higashioji-dori and turn into the residential neighborhood just past the Japan Red Cross Kyoto First Hospital (Kyoto Dai-Ichi Sekijuji Byouin).
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.