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Shoren In Temple

One of our all-time favorite temples in Kyoto, Shoren-in is bypassed by almost all tourists and bus groups. ![Shoren-In Temple](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FnQkmSb/0/cb50887c/L/i-FnQkmSb-L.jp

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Tenryu Ji Temple Arashiyama

Tenryu-ji Temple is the headline attraction in Arashiyama, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views. ![Tenryu-Ji Temple image copyright Damien Douxc

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To Ji Temple

The pagoda of To-ji Temple soars above the suburban sprawl of southern Kyoto, reassuring the visitor that there's still plenty of beauty left in the city. ![Aerial view of Kyoto city from Kodaiji tem

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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. ![Japanese zen garden of Tofuku-ji Templ

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Toji Temple Northwest Kyoto

This rarely visited temple in Northwest Kyoto is a hidden gem. The garden is superb, the halls are elegant and the teahouse is sublime. ![Toji-in Temple - Northwest Kyoto image copyright Damien Douxc

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Uji

About 15 kms southwest of Kyoto, and easily accessed by both the Keihan Line and the JR Line, Uji is famous for the lovely Byodo-in Temple (the temple on the back of the ¥10 coin). It's also famous as

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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. ![Garden at Unryu-in. Editorial credit: Amstk / Shutterstock

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Yasaka No To Pagoda

A long pagoda rising overlooking the floating world of Gion below, Yasaka-no-to Pagoda is a lovely sight by day or night. ![Yasaka-no-to Pagoda image copyright Damien Douxchamps](https://photos.smugm

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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Guide Walking Tour

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan's most incredible sights. Our walking tour route allows you to enjoy the Bamboo Grove and the surrounding sights while avoiding the worst of the crowds. ![

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Kumano Kodo Walking Trail Guide With Maps

The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days. It's a brilliant way to

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Kyoto Walking Itineraries

Kyoto is a wonderful city for walking -- it's compact, largely flat, the weather is comfortable most of the year, and drivers are sane. Here are three different one day itineraries for walkers, coveri

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Kyoto Walking Tour 1 Nanzen Ji Temple Yoshida Jinja Shrine

Book your own private Kyoto walking tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to explore some of Kyoto's most famous temples ![Buddha in the leaves](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7v9ZgGF

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Kyoto Walking Tour 2 Tofuku Ji Temple Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

This Kyoto walking tour lets you wander from one of Kyoto's most beguiling temples to its most famous and awe-inspiring Shinto shrine ![The tori at Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto](https://photos.

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Kyoto Walking Tour 3 Classic Southern Higashiyama

Take in some of Kyoto's most famous sights and some of its secret spots too, all in one four-hour private Kyoto walking tour ![Yasaka Shrine Kyoto](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XSS6Ffb/0/L/i-X

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Kyoto Walking Tour 4 Gion Evening Walk

Discover the world of the geisha in this atmospheric evening walk in Gion, the "Floating World" of Kyoto. ![Gion at Night, Kyoto](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zVqwVRz/0/L/i-zVqwVRz-L.jpg "Gion

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Kyoto Walking Tour 5 Arashiyama

Explore the stunning Kyoto district of Arashiyama, including the breathtaking Bamboo Grove, on this guided private walk. ![Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WCHc5Kn/

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Kyoto Walking Tours

Chris Rowthorn Tours offers private guided Kyoto walking tours for groups of 1 to 6 people. They're the perfect introduction to Kyoto's sights and the city's fascinating culture. [Walk 1: Norther

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Walking In Gion

At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the city's most famous entertainment district and the center of its traditional arts. Michael Lambe takes us on a daytime tour of Gion's most famous landmarks, shops a

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Walking The Path Of Philosophy

The Path of Philosophy is a scenic stroll path in north-eastern Kyoto that offers a quiet retreat from the city and food for thought in the many historic sites that line the way. Michael Lambe guides

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A Day Trip To Ohara

Ohara is an ancient farming village north of Kyoto, famous for its rural beauty and the historical and spiritual significance of its many temples. Michael Lambe takes us on a comprehensive tour of thi

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A Trip To Uji

To the south of Kyoto lies Uji, a small city famed for its green tea, its World Heritage sites, and its association with the Tale of Genji -- the world's first novel. Michael Lambe takes us on a compr

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Adashino Nembutsu Ji Temple

A touching temple at the top of the Arashiyama sightseeing district, you'll find 8000 Buddhist statues here placed in memory of those who died without kin. ![Stone statues in Adashino Nenbutsu-ji bud

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Arashiyama Boat Rental Arashiyama Tsusen

One of the best ways to explore the Arashiyama area is by renting a boat and rowing around the lovely lower Hozu-gawa area, especially when the cherry blossoms are out. ![Along Hozu-gawa river to Ara

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Aritsugu Kyoto

Japan is known the world over for the quality of its knives, and Aritsugu, a knife specialist in Nishiki Market, makes some of the best in the country. Located on the north side of [Nishiki market](n

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Backpacking In Kyoto

You can have a great time backpacking in Kyoto. Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you'll miss out on any of city's major attractions. Indeed, you'll be surprised at just how cheap Kyoto can be if you

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Bar Metro Northern Higashiyama

The only club we've ever seen inside a train station, the aptly named Metro is located in one of the entrance tunnels to the Keihan Line's Marutamachi Station. Metro has been just about single-handed

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Best Cooking Classes In Kyoto

Kyoto is a great place to take a Japanese cooking class: It's filled with traditional markets, including the famous Nishiki Market, and there are several good cooking schools. Here are our three favor

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Best Kyoto Souvenirs

Kyoto is the best place in Japan to buy authentic Japanese goods. Here's a handy list of some great Kyoto souvenirs and the best place to buy them. ![Washi paper](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-

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Chion Ji Temple Handicraft Market

Chion-ji Temple hosts a fabulous handicraft market on the 15th of every month. It's a great place to pick up unique, locally made souvenirs during your travels to Kyoto. ![The entrance to Chion-ji Te

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Cycling Kyoto

Kyoto is regularly voted one of the best bicycle cities in Asia, and for good reason: The city is largely flat, roads are well maintained, drivers are sane and there are plenty of places to purchase o

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