Travel Research: The Gardens and Temples of Kyoto
Two favorite garden walks in Japan's most storied city.
Curated Map
There are over 1,600 temples and 400 shino shrines in the city of Kyoto – Japan’s most storied home of iconic gardens and traditional architecture. Deciding what to see can often be dizzying – especially when considering that lots of maps are in Japanese, and that the sites are scattered like confetti across the metropolis. Before my first trip to Kyoto, I devoured a wonderful guide called “Kyoto: 29 Walks in Japan’s Ancient Capital,” by John and Phyllis Martin. I spent hours mapping out which gardens and temples excited me most, and how best to find them. This is the result of that work: a map of two significant walks, plus the extra must-see places (such as the Golden Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha, which aren’t quite connected to these strolls, and are best done as singular visits.)
The Philosopher’s Walk on the eastern edge of the city takes you along a quaint path from Ginkakaujimaecho down to Kiyomizu – at least a full day’s exploration of 11 temple complexes. Head to the west at the notable Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and spend at least another half-day visiting 5 garden temples surrounding it, including the lovely Gio-ji’s moss gardens and Okochi Sanso’s hilltop views. Note that each temple is an entire complex, with multiple buildings, gardens, and paths – some requiring at least an hour for each visit.
From left to right: Kinkaku-ji, the "Golden Temple"; Gioji Temple; Kogetsudai; Sanjusangendo Temple; Gioji moss garden; Kiyomizu-dera; Higashiyama Jisho-ji; Okochi Sanso Garden -- At top: Eikando Temple.
Photo Source: Syllogi
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