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Kinkakuji Temple, one of Japan’s leading tourist attractions and a symbol of Kyoto. Many visitors to Kyoto surely aim for Kinkakuji Temple first.
However, after seeing Kinkakuji Temple, many might wonder where to go next. You might feel lost, thinking, “Ginkakuji Temple is surprisingly far away, what should I do?”
If so, how about some charming spots easily accessible from Kinkakuji Temple, just a short distance away? This article carefully selects and introduces **10 hidden gem spots** around Kinkakuji Temple that are **easily accessible by foot or bus for a short trip** and **ideal for visiting together**. Refer to our model courses for efficient Kyoto sightseeing and recommendations by purpose to further enrich your Kyoto trip!
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Contents
Charms Around Kinkakuji: Why These 10 Spots are Recommended
The area around Kita Ward, Kyoto City, where Kinkakuji Temple is located, is dotted with World Heritage Sites and historic temples and shrines, boasting a tasteful cityscape. The 10 spots recommended this time are all easily accessible from Kinkakuji Temple, either **on foot** or by **short bus ride**. By visiting them together with Kinkakuji, you can efficiently and deeply experience Kyoto’s profound history and culture.
Excellent Access: Easily reachable from Kinkakuji by foot or short bus ride.
Dotted with World Heritage Sites: Other World Heritage Sites are also nearby, in addition to Kinkakuji.
Diverse Attractions: From tranquil temples to lively shrines, and tasteful townscapes.
Efficient Sightseeing: Explore multiple spots without wasting time.
Recommended Spots to Visit After Kinkakuji by Purpose
【If you want to relax your mind at a tranquil temple or garden】
1. Ryoanji Temple – 20 minutes (on foot)
Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple famous for its internationally renowned rock garden. It was founded by Hosokawa Katsumoto in 1450 and is also registered as a World Heritage Site. Especially during the cherry blossom season, the contrast between the rock garden and the magnificent weeping cherry trees captivates many. Recommended for those who want to spend time quietly reflecting on themselves.
Access from Kinkakuji: Immediately after alighting at “Ryoanji-mae” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Route 59 (approx. 5 minutes) or approx. 20 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryoshita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
- Phone number: 075-463-2216
- Access: Approx. 20 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
2. Ninna-ji Temple – 30 minutes (on foot)
A Shingon sect temple founded by Emperor Uda in 888, now registered as a World Heritage Site. The South Garden is a simple garden with only white sand, pine, and cedar, allowing you to feel the beauty of old Japan. It is also famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms called “Omurozakura.” It is suitable for visiting by extending your trip from Ryoanji Temple.
Access from Kinkakuji: Immediately after alighting at “Omuro Ninna-ji” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Route 59 (approx. 7 minutes) or approx. 30 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
- Phone number: 075-461-1155
- Access: Approx. 30 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
3. Jobon Rendaiji Temple – 10 minutes (on foot)
Jobon Rendaiji Temple, located in Murasakino, Kita Ward, is a historic temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku. Although it is not often listed in tourist guides, a spring-colored world spreads from inside the temple through its main gate during the cherry blossom season, making it a recommended hidden gem. As it’s relatively close to Kinkakuji, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet stroll.
Access from Kinkakuji: Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: Kita Ward, Kyoto City
- Phone number: 075-461-2239
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
【If you are looking for blessings like academic success or matchmaking】
4. Wara Tenjingu (Shikichi Shrine) – 10 minutes (on foot)
Shikichi Shrine, affectionately known as “Wara Tenjin” among locals in Kyoto. Its popular name is so well-known that its official name is often overlooked. It has long been revered for its blessings of safe childbirth and is one of Kyoto’s leading power spots. Since it’s just a short walk from Kinkakuji Temple, it’s recommended for those seeking blessings.
Access from Kinkakuji: Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: 10 Kinugasa Tenjin Moricho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
- Phone number: 075-461-7676
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
5. Hirano Shrine – 15 minutes (on foot)
Hirano Shrine, with a deep connection to the Imperial Court, is a prestigious shrine alongside Ise Jingu and Matsuo Taisha. Its main hall, built in the unique “Hirano zukuri” architectural style, is designated as an Important National Cultural Property. It is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, known since ancient times as “Gion’s night cherry blossoms, Hirano’s daytime cherry blossoms,” allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Access from Kinkakuji: Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: 1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
- Phone number: 075-461-4450
- Access: Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
6. Kenkun Jinja Shrine – 20 minutes (on foot)
Kenkun Jinja Shrine, nestled on the hillside of Funaokayama in northern Kyoto City, was founded in the Meiji Period to enshrine Oda Nobunaga. Located near the summit of Funaokayama, it offers beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn leaves, and charming views of the city. Highly recommended for history enthusiasts.
Access from Kinkakuji: Immediately after alighting at “Kenkun Jinja-mae” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Route 205 (approx. 10 minutes) or approx. 20 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: 49 Murasakino Kitafunaoka-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
- Phone number: 075-451-0170
- Access: Approx. 20 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
7. Imamiya Jinja Shrine – 23 minutes (on foot)
Imamiya Jinja Shrine, also known as “Tama-no-Koshi Shrine,” is a very popular power spot for women aspiring to achieve “Tama-no-Koshi” (marrying into wealth). After your visit, be sure to try the famous Aburi Mochi (roasted rice cakes) at the temple gate. It is said to bring blessings for good health. Enjoy the unique blessings along with the historic shrine buildings.
Access from Kinkakuji: Approx. 10 minutes by bus after alighting at “Funaokayama” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Route 205, then approx. 10 minutes on foot (approx. 10 minutes by bus) or approx. 23 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: Kyoto City
- Phone number: 075-491-0082
- Access: Approx. 23 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
8. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – 25 minutes (on foot)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, is one of the main shrines of Tenmangu Shrines nationwide. It has attracted worshippers since the Heian period and is believed to grant blessings for academic success and ward off evil. It is also famous for its plum blossoms, with plum and autumn foliage gardens offering beautiful seasonal scenery. Recommended for students and those seeking blessings for their studies.
Access from Kinkakuji: Immediately after alighting at “Kitano Tenmangu-mae” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Routes 101, 102, 204, 205 (approx. 5 minutes by bus) or approx. 25 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
- Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
- Phone number: 075-461-0005
- Access: 25 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji
【If you are looking for local experiences or gourmet food】
9. Funaoka Onsen Street – 20 minutes (on foot)
Funaoka Onsen Street, facing Kurama-guchi Street in Kita Ward, is a tourist spot for connoisseurs. Although access is a bit inconvenient, it is known as a pilgrimage site for public bath fans. Charming shops, such as a retro-stylish cafe renovated from a public bath and a Michelin-listed soba restaurant, are scattered around, allowing you to experience the deep charm around Kinkakuji. Recommended for those who want to experience local life.
Access from Kinkakuji: Approx. 5 minutes on foot after alighting at “Funaokayama” from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop by Kyoto City Bus Routes 204, 205 (approx. 10 minutes by bus) or approx. 20 minutes on foot from Kinkakuji.
Tour Kinkakuji and Surroundings! Recommended Half-Day Model Course
Here’s a half-day model course to efficiently enjoy the charms around Kinkakuji Temple after your visit. Make good use of Kyoto City buses.
Model Course: Exploring World Heritage Sites and Zen Gardens (Approx. 3 hours)
- Kinkakuji Temple Visit (Approx. 1 hour)
- First, fully enjoy the glittering appearance of Kinkakuji Temple.
- Travel: Kinkakuji → Ryoanji Temple (Approx. 5 minutes / Bus)
- From Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, take Kyoto City Bus Route 59 and get off immediately at “Ryoanji-mae.”
- Ryoanji Temple Visit (Approx. 45 minutes)
- Calm your mind in the World Heritage rock garden and experience the spirit of Zen.
- Travel: Ryoanji Temple → Ninna-ji Temple (Approx. 2 minutes / Bus)
- From Ryoanji-mae bus stop, take Kyoto City Bus Route 59 and get off immediately at “Omuro Ninna-ji.”
- Ninna-ji Temple Visit (Approx. 1 hour)
- Stroll through this World Heritage temple, a prestigious temple with imperial connections. In spring, you can also enjoy Omurozakura cherry blossoms.
- End: Ninna-ji Temple → (Return to central Kyoto)
- From Omuro Ninna-ji bus stop, take Kyoto City Bus Route 26 or similar to return to central Kyoto.
From Kinkakuji, the Hub of Kyoto Sightseeing, to Your Next Impression!
Kinkakuji Temple is an ideal starting point for Kyoto sightseeing, but its surroundings are packed with still-unknown charms. The 10 spots introduced in this article are located in an area rich with World Heritage temples, historic shrines, and tasteful townscapes.
By extending your trip slightly from Kinkakuji and visiting these hidden gems accessible by foot or bus, your Kyoto trip will gain even more depth and become an unforgettable memory. Please consider these spots as your next destination after Kinkakuji on your next trip to Kyoto.
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