DXR · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kinkaku-ji
The gilded reliquary hall, pond in front. The bus stops at the gate. See it and leave. If you add one stop, Ryoan-ji — not Arashiyama.
kyoto-northwest
Kinkaku / northwest
Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kitano. A bus day — not Arashiyama.
そらみみ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kyoto walking engine 90
District map
35.036000, 135.726000
Location unused. Tap “My location” to measure distance with browser GPS.
DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Ryoan-ji
The rock garden of fifteen stones. A bus links it with Kinkaku-ji, but if you look slowly at both, do not also add Ninna-ji.
663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Ninna-ji
Omuro cherries and a five-storey pagoda. Late-cherry season is crowded. Same northwest as Kinkaku-ji; blossom season needs its own time.
663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Kitano Tenmangu
Sugawara no Michizane’s shrine; the market falls on the 25th. On ordinary days walk on to Hirano — do not jump to Ginkaku-ji.
nekonomania · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Hirano Shrine
Many cherry varieties; the bloom runs longer than downtown. A walk from Kitano Tenmangu. Not required on the way to Kinkaku-ji.
z tanuki · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Daitoku-ji
A cluster of subtemples. Some need a separate ticket and some open only on set days. Pick one — do not assume the whole complex is open.
Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Myoshin-ji
One of Kyoto’s largest Zen complexes, full of subtemples. Same west line as Ninna-ji. If time is short, the main compound only.
z tanuki · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kitano Ramen
One ramen bowl on the Kinkaku axis. After the pavilion or Kitano — do not sprint to Arashiyama.
Next stop
Where this line goes next
Walk or ride one stop. A new district is another day.
Ryoan-ji
Walk · 16min
Walk, same axis
Walk on to Ryoan-ji. The gilded reliquary hall, pond in front. The bus stops at the gate. See it and leave. If you add one stop, Ryoan-ji — not Arashiyama.
Ninna-ji
Kyoto transit · 12min
Bus / subway 金閣寺道 → 御室仁和寺
Same axis: after Kinkaku-ji comes Ninna-ji. Do not switch districts halfway.
Ginkaku-ji
Kyoto transit · 31min
Another day
Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are not the same day. Open another day if you go.