Recommended Walking Course

Kyoto Imperial Palace Area Half-Day Walking Course

Home Recommended Courses Kyoto Imperial Palace Area Half-Day Walking Course

Discover the peaceful surroundings of Kyoto Imperial Palace by visiting Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Goko Shrine, Nashinoki Shrine, Rozan-ji Temple, Shokoku-ji Temple, and Goryo Shrine. This relaxed walking course combines beautiful green spaces with historic temples and shrines in central Kyoto.

Walking distance

Approx. 3.5 km

Duration

Approx. 4–5 hours

Recommended start

Around 9:00 a.m.

Walking conditions

Mostly flat

Arashiyama Course Map

Course Map

The numbered markers correspond to the order of the walking route.

Arashiyama Walking Route

Walking Route

Begin in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden before visiting historic shrines and temples surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

1
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

STOP 01

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

A spacious national garden surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Its tree-lined paths and seasonal scenery make it one of Kyoto’s most relaxing walking areas.

Suggested visit： About 45–60 min.
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About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
2
Goo Shrine

STOP 02

Goo Shrine

A shrine famous for blessings related to healthy legs and mobility. Instead of guardian lions, visitors are welcomed by unique guardian boars.

Suggested visit： About 20 min.
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About an 8-minute walk to the next stop
3
Nashinoki Shrine

STOP 03

Nashinoki Shrine

Known for "Somei no Mizu," one of Kyoto’s famous natural springs, this peaceful shrine is also celebrated for its beautiful bush clover in autumn.

Suggested visit： About 20 min.
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About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
4
Rozan-ji Temple

STOP 04

Rozan-ji Temple

A temple closely associated with Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji. Its elegant garden and summer bellflowers are especially popular.

Suggested visit： About 30 min.
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About a 10-minute walk to the next stop
5
Shokoku-ji Temple

STOP 05

Shokoku-ji Temple

A major Zen temple founded by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Ranked among Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples, it features impressive historic architecture.

Suggested visit： About 45 min.
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About an 8-minute walk to the next stop
6
Goryo Shrine

STOP 06

Goryo Shrine

An ancient shrine with origins predating the Heian capital. It is famous for the historic Goryo Festival and its peaceful atmosphere.

Suggested visit： About 20 min.
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Final stop

Route Highlights

  • Enjoy a relaxing walk through the spacious Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
  • Visit several historic shrines and temples surrounding the Imperial Palace
  • Experience a quieter side of Kyoto away from the busiest tourist areas
  • Enjoy seasonal scenery together with centuries of Kyoto history

Before You Start

Times shown are approximate. The total duration depends on temple visits, breaks, and walking pace. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is quite large, so allow extra time if you wish to explore the grounds in detail.

※The line on the map connects the locations in route order. It may not exactly follow the actual roads or walking paths.