Recommended Walking Course

Kinukake-no-Michi Half-Day Walking Course

Follow Kyoto's famous Kinukake-no-Michi route, visiting Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, Myoshin-ji, and Taizo-in. This course combines World Heritage Sites, Zen temples, and beautiful traditional gardens in one relaxing walk.

Walking distance

Approx. 5 km

Duration

Approx. 5–6 hours

Recommended start

Around 9:00 a.m.

Walking conditions

Mostly flat

Arashiyama Course Map

Course Map

The numbered markers correspond to the sightseeing order.

Arashiyama Walking Route

Walking Route

Walk along the famous Kinukake-no-Michi from Kinkaku-ji to Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji before finishing at Myoshin-ji and Taizo-in.

1

STOP 01

Kinkaku-ji Temple

One of Kyoto’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kinkaku-ji is famous for its Golden Pavilion reflected beautifully in Kyoko-chi Pond throughout the seasons.

Suggested visit: About 60 min.
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About a 20-minute walk to the next stop
2

STOP 02

Ryoan-ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its world-famous Zen rock garden, one of the finest examples of Japanese dry landscape design.

Suggested visit: About 45 min.
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About a 15-minute walk to the next stop
3

STOP 03

Ninna-ji Temple

Founded by Emperor Uda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Omuro cherry blossoms, elegant temple buildings, and spacious grounds.

Suggested visit: About 60 min.
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About a 20-minute walk to the next stop
4

STOP 04

Myoshin-ji Temple

Head temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, featuring an expansive temple complex with numerous sub-temples and peaceful surroundings.

Suggested visit: About 40 min.
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About a 3-minute walk to the next stop
5

STOP 05

Taizo-in Temple

A celebrated sub-temple of Myoshin-ji, Taizo-in is known for its beautiful Zen gardens and its association with the National Treasure painting "Hyonen-zu" (Catching a Catfish with a Gourd).

Suggested visit: About 45 min.
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Final stop

Route Highlights

  • Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • See some of Japan's finest Zen gardens
  • Enjoy a peaceful walk along Kinukake-no-Michi
  • Experience beautiful gardens throughout the seasons

Before You Start

Allow plenty of time to explore each temple, as several have extensive grounds and gardens. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

※The line on the map connects the locations in route order and may differ from the actual roads.