Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Northern Kyoto (Along the Eizan Railway and Around Demachiyanagi & Nijo)

The area around Demachiyanagi Station, which is the final stop of the Keihan Railway connecting Osaka and Kyoto, is full of spots where you can enjoy both the natural beauty and traditional charm of Kyoto. Demachiyanagi is also the starting point of the Eizan Railway, which takes you to famous destinations like Kifune Shrine and Kurama-dera Temple.

On your way to these attractions, you’ll pass Ichijoji Station, known as a hotspot for ramen lovers. The area is packed with ramen shops within a small, walkable space. While Kyoto is famous for its traditional cuisine like kaiseki, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), and obanzai (home-style dishes), it can be fun to explore the local ramen scene alongside students from the nearby universities.

Speaking of universities, both Kyoto University and Doshisha University are within walking distance from Demachiyanagi. These prestigious institutions have long histories and are even popular with student tour groups. If you have some extra time, consider visiting these campuses. They’re also close to major attractions like the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine.

At the university cafeterias, visitors can also enjoy a meal, but to avoid crowds and allow students to focus on their studies, it’s best to avoid lunchtime when the dining halls are busiest.

Ginkaku-ji (Jisho-ji Temple): A Kyoto Landmark Full of Charm

Ginkaku-ji, along with Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Despite its name meaning “Silver Pavilion,” Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver.

The person who founded Ginkaku-ji was Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.

Unlike other shoguns, Yoshimasa was uninterested in politics and devoted his life to culture. Ginkaku-ji was his crowning achievement, completed in 1482. Originally a villa, Yoshimasa spent his time here practicing tea ceremony and flower arrangement. Ginkaku-ji became the center of the “Higashiyama Culture” movement.

After Yoshimasa’s death, his villa was turned into a Zen temple following his wishes.

Nijo Castle: The Spot Where the Edo Period Ended

Next, let’s visit the place where the Edo period came to an end: Nijo Castle, the site of the famous “Taisei Hokan” (the return of political power to the emperor), which you might remember from your history textbooks.

Built in 1603, Nijo Castle is relatively new compared to Kyoto’s temples and shrines. It was initially used as a residence and base for the shogun during visits to Kyoto. In a way, it was like a hotel owned by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the capital. The castle was expanded under the 3rd shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.

So, what exactly is the “Taisei Hokan”? Simply put, it was the act of returning political control to the Imperial Court, marking the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and paving the way for the Meiji Restoration.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: A Special Spot to Visit at the Right Time

Kyoto Imperial Palace can be tricky to visit, but it’s worth it if you get the chance. Once the residence of Japan’s emperors, this historical site is now open to the public year-round without the need for advance reservations (as of 2023). However, it’s closed on Mondays (or the following day if it’s a public holiday), during New Year’s, and for special events, so be sure to check the schedule.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are vast, measuring 250 meters east to west and 450 meters north to south. If you visit early in the morning, you might see locals jogging through the grounds.

The current buildings were rebuilt in 1855 during the Edo period, with some parts reflecting the style of the Heian period. It’s quite moving to stand in a place where emperors once lived.

Kamo River: A Beloved Spot for All in Kyoto

Kamo River is a charming spot in Kyoto that both locals and visitors of all ages enjoy. From small children to the elderly, many people come here to spend time walking, cycling, reading, or enjoying a date.

The stretch between Shijo Bridge and the Kamo River Delta is about 3 km, and it’s a perfect area for a refreshing walk. Along the way, you can admire the traditional Kyoto scenery on both sides, making it a pleasant and scenic stroll.

At the Kamo River Delta, you’ll find the point where the Takano River flows in from the east and the Kamo River continues from the west.

If you’re familiar with Kyoto Animation, a famous anime studio, you may recognize scenes from their works along the Kamo River. For fans, especially of shows like “K-On!,” this place is a must-visit as it often appears in their animations.

Tadasu no Mori: A Mysterious Forest Full of Nature

Tadasu no Mori is a sacred forest located within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, stretching to Kawai Shrine. Surrounded by a lush green canopy, the forest is filled with negative ions, giving it a refreshing and spiritual atmosphere.

What makes this forest so mystical is that many of the trees here have been standing since the Jomon period. The forest is mainly composed of trees like zelkova, hackberry, and Aphananthe.

From a scientific perspective, Tadasu no Mori is incredibly important, not only for its natural beauty but also for its significance in forest ecology and environmental studies. It’s even registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting Tadasu no Mori is a wonderful way to refresh your mind. It’s an ideal spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

Shimogamo Shrine: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto

On the northern side of Tadasu no Mori, you’ll find Shimogamo Shrine, also known as Kamo Mioya Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It enshrines the deities Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto and Tamayorihime no Mikoto.

Shimogamo Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most culturally significant shrines, with many of its buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. While only the main halls on the east and west sides are National Treasures, almost all of the other structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

The shrine is also famous for hosting various ceremonies, including weddings and the Aoi Festival, which was one of the most significant national festivals during the Heian period.

The shrine has a deep connection with the Imperial family, having been revered by the court since the Nara period. The relationship deepened even further when Emperor Kanmu made a visit during the Heian era, after the capital was moved to Kyoto.

Kifune Shrine – The Head Shrine of 450 Kifune Shrines in Japan

In Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, you’ll find Kifune Shrine, the head shrine of over 450 Kifune shrines across Japan. It is dedicated to Takaokami no Kami, the god of water, and is well-known for its many water-related features.

While the exact founding date is unknown, legend says the shrine has existed for over 1,300 years.

Kifune Shrine is said to bring blessings for good fortune, success, and romantic relationships. One famous story is when Emperor Saga prayed here for rain. It has also appeared in many literary works, including poems by Izumi Shikibu and in the Shin Kokin Wakashu poetry collection.

Recently, Kifune Shrine has become a popular spot for women praying for love, and the shrine is especially known for its romantic blessings.

During certain times of the year, the shrine is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a magical experience you won’t want to miss.

Shisendo – The Birthplace of Shishi-Odoshi

Shisendo was originally a mountain retreat built by Ishikawa Jozan, a former retainer of the Tokugawa family. The name “Shisendo” comes from the Room of Poets, where portraits of 36 famous Chinese poets are displayed.

Ishikawa Jozan was also a master of garden design, and at Shisendo, you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of Kyoto’s landscapes. The autumn leaves, in particular, are breathtaking.

As you stroll through the garden, you will hear the soothing sound of the shishi-odoshi, a bamboo water feature designed to scare away deer. Shisendo is famous for being the birthplace of this unique feature, and its calming sound enhances the peaceful atmosphere.

Manshuin – A Temple with a Beautiful Rock Garden

Manshuin Temple was founded by Dengyo Daishi Saicho during the Enryaku period. It was later moved to its current location in the Tenryaku era by Zen Master Zesan, who is considered the temple’s first head priest.

Manshuin has strong ties to Kitano Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. The head priests of Manshuin often served as caretakers of Kitano Shrine because Zesan was from the Sugawara family.

The temple is known for its beautiful karesansui (dry landscape garden), which is a perfect example of Kyoto’s serene beauty.

From early November to early December, the temple hosts a special night viewing of the autumn leaves, making it a popular spot during the season.

Since it’s located close to Shisendo, it’s a great idea to visit both!

Enkoji Temple – A Picture-Perfect Garden

Enkoji Temple, located in the Ichijoji area of Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, was founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu and belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is located near other famous spots like Shisendo and Manshuin, so you can easily visit them all in one day.

The temple’s main attraction is the Jugo no Niwa (Garden of the Ten Bulls), which features over 200 maple trees, making it especially stunning during autumn. The nearby Seiryu Pond is said to be the oldest in northern Kyoto, and the reflection of the autumn leaves on its surface is truly a sight to behold.

While Enkoji used to offer night illuminations, unfortunately, this was discontinued after 2008.

The best spot to enjoy the view is from the temple’s shoin (main hall), where the pillars frame the garden like a picture.

The Beautiful Strolling Garden at Rengeji Temple

Rengeji Temple, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, is a serene Tendai Buddhist temple.

The temple’s grounds feature a peaceful stone-paved path that leads visitors through a tranquil atmosphere.

Rengeji Temple is famous for its stunning strolling garden with a pond, which becomes even more beautiful during the fall when the maple and Japanese maple trees turn a brilliant red.

The scenery is so captivating that you may find yourself lost in time while admiring the vibrant autumn colors.

This is a must-visit spot in Kyoto, especially during the autumn season.

Explore the Seasonal Beauty at Sanzen-in Temple

Sanzen-in Temple, located in the Ohara district of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, is a Tendai Buddhist temple.

It is also known as “Sanzen-in Monzeki,” a temple historically associated with the imperial family.

Sanzen-in is one of the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect, along with Shoren-in and Myoho-in. Among these, Sanzen-in is the oldest and has a long, rich history.

The temple features two beautiful gardens, Shuhekien and Yuseien, known for their lush moss. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and vibrant maple leaves in autumn.

Sanzen-in is a perfect spot to experience the charm of Kyoto. Take your time to wander around and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

Kyoto City Zoo – One of Japan’s Oldest Zoos

Kyoto City Zoo, located in Sakyo Ward, first opened in 1903, making it the second-oldest zoo in Japan.

Throughout its long history, the zoo has been dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, actively participating in breeding programs for animals like the western lowland gorilla, Asian elephants, and Grevy’s zebra. It has even contributed to the conservation of the Tsushima leopard cat, a critically endangered species in Japan.

While many modern zoos focus on connecting visitors with animals, Kyoto City Zoo was one of the first to embrace this concept. The zoo collaborates with Kyoto University and other institutions to support animal conservation and research.

The zoo is divided into six sections, offering various attractions. In the “Fairy Tale Land” area, visitors can interact with smaller animals like sheep, goats, rabbits, and enjoy watching adorable red pandas, Humboldt penguins, and owls.

In the “Predator World” section, you can see famous animals like lions and jaguars, alongside Japan’s endangered Tsushima leopard cat. The “Gorilla House – Forest Habitat” lets you observe three generations of western lowland gorillas, one of the zoo’s breeding successes.

These are just a few highlights. In total, the zoo is home to around 500 animals from 120 species, including endangered ones. The size of the zoo allows for a leisurely visit, making it a perfect destination for families.

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