If you’re looking for a one-day Kyoto tour with fewer tourists, convenient transportation, and a chill itinerary, then a visit to Sanzen-in, Rurikoin, and Neko Temple (Cat Temple) is perfect for you!
🚌Transportation:
- Bus Route 17 goes directly to “Ohara Station”. A 10-minute walk from there will get you to your destination.
Pros: Direct route without transfers, scenic journey.
Cons: Frequent stops, crowded seating, not ideal if you have luggage.
- Take the Karasuma Subway Line to “Kokusai Kaikan” and then transfer to Bus Route 19 to “Ohara”.
Pros: Less crowded, more seats available after the transfer.
Cons: Requires a transfer, wait times can vary.
🚶🏻Travel Route:
Sanzen-in → Walk to Lain for lunch → Take a bus to Neko Temple → Take a bus to Rurikoin → Take a tram back to the city.
🏯Sanzen-in
📍 540 Oharakomikyoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
⏳ 9:00~17:00
🎫 700 yen
Surrounded by the mountains of Ohara, ancient towering trees, and moss-covered grounds. A beautiful picture-perfect scene can be captured at the waterfall spot. The quaint Jizo statues and moss create a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. The hydrangea blooms in June are also stunning, a refreshing sight for your eyes.
🌽Lain (near Ohara Station)
📍114 Oharakomikyoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
⏳11:30-16:00
💰 1500-2000 yen
A unique vegetarian buffet surrounded by green plants. There are eight kinds of rice balls and curry rice available (not spicy). Help yourself with a variety of veggies: cauliflower, green pepper, eggplant, and other tasty yet unnameable vegetables.
🐱Neko Temple
📍520 Yadokoro Keigocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
⏳11:00-17:00
🎫800 yen
More than a temple, it’s like a museum dedicated to cats. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of cat-related toys, trinkets, artwork, canvas bags… A shrine to cats, a bar for cats, a cat shopkeeper, and even a cute cat host! If you’re a cat lover, this place will definitely soothe your soul.
🏯Rurikoin
📍55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
⏳July 1 - August 21 (10:00-17:00)
🎫 2000 yen
🍵1000 yen
Although it used to open only in spring and autumn, now it’s open in summer as well. The green moss covers the entire garden like a carpet. Sitting quietly in the Rurikoin garden, having a cup of tea while listening to the croaking of frogs, you can reach a state of Zen meditation as you let your thoughts wander and then clear again. 🧘🏻♀️
Impact-Site-Verification: 4c580a30-6b24-4dea-9783-b712fd7bbdb4
Use the share button below if you liked it.
It makes me smile, when I see it.