▲ Kinkaku-ji, originally named Rokuon-ji, earned its display name "Kinkaku-ji" because the exterior walls of its core structure, the Shariden Hall, are entirely covered in gold leaf. The temple was first built in 1397 as the mountain villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (the historical inspiration for General Yoshimitsu in the anime "Ikkyū-san"), later converted into a Zen temple called "Bodaisho." The best time to visit Kinkaku-ji is during the fall foliage season, when the golden pavilion set against the vibrant red maple leaves creates a breathtakingly magnificent scene.
▲ Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions. Founded in 778, it is one of Kyoto's oldest temples and a designated Japanese National Treasure. Located north of the temple's main hall, Jishu Shrine is dedicated to matchmaking and praying for love fortunes.
▲ Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers distinct scenery throughout the year. In spring, it becomes one of Kyoto's prime cherry blossom viewing spots with vibrant blooms, while autumn transforms it into a breathtaking maple leaf paradise where fiery red foliage creates a spectacular and majestic landscape.
▲ Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka are small stone-paved slopes leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, forming a historic preservation district alongside Kiyomizu-zaka. Both sides of these paths are lined with traditional wooden houses hosting mochi shops, souvenir stores, Kyoto specialty antique porcelain stores, as well as teahouses and cafes. Ninenzaka stretches about 200 meters from Kōdaiji Temple in the north to Sannenzaka in the south. Walking along these winding stone-paved slopes, you'll encounter a continuous row of charming old machiya buildings featuring red lattice windows and mushi-ko (insect cage) windows, exuding timeless elegance.
▲ Yasaka Shrine is located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district and is one of the most famous and historic shrines in the Kansai region. It features dedicated areas for fortune-telling, writing ema (votive tablets), and purchasing omamori (charms). The shrine offers a wide variety of ema designs, with heart-shaped love-themed ema being particularly popular. (Visitors can enjoy local Kyoto-style lunches at their own expense, admire traditional Japanese architecture, and take endless photos with their mobile cameras.)
▲ Fushimi Inari Taisha is renowned for its "thousand torii gates," attracting countless visitors from Japan and abroad every year, ranking first as the "most popular Japanese attraction among foreigners." In addition, the shrine's ema (votive tablets) are uniquely shaped like white foxes, allowing for creative doodles and amusing expressions.
▲ Each passenger can bring one piece of luggage for free (no size restriction, but please contact customer support in advance to note this). If you need to board in Osaka and disembark in Kyoto, or board in Kyoto and disembark in Osaka, please inform customer support in advance to make a note.