Our meeting point is at McDonald's Keihan Shichijo, located just a 1-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line. This station is a strategic gateway connecting the northern and southern “off-beat” districts.

Head to Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Walk through the Tadasu no Mori, a 1,000-year-old primeval forest. While the main shrine is famous, seek out the Mitarai River area. In spring, delicate plum and cherry blossoms frame the vermillion bridges, offering a mystical atmosphere.

Next, visit Tofukuji Temple, a major Zen temple home to the Sanmon Gate, the oldest Zen gate of its kind in Japan. It is globally famous for its stunning autumn foliage, particularly the view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge (“Bridge to Heaven”), which overlooks a valley of maple trees. Even outside of peak season, its massive scale and historic Zen architecture offer a sense of timeless awe.

Continue to Komyo-in Temple, a quiet sub-temple of Tofukuji is a true “hidden gem” often called the “Rainbow Moss Temple”. It features the Hashintei Garden, a modern dry landscape masterpiece designed by Mirei Shigemori, where stones represent rays of light radiating through a sea of moss and white sand. It is the perfect place for silent reflection away from the main tourist paths.

Finally, head to Yodo, the ultimate “off the beaten track” spot. Located south of the city centre, the Yodo area features a stunning row of Kawazu Zakura. These trees bloom in February and early March, featuring a much deeper, more vibrant pink than the standard Somei Yoshino. Walking along the canal here feels like discovering a private spring paradise.

The tour concludes at Yodo Station, which provides easy access back to central Kyoto or you can continue your journey to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.