🍁 5 Peaceful Spots to Escape the Crowds in Kyoto
Partager
Discover quiet corners where Kyoto’s charm unfolds slowly.
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities — and for good reason. Its temples, teahouses, and lantern-lit streets attract millions each year. But beyond the bustling paths of Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama, there are still places where you can experience the city’s timeless beauty in silence. Here are five peaceful spots for your next Kyoto escape.
🌿 1. Shisen-dō Temple (詩仙堂)
Hidden in the quiet hills of Ichijoji, Shisen-dō is a small temple known for its perfectly framed garden view and the soft sound of shishiodoshi (bamboo water fountain). Come in the morning for the sound of birds and gentle rustling of leaves — it feels like stepping into a painting.
📍 Location: Ichijoji area (near Eizan Line Demachiyanagi Station)
🎧 Tip: Sit still and listen — silence is part of the experience.
🍵 2. Café Yūgen (祐源カフェ)
This cozy café near Nijo Castle is a favorite hideaway for locals. Minimal décor, calming music, and handcrafted matcha make it the perfect place to slow down after sightseeing.
📍 Location: Nijo area
☕ Try: Matcha latte and seasonal wagashi.
🏯 3. Keage Incline
Once used as a railway line, this stone path near Nanzen-ji Temple is now a peaceful walking route lined with cherry and maple trees. It’s a quiet spot even during peak seasons — and the view from the top feels timeless.
📍 Location: Keage Station (Tozai Line)
📸 Best time: Early morning or sunset.
🌸 4. Honen-in Temple (法然院)
Tucked away in the woods east of the Philosopher’s Path, Honen-in feels untouched by time. Covered in moss and filtered by light through the trees, it’s a place that invites reflection and stillness.
📍 Location: Near Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
🕊 Good to know: Entry is free and usually uncrowded.
🌙 5. Kamogawa Riverside
When in doubt, follow the river. Kamogawa’s gentle flow and open skyline make it a favorite place for locals to unwind. Bring a bento, sit by the water, and watch Kyoto slow down around you.
📍 Location: Between Sanjo and Shijo
🌇 Tip: Evening is best — when the city lights begin to glow.
✨ Final Thought
Kyoto doesn’t always need to be about checklists or crowds. Sometimes, the most memorable moments happen in the quiet — a soft breeze through temple gates, or a single cup of tea shared in silence.