🌾 Hidden Kyoto: 5 Peaceful Spots to Escape the Crowds
Partager
Kyoto may be known for its famous temples and bustling streets, but its quiet corners are where the city truly reveals its heart. If you’ve already visited Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, it’s time to wander off the main paths — to discover the calm, hidden side of Kyoto that locals love.
1. Shōsei-en Garden (渉成園)
Just a short walk from Kyoto Station, this garden is a secret oasis tucked behind tall walls. With its reflective pond, teahouses, and willow-lined bridges, it feels miles away from the city bustle. Early mornings are especially peaceful — perfect for quiet reflection or sketching.
📍 Access: 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station
💡 Tip: Bring a bento lunch and enjoy a slow picnic under the maple trees.
2. Kennin-ji Temple’s Sub-Temples (建仁寺塔頭)
Most travelers stop at the main hall for the famous twin dragon ceiling — but step a little deeper, and you’ll find smaller sub-temples with rock gardens and moss courtyards that few ever visit.
📍 Access: Gion-Shijō Station
💡 Tip: Visit mid-afternoon when sunlight filters gently through the paper doors for a perfect photo moment.
3. Takao’s Jingo-ji Temple (神護寺)
Nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto, Jingo-ji rewards travelers with quiet trails, ancient cedar trees, and sweeping valley views. Try the unique ritual of kawarake-nage — tossing clay discs for good fortune.
📍 Access: Take a JR bus from Kyoto Station (about 1 hour)
💡 Tip: Visit in autumn for fiery red leaves, but even in summer, the mountain air is refreshing.
4. Kamogawa Riverside Walk (鴨川散歩)
Not exactly “hidden,” but endlessly loved by locals — the Kamo River is Kyoto’s social heartbeat. In the morning, you’ll see joggers and old couples feeding birds; in the evening, students gather to watch the sunset.
📍 Access: Anywhere along the river between Sanjō and Shijō
💡 Tip: Bring a coffee from %Arabica or Wife & Husband Café for the full Kyoto experience.
5. Murin-an Villa (無鄰菴)
Designed by a Meiji-era statesman, this tranquil villa garden blends water, stone, and moss in perfect harmony. You can sip matcha while gazing over the pond — a moment that feels frozen in time.
📍 Access: Near Keage Station
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning or just before closing for the quietest ambiance.
✨ Final Thoughts
Kyoto’s hidden spots remind us that beauty doesn’t always announce itself — sometimes, it whispers. Take the slower path, wander side streets, and you’ll find a city that still breathes in calm rhythm with its past.