Heritage trail · Kyoto
Kyoto: temples, kimono and the women of the old capital
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years. Walk from the looms that weave kimono silk to the temple lanes and teahouses where women still keep the old arts alive.
The walk through time
How she dressed, past to now
Day 1 · The kimono trail
From the looms to Gion
Nishijin textile district
Where kimono silk and obi have been woven for centuries.
Kiyomizu-dera
The hillside wooden temple founded in 778, part of Kyoto's UNESCO listing.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Stone lanes of old wooden shops, where visitors stroll in kimono.
Gion and Hanamikoji
The teahouse district of the geiko and maiko.
- Getting there
- Kansai Airport, then a direct train
- Seasons
- Cherry blossom late March to early April, autumn colours in November
- Kimono
- Rent one for the day near the temple lanes
In Gion, never follow or photograph geiko and maiko without permission, and keep out of private lanes.
Next draftDay 2 · Mountains and hot springs
Kurama, Kibune and an onsen night
Kurama-dera
A mountain temple reached by the Eizan line from Demachiyanagi.
The Kurama to Kibune walk
A forest path, mostly downhill, about an hour.
Kifune Shrine
Lantern lined steps by the river; summer meals served over the water.
Onsen and ryokan night
A hot spring bath, kaiseki dinner and futons, at an inn often run by an okami.
- Onsen manners
- Wash first, no swimwear, towel out of the water
- Tattoos
- Some baths refuse them; ask or book a private bath
Kurama Onsen itself is closed for rebuilding, so book your onsen stay elsewhere for now.
Next draft