Kitayama to Shugakuin
Kitayama - Entsuji Temple - Myomanji Temple - Shugakuin Villa - Takaragaike 北山～円通寺～妙満寺～修学院～宝ヶ池
Overview
Kitayama is a beautiful neighborhood in north Kyoto. It is home to boutiques, the city's elegant orchestra hall, and the Kyoto Botanical Garden.
The next two stops, a bit north of Kitayama Dori, are small but fascinating temples. The first is Entsuji Temple. Entsuji is best known for its use of "shakkei" (borrowed landscape) technique. It was established in 1678 C.E. by Emperor Reigen.
Next is Myomanji Temple, which was founded in 1389 and affords wonderful mountain views. It is part of the Kenpon Hokke branch of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, and has been at its current location only since 1968. It is best known for its Yukinoniwa Garden and an Indian style Busshari Tower.
The last stop is Shugakuin Imperial Villa, a spectacular villa built in the 17th century. To visit you must get permission from the Imperial Household Agency. Be sure to arrive at your appointed time. Shugakuin was originally built by the retired Emperor Go-Mizuno-o in 1655. It has spacious gardens, divided into a Lower, Middle, and Upper Garden. Again, the use of shakkei is employed.
For those with time, Takaragaike is a large park nearby. Within its spacious grounds are a pond, the Kyoto International Conference Center, and the Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown, it will take 30 minutes. The easiest way is to go north from City Hall on Kawaramachi until you get to Imadegawa. Continue on Kawaramachi for two to three blocks. The street will angle right towards the Kamo River.
At the first bridge, cross the river. Kyoto's Family Court building will be across the street on your right. Continue north. You are now on Shimogamo Hon-dori.
Go due north for another 10 minutes or so until you reach Kitayama Dori.
Entsuji Temple
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Entsuji Temple
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Directions (Map Below)
From the northern entrance of the Botanical Garden, go east on Kitayama Dori. At the first major corner, turn left. This is Kurama Highway (it is not a highway).
Go north for about 15 minutes into a quiet, wooded area. Entsuji Temple will be on your right.
To get to Myomanji, go out of Entsuji and head down (not back up to the road you used from Kitayama). Turn left at the first street. You should see the Iwakura Driving School practice lot on your right. When you hit a large road - and can no longer go straight - turn left. Ride roughly six or seven blocks, pass a 7-11 on your right, and then two blocks later go left. Myomanji is up this road.
Go back to Takaragaike Dori and head west (towards the mountains in the distance). At Shirakawa Dori, turn right (south). Continue for about 7 minutes until you get to a small canal. Turn left onto Shugakuin Michi. Ride straight.
For those in need of some green space, Takaragaike is next on the itinerary. Ride back towards Kitayama Station along Kitayama Dori. Turn right at Takaragaike Dori. Head north into the park. It's a windy road and bit narrow in places, but the park is worth it.
Total Riding Time
Two to three hours riding time.
More Information
Entsuji Temple
389 Hataeda-cho, Iwakura, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
075 781 1875
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Yabusoe, Shugakuin, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
075 211 1215
Entrance Fee: Free but a reservation is required. Please contact: Imperial Household Agency
Sato no Yu Public Bath
075 721 2752
Admission Fee: 410 yen
Map
Kitayama to Shugakuin Villa Route
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