Kyoto Station to Mibu Temple
Kyoto Station - Mibu Dera Temple 京都駅～壬生寺
Overview
This ride begins on the north side of Kyoto Station. From there it is a short ride to Higashi Honganji Temple. Higashi Hongaji is the eastern (Higashi means east) of two massive temples (Nishi, or west, is nearby) and was founded in 1602 not far from the location of the current Kyoto Station. Th next stop is Nishi Honganji, which is several blocks west. It is a World Heritage site and vast. Directly across from the temple is the newly opened Ryukoku Museum, which is completely devoted to Buddhist artifacts and history. From the divine we next head for a more earthly experience, the former "ryotei" (a high end restaurant) that also served as a teahouse now known as the Sumiyasu Motenashi Museum.
The penultimate stop returns us briefly to the divine: Mibu Dera Temple. Mibu Dera is the headquarters of the Risshu sect of Buddhism, and was built in 991 C.E. It is known for its Mibu kyogen plays that are held every April. It is best known for its connection to the shinsen-gumi (a samurai group that attempted to overthrow the government and is worshipped in modern Japan). The final step is Yunoyado Shoei Public Bath, which is a high-end spa. Highly recommended and indeed divine.
Getting to the Starting Point
Your starting point is Kyoto Station, north side. From downtown, riding due south on Karasuma Dori is the easiest way.
Directions
From the Station, ride north on Karasuma Dori one block to Higashi Honganji. From there, ride due west until you come to Nishi Honganji. Once you are finished with these temples, it is on to the teahouse. Go due west on Shomen Dori. Ride until you get to one block before the JR train tracks. Turn right. The ryotei is on your left. The last stop is north to Mibu Dera Temple. From the ryotei wend your way over to the street that parallels the tracks – Senbon Dori. Go north. About 10 minutes. On your right.
Total Riding Time
2 hours.
Places of Interest
Motenashi Museum
Mibu Dera Temple
Bojo-dori Bukkouji Kita-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
075 841 3381
Entrance Fee: Free
Motenashi Museum
32 Banchi, Ageya-cho,, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
075 371 9210
Entrance Fee: 1000 yen
Ryukoku Museum
117 Maruyamachi, Shomen Sagaru, Nishi-naka tsuji Dori
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8399
075 351 2500
Entrance Fee: Admission is 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for senior citizens 65 and older and for college students, and 300 yen for high school students. Junior high school students and younger children can get in for free.
Yunoyado Shoei Public Bath
Shomen-nishiiru, Mibugawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto
075 351 4084
Entrance Fee: 1000 yen
Map
Kyoto Station to Mibu Dera Route
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