Sanjusangendo to Fushimi Inari
Sanjusangendo Temple - Kyoto National Museum - Chisakuin Temple - Tofukuji Temple - Fushimi Inari Shrine 三十三間堂～京都国立博物館～智積院～東福寺～伏見稲荷
Overview
This route will take you from one of the city's best known temples - Sanjusangendo - to a great museum, and then on to two more lovely temples, and finally to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Sanjusangendo is best known for its 1,001 statues of Buddha. The main deity of the temple is Sahasrabhuja-arya-avalokitesvara - the Thousand Armed Kannon. Most of these statues date from 13th century, having survived multiple fires. Photography is not permitted. Sanjusangendo also hosts an annual archery tournament on January 1 (and lasts until the middle of the month).
Kyoto National Museum is a Meiji Era pile across the street that hosts many wonderful exhibits. It was originally built by the Imperial Household Agency with the purpose of housing Kyoto's many artifacts.
Just up the street, to the east one block, is Chishakuin Temple. It was established in 1598 and has some of the most beautiful painted screens in Kyoto. Also, its Green Leaf Festival - held every June 15 - celebrates the birth of Kukai, its founder.
The penultimate stop is Tofukuji Temple. It was founded in 1236, and is a huge zen complex renowned for its fall colors.
Last is Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is the head Inari shrine of Japan, all dedicated to business, and some 32,000 of them dot the Japanese archipeligo. The first buildings were completed in 711 CE, and then moved to the current location the following century. It is famed for its row of torii gates.
Getting to the Starting Point
From City Hall, ride east across the bridge crossing the Kamo River. Turn right and head south down Kawabata Dori.
At Shichijo Dori, turn left heading east. Sanjusangendo is on your right several blocks up.
Directions (Map Below)
The museum is on the other side of the street. Chishakuin is up the hill and on the other side of Higashi Oji Dori.
To get to Tofukuji Temple, ride about 10 - 15 minutes down Higashioji Dori and it is on the left behind the Red Cross Hospital.
From Tofukuji, exit the temple and head west for two blocks to route 119. Turn left, and head south for 10 - 15 minutes. Fushimi Inari is on your left.
Total Riding Time
Two hours riding time from City Hall to Tofukuji Temple to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
More Information
Sanjusangendo Temple
657 Sanjusangen-do Mawari-cho, Kyoto
075 561 0467
Open 8 am - 5 pm (last admittance at 4:30 pm)
Entrance fee: 600 yen
Kyoto National Museum
527 Chayamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
075 525-2473
Hours: 9:30 am - 6 pm (8 pm on Fridays)
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Chishakuin Temple
Higashiyama Dori, Shichijo-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
075 541 5361
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Fushimi Inari Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabu-no-uchi-cho, Kyoto
Entrance Fee: Free
Map
Sanjusangendo Temple - Kyoto National Museum - Chishakuin Temple - Tofukuji Temple - Fushimi Inari Shrine Route
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