A Walk to Kibune and a Meal Above the River—A Refreshing Escape in Kyoto

If you’re looking for a walk in Kyoto, I recommend Kibune. Most people take a bus to the shrine, but walking there and back from the nearest station makes for a short hike. It’s a wonderful feeling to head into the mountains with the river flowing alongside the road. You can also adjust the distance to suit your fitness level.
If you visit in summer, be sure to try kawadoko dining in Kibune. These dining platforms sit directly above the river, so you can enjoy a meal to the soothing sound of flowing water. It’s cooler here than in central Kyoto, making it an ideal place to rest after your walk. To me, enjoying this refreshing retreat surrounded by nature is a special Kyoto experience.
Once you’re back in town, I also recommend the kuzukiri at Kagizen Yoshifusa—a dessert of translucent noodles made from kudzu starch. Their silky texture is something you rarely find in the Kanto region around Tokyo. It’s a treat I hope you’ll try at least once when you visit Kyoto.

—S.T.

Through the Torii Gates—Explore Fushimi Inari at Your Own Pace

One place I recommend in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the Senbon Torii—the rows of closely spaced shrine gates—from the entrance to the inner shrine and back offers just the right combination of sightseeing and light exercise. Continue all the way to the summit, though, and it becomes more of a proper mountain hike. What I like is that you can choose how far to go based on your fitness level and how you feel that day.
After your walk, try some comfort food that originated in Kyoto. Gyoza no Ohsho is an easy choice for a casual meal, while Tenkaippin, which began in the Kitashirakawa neighborhood, serves its signature kotteri ramen with a rich, thick broth. Kyoto’s appeal isn’t limited to historic temples and shrines—these everyday favorites are part of the pleasure, too.
For souvenirs, I choose pickles from Kyo Tsukemono Nishiri or Murakamiju Honten. They offer a variety of pickled Kyoto vegetables, including senmaizuke, made with thinly sliced turnips. All you need is a bowl of rice alongside them, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for another helping.

—Y.F.

Slopes, Steps, and Scenery—From Keage to the Philosopher’s Path

One walk I recommend in Kyoto takes you from the Keage Incline through Nanzen-ji Temple and on to the Philosopher’s Path. With its mix of gentle slopes, steps, and level stretches, this area invites you to walk a little farther as you enjoy the scenery.
The moderate ups and downs around Keage put your leg muscles and balance to work. Once you reach the Philosopher’s Path, you can settle into a more relaxed pace. It’s easy to adjust the distance to suit your fitness level and how you feel that day, making this a route that comfortably combines sightseeing with exercise.
For food, head to Nishiki Market. With shops selling seafood, Kyoto vegetables, and souvenirs, it’s a place I always take friends when they visit Kyoto. Before heading home, pick up some Kuro Shichimi from Hararyokaku—a fragrant seven-spice blend that makes a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys cooking.

—A.Y.

Kyoto’s Understated Beauty—A Leisurely Walk from Ginkakuji

One walk I recommend in Kyoto takes you from Ginkakuji Temple to the Philosopher’s Path. Rather than dazzling grandeur, Ginkakuji offers a sense of wabi-sabi—the quiet beauty of simplicity and imperfection. After exploring the temple grounds, continue along the Philosopher’s Path and take your time enjoying the tranquility that feels so characteristic of Kyoto.
If you’d like to walk a little farther, I also recommend the area from Nanzen-ji Temple to Eikando Temple. The moderate ups and downs give your legs a workout as you enjoy the scenery. You don’t need to cover a great distance—simply walking at your own pace can be a comfortable way to get some exercise.
For a meal after your walk, head to Omen, known for its udon noodles served with a generous selection of condiments and garnishes. For a souvenir, I recommend Cha no Ka, the matcha confection from Malebranche. It’s a dependable favorite with a distinctly Kyoto character.

—K.O.

Gentle Streets or Hillside Walks—Choose Your Route through Kyoto

One interesting thing about walking in Kyoto is that you can vary the effort simply by changing direction. North–south routes tend to be relatively level, making for an easier walk. Head east, and you’ll encounter slopes with a moderate mix of uphill and downhill stretches. Being able to choose between flatter streets and a slightly more challenging route is part of the appeal of Kyoto’s basin setting.
For a taste of Kyoto that includes a walk uphill, I recommend Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Souvenir shops line the approach, and smaller places of worship are dotted around the grounds. Even a walk to the main hall and back gives you a real feel for Kyoto, along with some good exercise.
For a meal, try the nishin soba at Matsuba—soba noodles topped with herring simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. The fish pairs beautifully with the dashi-rich broth. In my family, it has long been our choice for toshikoshi soba, the noodles traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. You can also enjoy it at Kyoto Station, making it a lovely bowl to have before boarding the Shinkansen.

—S.O.

Bridge to Bridge, at Your Own Pace—Walk or Run Along the Kamo River

For a walk or run in Kyoto, I recommend the Kamo River. From the area near Kyoto Station to Demachiyanagi, it’s roughly five kilometers. The riverside route has few traffic lights and is mostly level. Alongside the paved paths, there are stretches of dirt and grass, so you can choose the surface that feels most comfortable for you that day.
There are plenty of benches where you can rest whenever you need to. Setting a small goal, such as reaching the next bridge, is another nice way to enjoy the walk. At around five kilometers—about the same distance as a loop around Tokyo’s Imperial Palace—it’s also a manageable running route. Running beside the Kamo River in the clear early-morning air feels wonderful.
Once you reach Demachiyanagi, treat yourself to some mame-mochi from Demachi Futaba—soft rice cakes studded with beans. If possible, I like to order ahead with the shop and pick them up freshly made. My recommendation is to head back to the nearby river and enjoy them as you take in the view.

—H.N.