Walking Tour 1: Higashiyama-ku -- A stroll through Higashiyama-ku will take you to Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous sights, and other worthwhile attractions like Sanjusangendo Hall. It will also take you through some of Kyoto's most charming neighborhoods, with plenty of shopping opportunities en route.
Note: The second walk, "The Philosopher's Stroll", includes several attractions that could be combined with this walk if you don't have time for two walks. If you continue walking north from Maruyama Park instead of heading west for Gion, for example, you could take in Heian Shrine and the Kyoto Handicraft Center (covered at the end of the second walk). In any case, because eastern Kyoto has some of the city's most traditional and beautiful restaurants, be sure to read through the restaurants section to decide beforehand where you want to eat lunch or dinner.
Before setting out, pick up the walking-tour leaflet "Kyoto Walks" at either the Tourist Information Center in Tokyo or Kyoto Tourist Information. It's useful for its maps of four walks, but disregard its claim that you can walk from Kiyomizu Temple to Heian Shrine in 50 minutes. I don't see how it's possible unless you run the entire way. I've walked this route almost a dozen times, and it's always taken me the better part of a day -- perhaps I'm slow, but it's a pace that I've found does justice to this wonderful area of Kyoto.
Walking Tour 2: The Philosopher's Stroll -- This stroll takes in the Temple of the Silver Pavilion as well as a couple of other temples, a museum dedicated to Kyoto's traditional crafts, Kyoto's most well-known shrine and its garden, and the best place in town for one-stop souvenir shopping. Linking the Silver Pavilion with the other sights is a canal lined by trees -- a path known as the Philosopher's Pathway.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
