Things to Do in Kyoto
Sightseeing in Kyoto
STAY
Experience the ancient city of Kyoto.
Kyoto is one of the leading tourist destinations in Japan. In addition to the innumerable temples and shrines you can visit, you will also experience Kyoto’s rich culinary culture, and shopping districts popular to many travelers.
How to Spend Your First Day
DAY.1
AM10:00
Arrive at Kyoto Station!
Start your journey through Kyoto! Leave your luggage at the hotel
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto is located 1 minute by walk from the Central exit of Kyoto station. Leave your luggage at the hotel first for a carefree start to your trip.
AM10:30
Shosei-en Garden
A beautiful garden where seasonal flowers bloom
Shosei-en is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1641. The tranquil garden is cleverly designed and arranged. The “13 scenic spots” are definitely worth seeing.
Information
- Address
- Higashitamamizu-cho, Shimojuzuyamachi-dori, Ainomachi, Higashitamamizu-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-371-9210（Higashi Honganji Temple Reception）
- Distance from hotel
- 10min by walk
PM11:30
Kaikado
Japan’s oldest tea caddy maker!
Established in 1875, the Kaikado brand is one of the oldest makers of handmade tin tea caddies in Japan. The double wall of metal is perfect for storage, keeping the tins completely airtight and the contents dry.
Information
- Address
- 84-1 Umeminato-cho, Kawaramachi, Rokujo-Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-351-5788
- Distance from hotel
- 20min by walk
- Hours
- 9:00～18:00
- Closed
- Sunday・Holiday・2nd Monday of the month
※ “Kaikado Cafe” opened in May, 2016. Located in Nanajo Kawaramachi
PM12:30
Bistro “KIZANO” creative cuisine using Kyoto produced vegetables
French inspired cuisine using carefully selected ingredients from Kyoto
For lunch, the restaurant offers a creative French inspired dish using only regional ingredients. Prepared with seasonal vegetables and seasoning, you will not only enjoy the taste, but also its presentation. We highly recommend making a reservation since there is only one chef.
Information
- Address
- 66-1, Shokuyacho, Shimojuzuyamachi Agaru, Akezu-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-351-5788
- Distance from hotel
- 6min by walk
PM1:30
Higashi Honganji Temple
A place of many historic buildings
Within the premise of the temple you will find many historic buildings such as “Mieido” and “Amidado”. Both are precious historic structures that beautifully display modern Japanese architecture in Kyoto. Especially the Mieido, which is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, encompasses the space of 927 tatami mats.
Information
- Address
- Karasuma-dori, Shichijoagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-371-9181
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 9min by walk
PM2:30
Kyoto Railway Museum
A train lover’s paradise
As Japan’s largest railway museum, the hall exhibits over 53 real vehicles, from Steam Locomotives to Shinkansen. Various attractions are available including riding on a steam locomotive, and overlooking the city of Kyoto from the sky terrace.
Information
- Address
- Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 0570-080-462
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 15min by walk/8min by car
PM4:00
Kyoto Aquarium
Take a look at the creatures that live in the surrounding area.
The aquarium is a must visit tourist attraction if you are visiting Kyoto. Inside you will see an exhibition which replicates the ecosystem of the rivers of Kyoto. There are over 15,000 creatures from 250 species, such as the cape penguin, spotted seal, and the famous Japanese giant salamander. If you have time, make sure to see the dolphin performance!
Information
- Address
- 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto (Umekoji Park)
- TEL
- 075-354-3130（10:00〜18:00）
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 16min by walk/9min by car
PM6:00
Check-in
Welcome to Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto!
PM6:30
Kyoto Wakuden
Taste the four seasons
Enjoy the restaurant’s seasonal dishes with a beautiful view of the mountain ranges.
Information
- Address
- Higashishiokojicho Karasumadori Shiokoji Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku | JR Kyoto Isetan 11F, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-365-1000
- Distance from hotel
- 4min by walk
PM8:00
AQUA FANTASY
Magical water & light show synchronized to music
If you are lucky, you might be able to see the 15min show. You will surely be amazed by the beautiful spectacle of lights choreographed to music. The starting time may differ depending on the season. Please check our official website for details.
Information
- Address
- Kyoto Station North exit area (above Porta)
- TEL
- 075-746-2255
（Kyoto City Industry and Tourism Bureau Tourism and MICE Promotion Office） - Distance from hotel
- Approx. 2min by walk
Relax Inside the Hotel
AT HOTEL
PM8:30
Relax
Get rid of your day’s fatigue
Reinvigorate yourself for tomorrow’s journey
SLEEP TIME
Have a rest
Get ready to enjoy your second day!
How to Spend Your Second Day
DAY.2
AM7:30
Umekoji Park
Enjoy a refreshing morning walk or jog
For those who enjoy a morning walk or jog, we highly recommend waking up early to go to Umekoji Park. Inside the park there is a large grass area where you can spend a refreshing start to your day.
Information
- Address
- 56-3, Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-352-2500
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 18min walk from hotel/15min ride with public bus
AM8:30
Breakfast
Return to the hotel for breakfast!
Enjoy our delicious seasonal breakfast which closely resembles the classic taste of a traditional Kyoto restaurant.
Information
Location
- Hotel 1F “Irohakaruta”
- Price
- 1,650yen
- Hours
- 7：00～9：30
(Last entry 9:00)
AM10:00
Check-out
Leave the hotel and explore Kyoto!
AM10:30
Kyoto Tower Sando
Shopping at Kyoto’s symbol
Kyoto Tower is a world-class structure constructed without steel frames. The tower stands at a height of 131m, and is the symbol of Kyoto. At the basement of the tower there is a large commercial area where you can walk around while enjoying the taste of Kyoto. You will find many traditional sweets, and even workshops for sweets making.
Information
- Address
- 721-1, Higashishiokojicho, Karasuma-dori, Shichijoagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-746-5830 (9:00～20:00)
- Hours
- 1F Market / 9:00~21:00
2F Workshop / 9:00~21:00
B1F Food Hall / 11:00~23:00
※varies for some shops - URL
- https://kyoto-tower-sando.jp
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 1min by walk
PM13:00
Fushimi Inari-taisha
Head shrine of the god “Inari”
Visit the main shrine of the many “Inari shrines” that exist throughout Japan. Inari is commonly associated with bringing rich harvest, prosperous business, and family well-being. The famous Senbon Torii is a stunning sight to be seen.
Information
- Address
- 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi, Kyoto
- TEL
- 075-641-7331
- Distance from hotel
- Approx. 14min by train
SIGHTSEEING
AQUA FANTASY
If you are lucky, you might be able to see the 15min show. You will surely be amazed by the beautiful spectacle of lights choreographed to music. The starting time may differ depending on the season. Please check our official website for details.
■Approx. 2min by walk from hotel
Kyoto Wakuden
Located on the 11F of JR Kyoto Isetan, directly connected to JR Kyoto Station. The counter seats on the north provides a beautiful view of the cityscape of Kyoto.
■Approx. 4min by walk from hotel
Kyoto Tower Sando
Kyoto Tower is a world-class structure constructed without steel frames. The tower stands at a height of 131m, and is the symbol of Kyoto. At the basement of the tower there is a large commercial area where you can walk around while enjoying the taste of Kyoto. You will find many traditional sweets, and even workshops for sweets making.
https://kyoto-tower-sando.jp
■Approx. 1min by walk from hotel
Bistro “KIZANO” creative cuisine using Kyoto produced vegetables
For lunch, the restaurant offers a creative French inspired dish using only regional ingredients. Prepared with seasonal vegetables and seasoning, you will not only enjoy the taste, but also its presentation. We highly recommend making a reservation since there is only a single chef.
■Approx. 6min by walk from hotel
Higashi Honganji Temple
Within the premise of the temple you will find many historic buildings such as “Mieido” and “Amidado”. Both are precious historic structures that beautifully display modern Japanese architecture in Kyoto. Especially the Mieido, which is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, encompasses the space of 927 tatami mats.
■Approx. 9min by walk from hotel
Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1641. The tranquil garden is cleverly designed and arranged. The “13 scenic spots” are definitely worth seeing.
■Approx. 10min by walk from hotel
Fushimi Inari-taisha
Visit the main shrine of the many “Inari shrines” that exist throughout Japan. Inari is commonly associated with bringing rich harvest, prosperous business, and family well-being. The famous Senbon Torii is a stunning sight to be seen.
■Approx. 14min by train from hotel
Kyoto Aquarium
The aquarium is a must visit tourist attraction if you are visiting Kyoto. Inside you will see an exhibition which replicates the ecosystem of the rivers of Kyoto. There are over 15,000 creatures from 250 species, such as the cape penguin, spotted seal, and the famous Japanese giant salamander. If you have time, make sure to see the dolphin performance!
■Approx. 16min by walk/9min by car from hotel
Hours：10:00〜18:00
※open year-round
Kaikado
Established in 1875, the Kaikado brand is one of the oldest makers of handmade tin tea caddies in Japan. The double wall of metal is perfect for storage, keeping the tins completely airtight and the contents dry.
■Approx. 20min by walk from hotel