Japanese Local Travel Guide – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hidden Gems Kyoto is famous for world-renowned temples like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. However, these iconic spots can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons. For travelers who want to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Kyoto, exploring hidden temples and shrines is the perfect choice.
In this local guide, I will introduce five hidden temples and shrines in Kyoto that are often overlooked by visitors. Each of them offers a peaceful atmosphere, fascinating history, and in some cases, a chance to enjoy traditional Kyoto sweets such as aburi-mochi and awamochi. By adding these places to your itinerary, you can discover a different Kyoto—one that locals cherish and visitors rarely find.
Konkai Kōmyō-ji (黒谷 金戒光明寺)
目次
A Temple with History and Peaceful Grounds
History
Konkai Kōmyō-ji, often called Kurodani, was founded in 1175 by Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The temple became an important center of Pure Land Buddhism and later played a role in Japanese history, as Tokugawa Ieyasu stationed his troops here before the Battle of Sekigahara.
Highlights
The spacious temple grounds feature beautiful gardens, quiet walking paths, and seasonal views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Because the temple is located on a slight hill, visitors can also enjoy sweeping views of Kyoto city. Unlike the more famous temples in eastern Kyoto, it is rarely crowded, making it ideal for those seeking peace and scenery together.
My Experience
I often come to Konkai Kōmyō-ji when I want to enjoy Kyoto without the crowds. Walking around the temple grounds feels calming, and in autumn, the red and yellow leaves against the temple’s wooden structures are breathtaking. From the hillside, I also enjoy looking out over the city—it feels like a hidden viewpoint in Kyoto.
Access
Nearest Station: Jingu-Marutamachi Station (Keihan Line)
How to Get There: About 20 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station (get off at “Konkai Komyo-ji-mae”).
Admission: Free (special exhibitions may require a fee)
Rozan-ji (廬山寺)
The Temple of Lady Murasaki and the Bellflower Garden
History
Rozan-ji was founded in 938 and is best known as the temple associated with Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji. It is believed that she lived and wrote part of her masterpiece at this site. The Tale of Genji is often considered the world’s oldest novel, which makes Rozan-ji an important cultural and literary landmark of Japan’s Heian court literature.
Highlights
The temple is especially famous for its beautiful kikyo (bellflower) garden, which reaches full bloom from late June to late July. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil rock garden and monuments dedicated to Murasaki Shikibu. Compared to Kyoto’s more famous temples, Rozan-ji remains quiet, allowing guests to reflect in peace.
My Experience
Whenever I visit Rozan-ji, I feel a strong connection to Japan’s Heian court literature. Sitting by the bellflower garden in early summer is especially relaxing, and I often imagine Murasaki Shikibu writing The Tale of Genji here over a thousand years ago. Compared to crowded temples, this is one of my favorite places to enjoy peace and quiet.
Access
- Nearest Station: Imadegawa Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line)
- How to Get There: About 10 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station, or by bus from Kyoto Station (get off at “Furitsu Idai Byoin-mae”).
- Admission: 500 yen
Ninna-ji (仁和寺)
World Heritage with Omuro Cherry Blossoms
History
Ninna-ji was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda and is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It later became closely linked with the Imperial family, as several emperors served as head priests. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” representing both religious and aristocratic traditions.
Highlights
Ninna-ji is especially famous for its Omuro cherry blossoms, a variety of late-blooming sakura that reaches peak around mid to late April, when most other cherry blossoms in Kyoto are already gone. The temple grounds also include a five-story pagoda and elegant palace-style buildings, offering a glimpse into Kyoto’s imperial past.
My Experience
I enjoy visiting Ninna-ji in late April, when the Omuro cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The low trees make the blossoms feel very close, almost like walking through a pink tunnel. Compared to Kyoto’s more crowded cherry blossom spots, Ninna-ji feels calm and spacious, making it one of my favorite places for springtime photography.
Access
- Nearest Station: Omuro-Ninna-ji Station (Randen Kitano Line)
- How to Get There: Just 2 minutes on foot from Omuro-Ninna-ji Station. Taking the Randen (Keifuku) tram is highly recommended—not only is it convenient, but the nostalgic streetcar ride itself feels like part of the sightseeing experience in Kyoto. You can catch the Randen from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine) or from Uzumasa “Satsueisho-mae” Station near the Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
- From Kyoto Station, it’s about 30 minutes by bus.
- Admission: 500 yen (palace buildings); temple grounds free
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮) ＋ Awamochi Sweet
Shrine of Learning and Kyoto’s Famous Awamochi Sweet
History
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was established in 947 to honor Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian period who is revered as the deity of learning. Since then, the shrine has become one of the most important Tenmangu shrines in Japan and a popular destination for students praying for academic success.
Highlights
The shrine is famous for its plum blossoms, with around 1,500 plum trees blooming from February to March. The spacious grounds also host seasonal festivals and a lively flea market. The antique market, known as “Tenjin-san,” is held on the 25th of every month from early morning until sunset, attracting both locals and collectors. The main hall, designated a national treasure, showcases impressive Momoyama architecture.
Local Treat – Awamochi （粟餅）
Just outside the shrine, you’ll find the long-established sweet shop Awamochidokoro Sawaya, which has been serving awamochi (millet rice cakes) for centuries. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened, these rice cakes are the perfect treat to enjoy after visiting the shrine.
My Experience
Whenever I visit Kitano Tenmangu, I enjoy strolling through the plum grove in early spring. After offering prayers at the shrine, I always stop by Sawaya for a plate of freshly made awamochi. It’s a simple but unforgettable Kyoto experience that combines culture and taste.
Access
- Nearest Station: Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Randen Kitano Line)
- How to Get There: 30 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station.
- About 5 minutes on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, Easy to combine with Randen tram rides to Ninna-ji and other temples.
- Admission: Free
Imamiya Shrine (今宮神社) ＋ Aburi-mochi
Shrine of Long Life and the Must-Try Aburi-mochi
History
Imamiya Shrine was founded in 994 to protect Kyoto from epidemics and has long been worshiped as a guardian of health and longevity. The shrine is also associated with the Yasurai Festival, one of Kyoto’s oldest traditional events, held every April to drive away illness and misfortune.
Highlights
The shrine features a peaceful atmosphere with a long stone-paved approach and bright vermilion buildings. Visitors come here to pray for good health and long life. Imamiya Shrine is also conveniently located near Kitano Tenmangu, making it easy to visit both on the same trip.
Local Treat – Aburi-mochi （あぶり餅）
One of the highlights of visiting Imamiya Shrine is trying aburi-mochi, a traditional sweet served at tea houses just outside the gate. These bite-sized rice cakes on skewers are grilled over charcoal and topped with sweet white miso sauce. Two rival shops—Kazariya and Ichimonjiya Wasuke—stand opposite each other, both claiming centuries of history.
My Experience
Whenever I visit Imamiya Shrine, I enjoy the quiet grounds and always treat myself to aburi-mochi afterward. Watching the skewers being grilled over charcoal feels nostalgic, and the sweet yet savory flavor is unforgettable. It’s a perfect way to end a shrine visit.
Access
- Nearest Station: Kitaoji Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line)
- How to Get There: About 10 minutes by bus from Kitaoji Station (get off at “Imamiya Shrine”), or 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station. It’s also within walking distance from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
- Admission: Free
Conclusion Draft
Exploring Kyoto’s hidden temples and shrines offers a completely different experience from visiting the city’s famous landmarks. Places like Konkai Kōmyō-ji, Rozan-ji, Ninna-ji, Kitano Tenmangu, and Imamiya Shrine allow you to enjoy peaceful grounds, rich history, and even delicious traditional sweets such as awamochi and aburi-mochi.
By adding these spots to your itinerary, you can discover a quieter, more authentic side of Kyoto—one that locals cherish but many visitors miss. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply finding a calm place away from the crowds, these hidden gems are sure to make your Kyoto journey unforgettable.
