Last updated：
When thinking of sightseeing in Kyoto, many imagine its historic streets and famous temples and shrines. Numerous famous landmarks, including Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, are located around Kyoto Station.
This time, we introduce a special course that takes you slightly outside the city center to experience nature, history, and culture all in one day—exploring Uji, Fushimi, and Arashiyama.
Uji, with its serene riverside setting and World Heritage Sites; Fushimi, a mystical place with countless vermilion torii gates; and Arashiyama, where magnificent nature, tradition, and modern trends blend together.
By visiting these three distinct areas, you’ll encounter a deeper, richer Kyoto beyond the typical tourist spots.
In this article, we’ll introduce a recommended sightseeing route for touring Uji, Fushimi, and Arashiyama, along with their highlights.
Located about 30 minutes south of central Kyoto by train, Uji has long thrived as a transportation hub connecting Kyoto and Nara.
It was loved by aristocrats during the Heian period and is famous as a setting in The Tale of Genji.
Additionally, historical structures like the World Heritage Site Byodo-in Temple and the region’s rich culinary culture centered around Uji tea are key attractions.
Spanning the Uji River, Uji Bridge is counted among Japan’s three oldest bridges. Said to have first been built during the Asuka period, it has been repeatedly repaired and rebuilt for 1,300 years, walking through history with the city of Uji. This historic bridge continues to quietly tell the story of human crossings through the ages.
Read more about Uji Bridge
Byodo-in Temple was built in 1052 during the late Heian period by Fujiwara no Yorimichi. Featuring a Pure Land-style garden designed to represent the Buddhist paradise, its central building, the Phoenix Hall, is designated a National Treasure.
The Phoenix Hall is known for its stunning reflection on the pond’s surface, warmly welcoming visitors. Inside, visitors can admire Heian-period Buddhist statues and murals, offering a vivid sense of the period’s spirituality and aesthetics.
The attached Byodo-in Museum Hoshokan displays national treasures like the temple bell and the Bodhisattva statues on clouds. It’s a facility where you can appreciate Byodo-in’s charm from both architectural and artistic perspectives—making it a highlight of Uji sightseeing.
Read more about Byodo-in Temple
When visiting Uji, indulging in authentic matcha sweets is a must. Traditional tea houses offer rich, aromatic treats such as matcha parfaits and matcha soft-serve ice cream.
While strolling through Uji, relaxing at a cozy café during your sightseeing breaks is a delightful local experience.
Read more about Uji Gourmet
Located in southern Kyoto, Fushimi flourished as a castle town and sake brewing center in its heyday.
It’s also where Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Fushimi Castle, and remnants of historic townscapes and sake breweries can still be found today.
Here you’ll find Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of all Inari shrines across Japan.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, is deeply revered for prayers for bountiful harvests and business prosperity. It has become one of Kyoto’s top tourist destinations.
The shrine is symbolized by its endlessly stretching vermilion torii gates—known as Senbon Torii. The vivid tunnel created by countless gates transforms with light and shadow as you walk through, leading visitors into an ethereal world. The rows of torii winding along the mountainside are truly awe-inspiring, creating a surreal atmosphere for a special experience.
Read more about Fushimi Inari Taisha
Located in western Kyoto, Arashiyama is a scenic area centered around Togetsukyo Bridge, surrounded by lush nature and historic temples.
It flourished as an aristocratic retreat during the Heian period, and Emperor Saga even built a villa here.
Today, it’s cherished for its stunning seasonal beauty, from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s colorful foliage.
Arashiyama offers many attractions, including Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, and Tenryu-ji Temple. You can enjoy peaceful strolls, visit historic shrines and temples, ride sightseeing trains, and even go river rafting. To explore Arashiyama in depth, be sure to check our detailed guide.
Read more about Arashiyama
Around Togetsukyo Bridge, there are numerous cafés and restaurants where you can dine and relax amidst nature. Have lunch on a riverside terrace while feeling the seasonal breeze, or spend a laid-back time at a renovated traditional house café.
Read more about Arashiyama Gourmet
Step away from Kyoto’s city center and explore Fushimi, Uji, and Arashiyama. Here’s a recommended schedule to visit the spots introduced above in a day.
| Time | Spot | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | JR Kyoto Station | 5 min | Take JR Nara Line to Inari Station (no transfer) |
| 9:05 am | Fushimi Inari Taisha | 1 hour | Walk through the Senbon Torii |
| 10:10 am | Inari Station | 20 min | Take JR Nara Line to Uji Station (no transfer) |
| 10:30 am | Arrive at JR Uji Station | - | |
| 10:40 am | Uji Bridge | 10 min | Feel the Uji River’s flow and bridge’s history |
| 11:00 am | Byodo - in Temple | 1 hour | Tour Phoenix Hall and the garden |
| 12:00 am | Uji Station | 1 hour | Transfer via Kyoto Station to Arashiyama |
| 1:00 pm | Arashiyama | 3 hours | Lunch, Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove stroll, sightseeing train, etc. |
| 4:00 pm | Kyoto Station | - | Hotel check - in and rest |
This schedule allows you to visit Fushimi, Uji, and Arashiyama at a balanced pace without feeling rushed. You can fully experience Kyoto’s history, nature, culture, and cuisine in just one day.
We plan the itinerary so you return to Kyoto Station by 4:00 pm, allowing options to add extra sightseeing in Uji or enjoy a leisurely evening stroll after a rest.
Fushimi, Uji, and Arashiyama each offer unique attractions.
In Fushimi, immerse yourself in the mystical world of endless torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
In Uji, savor matcha sweets and admire the World Heritage Byodo-in Temple and the picturesque Uji River.
In Arashiyama, walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, stroll through bamboo groves, and experience nature and history up close—plus enjoy trendy cafés and restaurants.
Just a short trip from Kyoto’s center brings you stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delightful cuisine.
We hope this course will inspire your Kyoto travel plans!
