Shijo Station to Famous Kyoto Temples in Kimono: Distance Guide
Planning to explore Kyoto's magnificent temples while wearing a kimono? Understanding the distances from Shijo Station to famous Kyoto temples helps you plan the perfect kimono day without overextending yourself in traditional footwear. Kimono no Obebe's prime location near Shijo Station puts you at the ideal starting point for visiting Kyoto's most iconic temples and shrines, with most major attractions within comfortable walking distance or a short train ride away.
This comprehensive distance guide reveals exactly how far each famous temple is from our shop near Shijo Station, walking times in kimono, alternative transportation options, and insider tips for making the most of your temple visits in traditional Japanese attire.
Why Shijo Station is the Perfect Starting Point
Located in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district, Shijo Station serves as the gateway to eastern Kyoto's historic temples and shrines. Kimono no Obebe's location just steps from this major transit hub means you can:
- Walk to major temples in 10-20 minutes
- Access transit lines for farther destinations
- Return easily for kimono drop-off
- Explore photogenic traditional streets en route
- Avoid long commutes in kimono
Book your kimono rental: kimononoobebe.love
Eastern Kyoto Temples: Walking Distance from Shijo Station
Yasaka Shrine - 850 meters / 10-minute walk
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 850 meters (0.5 miles)
Walking time in kimono: 10-12 minutes
Difficulty: Easy - mostly flat, paved streets
About Yasaka Shrine:
One of Kyoto's most famous shrines, Yasaka Shrine features vibrant vermillion gates, beautiful gardens, and serves as the gateway to Maruyama Park. The shrine is stunning year-round and particularly magical during cherry blossom season.
Route from Shijo Station:
- Exit Shijo Station and head east on Shijo Street
- Walk straight through Gion district
- Pass Hanamikoji Street (perfect photo spot)
- Continue to the large orange torii gate marking Yasaka Shrine entrance
Kimono Tips:
- Perfect first stop - easy walk, mostly flat
- Beautiful backdrop for kimono photos
- Free admission to shrine grounds
- Adjacent Maruyama Park offers additional photo opportunities
Kiyomizu-dera Temple - 1.8 km / 20-minute walk
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles)
Walking time in kimono: 20-25 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate - includes uphill walking
About Kiyomizu-dera:
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples, famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering spectacular views of Kyoto. The approach streets are lined with traditional shops and teahouses.
Route from Shijo Station:
- Walk to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes)
- Pass through Maruyama Park
- Continue on Nene-no-Michi path (scenic stone-paved street)
- Walk up through traditional shopping streets
- Reach Kiyomizu-dera's Niomon Gate
Kimono Tips:
- Plan extra time - the approach is steep but scenic
- Wear comfortable geta or zori
- Take breaks at tea shops along the way
- The uphill walk is worth it - spectacular kimono photos
- Admission: ¥400
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds
Kodai-ji Temple - 1.3 km / 15-minute walk
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles)
Walking time in kimono: 15-18 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - some gentle slopes
About Kodai-ji:
A beautiful temple with stunning gardens, bamboo groves, and seasonal illuminations. Less crowded than Kiyomizu-dera but equally photogenic, making it perfect for kimono photography.
Kimono Tips:
- Perfect for avoiding tourist crowds
- Beautiful gardens ideal for photos
- Bamboo grove creates stunning backdrops
- Evening illuminations during special seasons
- Admission: ¥600
Kennin-ji Temple - 600 meters / 7-minute walk
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 600 meters (0.37 miles)
Walking time in kimono: 7-9 minutes
Difficulty: Very Easy - flat, paved streets
About Kennin-ji:
Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, featuring beautiful rock gardens, painted screens, and peaceful atmosphere. The famous twin dragon ceiling painting is spectacular.
Kimono Tips:
- Closest temple to Shijo Station
- Perfect if you're short on time
- Beautiful Zen gardens for contemplative photos
- Admission: ¥600
Northern and Western Temples: Transit Required
Fushimi Inari Shrine - 6 km / 15-minute train ride
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)
Transit time: 15-20 minutes via train
Walking time from station: 5 minutes
About Fushimi Inari:
Famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates creating tunnels up the mountain. One of Kyoto's most iconic and photographed sites.
Transit from Shijo Station:
- From Shijo Station, transfer to Keihan Line
- Take Keihan train to Fushimi-Inari Station (2 stops, about 5 minutes)
- Walk 5 minutes to shrine entrance
- Total transit time: 15-20 minutes
Kimono Tips:
- Free admission to shrine grounds
- Lower torii gates are kimono-friendly
- Full mountain hike NOT recommended in kimono
- Stay in the lower shrine area for photos
- The orange gates create stunning kimono photos
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - 9 km / 30-minute bus ride
Distance from Kimono no Obebe: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Transit time: 30-40 minutes via bus
About Kinkaku-ji:
The famous Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf and reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. One of Kyoto's most iconic images.
Transit from Shijo Station:
- Walk to Shijo-Karasuma bus stop
- Take bus #205 or #101 toward Kinkaku-ji
- Ride for approximately 30-35 minutes
- Get off at Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop
Kimono Tips:
- Best visited in morning or late afternoon
- Temple grounds are kimono-friendly
- Admission: ¥500
- Beautiful reflections create stunning kimono backdrop
Recommended Temple Routes for Kimono Days
Half-Day Eastern Temple Walk (4-5 hours)
Perfect for kimono wearing - all walking distance
Route:
- Start: Kimono no Obebe near Shijo Station (dress 9:00-10:00 AM)
- 10:00 AM: Walk through Gion to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes)
- 10:30 AM: Explore Maruyama Park (15 minutes)
- 11:00 AM: Walk Nene-no-Michi to Kodai-ji Temple (10 minutes)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at traditional restaurant in Higashiyama
- 1:30 PM: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (20-minute walk from lunch)
- 3:00 PM: Descend via Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka for photos
- 4:00 PM: Return to Shijo Station area
Total walking: Approximately 3-4 kilometers
Difficulty: Moderate (some uphill)
Best for: First-time visitors, photo enthusiasts, cultural immersion
Easy Morning Temple Visit (3 hours)
Perfect for beginners or those wanting shorter kimono time
Route:
- Start: Kimono no Obebe (dress 9:00-10:00 AM)
- 10:00 AM: Walk to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes)
- 10:30 AM: Photos at Maruyama Park
- 11:00 AM: Visit Kennin-ji Temple (15-minute walk back)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Gion
Total walking: Approximately 1.5-2 kilometers
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: First-time kimono wearers, families, relaxed pace
Distance Summary Table
Kennin-ji: 600m / 7-9 min walk / Very Easy
Yasaka Shrine: 850m / 10-12 min walk / Very Easy
Kodai-ji: 1.3km / 15-18 min walk / Easy
Kiyomizu-dera: 1.8km / 20-25 min walk / Moderate
Fushimi Inari: 6km / 15 min train / Moderate
Kinkaku-ji: 9km / 30 min bus / Longer journey
Essential Tips for Temple Visits in Kimono
Before You Start
- Choose appropriate footwear: Our staff will help you select geta or zori based on your walking plans
- Start early: Morning visits mean fewer crowds and better photos
- Check weather: Avoid kimono temple walks in heavy rain
- Plan realistic distances: Walking in kimono is slower than regular clothes
Walking in Kimono
- Take smaller steps: Prevents kimono from opening
- Walk at relaxed pace: Don't rush - enjoy the experience
- Stairs technique: Lift hem slightly with one hand when climbing
- Rest frequently: Stop at tea shops or benches
Temple Etiquette in Kimono
- Shoe removal: Expect to remove footwear at temple buildings
- Proper crossing: Always keep left side over right
- Photography: Ask before photographing in restricted areas
- Respect sacred spaces: Quiet, respectful behavior
Why Start from Kimono no Obebe
Strategic Location Benefits:
- Central starting point: Equal access to eastern and northern temples
- Walking distance to 5+ major sites: No transit needed for eastern temples
- Near Gion-Shijo Station: Easy Keihan Line access for Fushimi Inari
- Bus stops nearby: Convenient connections to distant temples
- Easy return: Drop off kimono without long commute
Complete Service:
- Professional dressing: Secure, comfortable for temple walking
- Route guidance: Our staff recommend best temple routes for your schedule
- Footwear selection: Choose appropriate geta/zori for your walking plans
- English support: Clear directions and temple information
- Photo location tips: Secret spots at each temple
See our packages: Complete Price List
Book Your Temple Kimono Adventure
Understanding the distances from Shijo Station to Kyoto's famous temples helps you plan the perfect kimono day. Whether you choose an easy walking route visiting nearby Yasaka Shrine and Kodai-ji, or venture farther to Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji, starting from Kimono no Obebe's prime location near Shijo Station ensures you maximize your time in traditional attire while minimizing unnecessary transit.
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