Early Morning Travel in Kyoto! Alleviate Congestion and Enjoy Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the popular tourist destinations, and its elegant atmosphere is popular with foreigners. It's also known as a city of gourmet food, with many restaurants.
However, due to its popularity, Kyoto has been experiencing noticeable congestion recently. At popular shrines and temples, there are times when it's so crowded that you can hardly move.
As a secret to enjoying Kyoto's charm at a leisurely pace, we recommend aiming for the early morning hours. Mornings are relatively uncrowded, and locals and experienced tourists often visit famous tourist spots and popular restaurants in the morning.
In this Kyoto Morning Guide, we'll explain the "spots you should visit in the morning" to fully enjoy Kyoto.
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Why is morning sightseeing in Kyoto optimal?
Kyoto is the center of traditional Japanese culture, and its distinctly Japanese cityscape attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Many Japanese tourists visit throughout the year, especially during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April and the autumn foliage season from November to December, when many people visit famous tourist spots. The congestion is so severe that it's sometimes featured in the news.
Recently, many tourists have been lamenting that they can't enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace due to the crowds.
If you want to fully experience Kyoto's elegant atmosphere, it's recommended to visit tourist spots in the morning. By visiting early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy Kyoto's charm at a relaxed pace.
Not just avoiding crowds! 5 recommended sightseeing spots that stand out in beauty in the morning
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Open 24 hours)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the shrines you absolutely must visit when in Kyoto.
The history of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is ancient, said to have been built in 711, before Kyoto became the capital of Japan. It has been cherished since ancient times as a place to pray for business prosperity and good harvests.
Especially famous is the Senbon Torii, where red torii gates stand closely together, creating a distinctive and impressive scene unique to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Visiting in the crisp morning air allows you to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the entire mountain where the shrine is located. The beauty of the morning sun shining through the torii gates is exceptional. It's also nice to climb the mountain in the dark and enjoy the sunrise from the summit.
<Basic Information>
・Access: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
・Hours: 24 hours
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-641-7331
・Official website
・Admission: Free
If you are interested in Fushimi Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Fushimi as much as possible.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (9 AM–5 PM)
At the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, you can see the delicate bamboo forest typical of Kyoto.
Arashiyama has been cherished as a villa area for aristocrats since the 800s, over 1200 years ago. It was loved by emperors and powerful figures of the time as a place to enjoy scenery throughout the four seasons. Even now, its beauty and tranquility are preserved, and the bamboo forest scenery teaches visitors the natural beauty unique to Kyoto.
When you visit on a refreshing morning, the light shining through the bamboo forest feels even more beautiful. The less crowded bamboo grove gives you a sense of wandering into another world.
It's also recommended as a photogenic spot for social media. The nearby Nonomiya Shrine is also a historic shrine, so be sure to stop by.
<Basic Information>
・Access: Saga Tenryuji Kitatsukurimichi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
・Closed: -
・Phone: -
・Official website
・Admission: Free
It's recommended to visit Togetsukyo Bridge as well
When going to the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, it's recommended to visit Togetsukyo Bridge as well. Togetsukyo Bridge is a historic bridge that has existed since the 800s, and the beautiful scenery of the Katsura River and mountains viewed from it is still loved by many people.
The name Togetsukyo is said to have been given by an emperor of the past who enjoyed boating on a full moon night and saw the moon seeming to cross the bridge in the clear night sky.
If you visit in the morning, you can enjoy the scenery of the quiet river flow and the morning sun illuminating the river and mountains. Cross Togetsukyo Bridge in the crisp morning air with less congestion and visit the Bamboo Grove and other tourist spots in Arashiyama.
Whenever I visit Togetsukyo Bridge, I always feel like my heart is cleansed by the natural beauty of Kyoto.
<Basic Information>
・Access: Saganakanoshima-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Hours: 24 hours
・Closed: -
・Phone: -
・Admission: Free
If you are interested in Arashiyama Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Nanzenji Temple (8:40 AM–5 PM)
Source:Official website
Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291 and is said to have been built by the emperor of the time who sought enlightenment. The principal image is Gautama Buddha, and this temple is still cherished as a training hall for Zen.
The spacious grounds contain many attractions, including the main hall called Nanzenin, the Hojo Garden which inherits the Zen tradition, and the grand Sanmon gate. It's especially famous for its autumn foliage, and if you visit on a refreshing morning, you can quietly enjoy its beauty.
Early morning visits are also held in autumn, allowing special access to areas usually off-limits. This is available on specific dates in October and November, requires application through an application form, and is guided only in Japanese. The admission fee is 2000 yen.
<Early morning visit guide>
Website
<Basic Information>
・Access:
・Hours: 8:40 - 17:00 (until 16:30 from December 1 to February 28)
・Closed: -
・Phone: 075-771-0365
・Official website
・Admission: Nanzenin: 400 yen (Hojo Garden: 600 yen, Sanmon: 600 yen)
The nearby "Philosopher's Path" is perfect for a walk!
Near Nanzenji Temple, there's the Philosopher's Path where you can take a walk while feeling the atmosphere of Kyoto. This place was named after Japanese philosophers in the early 1900s who walked here every morning, lost in thought.
A canal drawn from Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, flows along the side of the path. If you visit in the morning, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while being soothed by the sound of water.
There are small stone bridges and cafes scattered along the way, so you can take photos and rest while strolling. Many cherry trees are planted, so you can especially enjoy the beautiful flower scenery from late March to April. It gets crowded, so visiting early in the morning is recommended even during the cherry blossom season.
<Basic Information>
・Access: Philosopher's Path, Jodoji Ishibashi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Hours: 24 hours
・Admission: Free
To-ji Temple (5AM–5 PM)
Source:Wikipedia
To-ji Temple is a temple with spacious grounds near Kyoto Station, and you can see its five-story pagoda from afar. It was built in 794 to guard the east side of the capital's main gate when the emperor moved to Kyoto.
It's also registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". The Kodo (Lecture Hall) houses a 3D Mandala of Buddha associated with Kukai, who had a profound influence on Japanese Buddhism. When you see it up close, you'll be overwhelmed by its power. The statues in the Lecture Hall of To-ji are my favorite among Kyoto's temples.
To-ji opens at 5 AM, so you can freely explore the grounds for free. You can also get close to the five-story pagoda to take photos. Note that the viewing hours for the Kondo (Main Hall) and Kodo (Lecture Hall), where the statues are enshrined, are from 8 AM to 5 PM.
<Basic Information>
・Access: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City
・Opening hours: 5:00 - 17:00 (Kondo & Kodo: 8:00 - 17:00)
・Closed: -
・Phone: 075-691-3325
・Official website
・Admission: Kondo & Kodo: 500 yen
Higashi Honganji Temple, where you can listen to the morning service from 7 AM, is also recommended
Source:Official website
Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of a Buddhist sect, built in 1602. The size of the Goeido, which houses the relics of the saint, is counted as one of the world's largest wooden structures. The mountain gate is said to be the largest wooden two-story gate in Japan. A two-story gate refers to a gate with two floors.
Higashi Honganji also opens early in the morning, and you can explore the grounds for free. From 7 AM, you can observe the monks chanting sutras in the Amidado and Goeido. Listening to the prayers in the quiet precincts will be a valuable time to calm your mind.
<Basic Information>
・Access: Karasuma-dori Shichijo-agaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Opening hours: 5:50 - 17:30 (March to October), 6:20 - 16:30 (November to February)
・Closed: -
・Phone: 075-371-9181
・Official website
・Admission: Free
Kinkaku-ji Temple (9 AM–5 PM)
Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's representative tourist attractions. It's characterized by its gold leaf-covered building, and many people may have seen photos of the golden temple. This temple was built in 1397. Its official name is Rokuon-ji.
The gold on the exterior of Kinkaku-ji is real, using about 20kg of gold leaf. This temple burned down in a fire in 1950, and what you see now is a reconstructive rebuild from 1955.
Kinkaku-ji's opening time is 9 AM, so you can't enter the grounds early in the morning, but as it's a very popular temple, going at opening time increases your chances of avoiding crowds. With fewer people, you can take photos of Kinkaku-ji reflected in the water at your leisure.
<Basic Information>
・Access: 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
・Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
・Closed: -
・Phone: 075-461-0013
・Official website
・Admission: 500 yen
If you are interested in Kinkakuji, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
5 cafes & restaurants perfect for breakfast, open from 7 AM
Cafes with a calm Kyoto-like atmosphere
WEEKENDERS COFFEE
Source:Official website
For those particular about coffee, WEEKENDERS COFFEE is recommended. It's a coffee stand with an impressive exterior reminiscent of a Kyoto tea room. There are only two seats for sitting and drinking, so you might have to stand, but if you want to drink delicious coffee with particular attention to detail in Kyoto, this shop is a must.
The recommended coffee is hot coffee brewed by hand drip after selecting the beans. They're also particular about the vessels for enjoying the taste.
Also, even with light roast beans that can have pronounced acidity in espresso, this shop extracts them with reduced acidity and deep richness, so be sure to enjoy the espresso when you visit. It's also perfect for waking up in the morning.
<Shop Information>
・Address: Honeyacho 560 Detached, west side of Tomikoji-dori Rokkaku-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Closed: Wednesday
・Phone: 075-746-2206
・Hours: 7:30 - 18:00
・Official website
Stumptown Coffee
Source:Official website
This shop on the first floor of Ace Hotel Kyoto is the first overseas store of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, famous in the American Northwest. As it's in a hotel redesigned by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's leading architects, you can enjoy coffee in a stylish atmosphere with high ceilings.
The combination of basic hot coffee with American chocolate chunk cookies or donuts is also delicious. My personal recommendation is the Cortado, which is 70-80% espresso with 20-30% milk. You can taste the coffee more strongly than in a cafe latte.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F Ace Hotel Kyoto, 245-2 Kuruma-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-229-9000
・Hours: 7:00 - 19:00
・Official website
Pear Press Cafe
Source:Tabelog
Pear Press Cafe is the second branch of "Style Coffee", a specialty coffee stand specializing in light roast coffee. It's a shop where you can enjoy carefully selected coffee while looking at a lovely garden. The atmosphere of the shop is soft and very relaxing.
They offer morning sets from early morning, which come with carefully selected bread, fried egg, salad, side dish, and a drink. I also like the sweets menu, and often order a cream puff with a cafe latte or today's coffee.
You can order a second cup of today's coffee at half price. Taking a break again at Pear Press Cafe after sightseeing is one of my favorites.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 89 Kamigamo Matsumoto-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
・Closed: Monday
・Phone: -
・Hours: 7:30 - 15:00
・Official Instagram
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Cafes, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Best Cafes I recommend and how I felt each Cafes.
Recommended breakfast restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto's traditional culture
Choshoku Kishin
Source:Asahi Degital
If you want to eat a Japanese breakfast that focuses on Kyoto-like ingredients, "Choshoku Kishin" is recommended. It's located in Gion, the center of Kyoto, with good access to tourist spots, making it ideal for breakfast before sightseeing.
The menu is only a reservation-based breakfast course, but you can choose a time from 7:30 AM to early afternoon, so you can adjust to your preferred time.
It's also nice that you can enjoy various Kyoto-style menus little by little. Especially delicious is the pork miso soup made with white miso, a seasoning unique to Kyoto. They're particular about the dishes and presentation, so one of my favorite points is that you can enjoy the food not only with taste and aroma but also visually.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F Suzu Hotel Gion Hanatori, 555 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
・Closed: Wednesday, Thursday
・Phone: 075-525-8500
・Hours: Breakfast 7:30 - 14:05 (12:45 L.O.)
・Official website
Hyotei
Source:Official website
Hyotei is a Japanese restaurant that has earned three Michelin stars. If you want to eat Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese course meal, in Kyoto, this shop is a must. Such Hyotei offers "Asagayu" (morning porridge) only in July and August. "Asagayu" is rice porridge, a traditional Japanese breakfast menu.
When you enter the restaurant, you'll be guided through a mossy garden and pond to the dining room. You might feel like you've time-traveled to ancient Japan due to the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.
You'll be able to sense the depth of Japanese cuisine through the array of elaborate dishes. I especially recommend the Ayu, a light-tasting river fish, in summer. Its salt-grilled version is particularly exquisite, so I recommend visiting in summer.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 35 Nanzenji Kusagawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
・Closed: Wednesday
・Phone: 075-771-4116
・Hours: 8:00 - 10:00 (July and August only)
・Official website
If you are interested in Best Breakfast Restaurants in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Best Breakfast Restaurants in Kyoto as much as possible.
3 Model Courses to Fully Enjoy Kyoto's Morning
Arashiyama Course: Bamboo Grove ~ Togetsukyo Bridge ~ Kimono Forest
Here's a recommended model course for visiting Arashiyama in the morning.
Around 7:30: Arrive at Arashiyama Station
Around 8:00: Togetsukyo Bridge
In the early morning, there are fewer crowds, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the scenery of the river and mountains.
Around 9:00: Bamboo Grove
Early morning shrines are filled with a refreshing atmosphere. Enjoy the light and sounds of the bamboo forest unique to the less crowded morning.
Around 10:00: Arabica Coffee Arashiyama
If you're tired from walking since morning, why not take a break by the river with a takeout coffee from Arabica Coffee Arashiyama near Togetsukyo Bridge?
Around 11:00: Kimono Forest
At the Kimono Forest square near Arashiyama Station, you can enjoy art pieces with Kyoto-unique kimono designs.
Around 12:00: Arashiyama Yoshimura
For lunch, I recommend the Japanese buckwheat noodles made by dedicated artisans at Arashiyama Yoshimura. The freshly made hand-made soba has a delicate taste and aroma, allowing you to enjoy a uniquely Japanese flavor.
Nanzenji Area Course: Philosopher's Path ~ Nanzenji Temple ~ Keage Incline
The area around Nanzenji is also perfect for morning exploration. Note that the breakfast at Hyotei mentioned is only available in July and August, with a reservation-based three-shift system.
Around 7:30: Philosopher's Path
Enjoy Kyoto's morning hours while listening to the sound of water. As it's close to residential areas, you can also feel the local morning atmosphere.
8:00: Hyotei
Savor the breakfast offered by this Michelin three-star Japanese restaurant.
Around 9:30: Nanzenji Temple
The spacious grounds have many attractions including Zen shrine architecture and gardens. It's a temple where you might want to keep exploring endlessly if you don't set a time limit.
Around 11:00: Keage Incline
This is the remains of an old railway near Nanzenji, now a tourist attraction where you can freely walk on the rails. It's especially recommended during cherry blossom season.
Around 12:00: Nanzenji Sando Kikusui
I recommend having lunch at Kikusui on Nanzenji Sando, where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and modern classic Western food while viewing seasonal gardens.
Kyoto Station Area Course: To-ji Temple ~ Higashi Honganji Temple ~ Kyoto Tower
There are many places to explore from the morning around Kyoto Station as well.
Around 7:30: To-ji Temple
Enter To-ji as soon as it opens and explore the spacious grounds to feel the refreshing morning atmosphere of the temple. At 8:00, enjoy the impressive Buddhist statues in the main hall and lecture hall, which open for viewing.
Around 9:00: Kurasu Kyoto
After walking around To-ji, why not take a break at this specialty coffee shop near Kyoto Station?
Around 10:00: Higashi Honganji Temple
At Higashi Honganji, you can visit one of the world's largest wooden structure halls.
Around 11:00: Kyoto Tower
At Kyoto Tower, you can get a 360-degree view of Kyoto from the observation deck 131m above ground. It's also a place where you can enjoy shopping as restaurants and souvenir shops are gathered.
Around 12:00: Kamado Takitategohan Doi Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi
This is a restaurant of a shop famous for Kyoto-style pickles. You can enjoy a common people's lunch of delicious rice and pickles.
If you are interested in Kyoto Station, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto Station as much as possible.
English-guided tours are also recommended to enjoy Kyoto's morning
Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Source:Viator
There are also walking tours that depart early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy Kyoto at a leisurely pace. This tour visits famous Kyoto landmarks such as Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. The tour lasts 5.5 hours and involves walking about 12,000 steps using public transportation, so it's recommended for those confident in their physical strength and leg power.
The places visited are all must-see landmarks in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. You'll be guided by someone knowledgeable about history and culture to these places that showcase Kyoto's traditional beauty.
The guide communicates with guests using the WhatsApp app, so please download it in advance. It's a small-group tour with a maximum of 8 people, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto's charms at a relaxed pace.
4-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples
This Kyoto Morning Guide also recommends a bicycle tour that allows you to visit UNESCO World Heritage Zen temples while feeling the history of Kyoto. On this tour, you can cycle around tourist attractions such as the Kamogawa River, Gion, Kennin-ji Temple, and Nanzen-ji Temple. Bicycle rental and lunch at a traditional Japanese house are included, so you can participate without bringing anything.
The tour lasts 4 hours and meets at Kyoto Station at 9:00. You could also visit To-ji or Higashi Honganji Temple early in the morning before joining the tour. Using a bicycle not only helps you avoid bus congestion but also allows you to feel closer to local life and the historic cityscape.
The lunch also caters to vegetarians. Please inform them in advance. Bicycle insurance and safety equipment are also provided.
If you are interested in Walking Tours, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Walking Tours as much as possible.
Summary
Here are three key points of this Kyoto Morning Guide, along with recommendations based on my (simulated) personal experience:
・ By visiting during a time with fewer tourists, you can experience the true charm of tourist attractions.
No matter how beautiful a place is, if it's too crowded, you can't fully appreciate its charm. There's a high chance you can enjoy it leisurely during the morning hours.
・ You can enjoy Kyoto's tourist attractions in the crisp morning light.
The morning light enhances the elegant atmosphere of the sightseeing spots.
・ You can take advantage of the Japanese proverb that says good things come to those who wake up early.
There's a Japanese proverb meaning good things happen to those who wake up early. (The early bird catches the worm) Something good might happen if you wake up early and go sightseeing.
I hope you find your favorite spots and shops during your morning exploration of Kyoto. This Kyoto Morning Guide aims to help you make the most of your early hours in this beautiful city.