Here are some great spots in Kyoto for a solo trip between July and September. Perfect for when you want to slow down, take care of yourself, and reflect. These are hidden gems where you can enjoy Kyoto without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
I think “Sou da, Kyoto Ikou” (“Yes, Let’s Go to Kyoto”) is an absolute legendary campaign.
Have you heard of it? It was launched in 1993 by JR Tokai (Central Japan Railway Company) as a tourism campaign showcasing Kyoto’s temples and seasonal scenery. The ads used the classical tune “My Favorite Things” and combined it with simple yet powerful visuals and a memorable catchphrase that made people feel, “I want to go to Kyoto.”
It became so famous that you could say almost everyone in Japan has seen it at least once. Even today, just hearing the phrase instantly reminds people of Kyoto—it’s that iconic.
I’m actually a huge fan of this campaign myself—I even did a kind of “pilgrimage” to visit the temples and spots featured in it.
So today, I’ll share with you some of my favorite Kyoto spots that I discovered along the way.☺
Here are some of my all-time favorite posters from the campaign ↓ Honestly, they’re all so beautiful that they give me goosebumps ☺
Enkō-ji Temple – The Smiling Jizo Statue
Enkō-ji Temple, located in northern Kyoto, was originally founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu (the first shogun of the Edo period) as a school for learning.
From the main hall, you can admire its famous garden called “Jūgyū no Niwa” (Garden of the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures). It’s stunning throughout the seasons—lush green maple leaves in summer and fiery red foliage in autumn.
In one corner of this garden, there’s a little stone statue known as the “Smiling Jizo.” In Japanese culture, Jizo statues are believed to be gentle guardians, and this one—with its warm smile—quietly watches over the peaceful garden.
Taking a slow, mindful walk through the garden under the gaze of the Smiling Jizo might be the perfect way to experience Kyoto’s calm side.
Access to Enkō-ji Temple
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- From Kyoto Station, take a city bus to Ichijōji Sagari-matsumachi stop, then it’s about a 10-minute walk.
- If you prefer to minimize your time on the bus: take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Matsugasaki Station. From there, catch a city bus and get off at Ichijōji Shimizu-chō stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
(Tip for travelers: Kyoto’s buses can get quite crowded, especially during tourist season, so sometimes mixing subway + bus makes the trip smoother!)
Shisendō – My Absolute Favorite Spot in Kyoto
If I had to pick just one favorite place in Kyoto, it would be Shisendō. Honestly, I hesitated to even share it here because I love it so much… but here we go.
There’s a quote often associated with this place:
“One day, I suddenly grew tired of fighting. So I decided to live with flowers and insects instead.”
Shisendō was built by Ishikawa Jōzan, a samurai and military strategist during Japan’s Warring States period. Originally from Anjō in Aichi Prefecture, Jōzan was known as an intellectual warrior. After retiring from the battlefield, he finally began the peaceful life he had long desired and poured his energy into creating Shisendō.
Fun fact: this temple garden is said to be the first place in Japan where a shishi-odoshi (a bamboo water feature that makes a rhythmic “clack” sound to scare away animals) was installed—something you now see in many traditional Japanese gardens.
Sitting on the wooden veranda (engawa), you can enjoy the fresh green maple leaves in summer and the brilliant reds in autumn. The calm of the garden, punctuated by the occasional clack of the shishi-odoshi, is a truly special experience.
While the autumn foliage season can get very crowded, summer with its green maple leaves is surprisingly quiet—another reason I adore it.
If you get the chance, take your time here, relax, and just let the beauty of the garden sink in.
Access to Shisendō
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- From Kyoto Station, take a city bus to Ichijōji Sagari-matsumachi stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
- If you’d like to minimize bus time: take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Matsugasaki Station. From there, catch a city bus and get off at Ichijōji Shimizu-chō stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
The best part?
Shisendō is only about a 5-minute walk from Enkō-ji Temple 💡
So if you’re visiting one, definitely plan to see the other on the same trip!♪
The Philosopher’s Path in Summer
In summer, Kyoto’s famous Philosopher’s Path becomes a long, endless tunnel of fresh green leaves. The sunlight reflects beautifully off the canal, making it look refreshing and almost magical.
But here’s the truth: while the photos look cool and breezy, in reality, it can be extremely hot. ☀️💦
So if you visit during July–September, be sure to bring water, wear a hat, and watch out for heatstroke!
Hōnen-in Temple
Hōnen-in is one of Kyoto’s most peaceful hidden temples. The moment you step through its thatched-roof gate, you’ll find yourself in a calm, quiet world—hard to believe it’s just a short walk from the bustling Philosopher’s Path.
The highlight here is the Byakusadan (white sand mounds). According to tradition, walking between the two mounds purifies your spirit. What’s really special is that the patterns on the sand change with the seasons—almost like temporary artworks.
The photo I’m sharing is from November, when autumn leaves were drawn in the sand to match the fall season. I’ve read that at other times of the year, designs of cherry blossoms or camellias have also appeared.
So when you visit, don’t miss the Byakusadan—it’s a beautiful detail that makes Hōnen-in truly unique.♪
Access to Hōnen-in Temple
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- rom Kyoto Station, take City Bus No. 32 (bound for Ginkaku-ji-mae / near the Silver Pavilion) and get off at Minamida-chō stop. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk.
- Alternatively, take City Bus No. 5 (bound for Iwakura) and get off at Jōdo-ji stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
(Travel tip: since Hōnen-in is near Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), it’s easy to combine both visits on the same trip!)
Hōnen-in actually opens as early as 6:00 AM!
That means you can enjoy the quiet, cool morning air while exploring the temple grounds ☺
The main hall itself is usually closed to the public (only the approach leading up to it is open), but during special openings in spring and autumn, visitors are allowed inside. 💡
(Tip: Visiting in the early morning is one of the best ways to experience Kyoto’s temples without the crowds!)
Higashi Hongan-ji & Nishi Hongan-ji Temples
One of the best things about Kyoto is that you don’t always need a bus or train—Higashi Hongan-ji and Nishi Hongan-ji are both within walking distance from Kyoto Station.
Inside the temple grounds, you take off your shoes and slowly wander through the vast wooden halls—it feels surprisingly relaxing. What struck me most was how many locals were simply sitting around the temple, enjoying a moment of peace. It really felt like a community’s healing spot, not just a tourist site.
Nishi Hongan-ji, by the way, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tōfuku-ji Temple
Tōfuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most famous spots for autumn foliage, but here’s a secret: the fresh green maple leaves in early summer are just as breathtaking. 🌿
Walking through tunnels of greenery and looking out from Tsūten-bashi Bridge at the shimmering leaves in the summer sunlight is an unforgettable sight.Another bonus of visiting in summer is that, unlike the crowded autumn season, it’s much quieter. You can take your time strolling through the temple grounds without feeling rushed—something truly rare in Kyoto.
Tōfuku-ji is also very easy to reach. Besides city buses, you can get there by JR trains or the subway, so even if you’re not a fan of buses, access isn’t a problem.
Access to Tōfuku-ji Temple
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(hours may vary depending on the season—check the official website before visiting) - By City Bus: Take Bus No. 88 or 208 and get off at Tōfuku-ji stop.
- By Train (Keihan Line): Get off at Tōfuku-ji Station and walk about 10 minutes.
- By JR (Nara Line): Get off at Tōfuku-ji Station and walk about 10 minutes.
Afterword
So, what did you think? ☺
There are still so many more hidden gems in Kyoto, so stay tuned for future posts!
And one last reminder: summers in Kyoto are seriously hot—like “walk outside and instantly melt” kind of hot. 🥵
Make sure to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade so you can enjoy your trip safely.♪
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