Autumn foliage at Daigo-ji

Southern Kyoto covers a large part of Japan's former capital, stretching from the Ōharano area in the west to Fushimi-ku, Daigo, and the southern tip of Higashiyama-ku in the east. The ancient city of Uji borders the district to the southeast.

Some of the district's better-known attractions include Daigo-ji - which is inscribed as a World Heritage Site within the group "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" - and the seemingly endless lines of torii stretching up the mountainside above Fushimi-Inari Shrine.

Get in

Railway map, Fushimi area (southeastern Kyoto)

By train

Originating from the city's main transport hub at Kyoto Station, the JR Nara Line is a convenient link for tourists travelling between Central and Southeastern Kyoto. Trains running on the Keihan Main Line fulfill a similar role, connecting Eastern Kyoto to the south (although they do not stop at Kyoto Station). JR Inari Station and Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station both put visitors almost at the doorstep of the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, one of the district's most famous attractions. The Keihan Line also provides easy access for those continuing on to Uji or Hirakata.

By subway

From Central and Eastern Kyoto, the municipal subway system's Tōzai Line goes as far south as Rokujizō Station where passengers can transfer to the JR Nara Line. The Tōzai Line stations Ono and Daigo bring travellers within reach of Zuishin-in and Daigo-ji, respectively.

By bus

To get to the Fushimi area by bus, take Bus 5 South (南5) to reach Tōfuku-ji (Tofukuji-michi) and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Inari Taisha-mae). Make sure you are on the South bus; the other number 5 bus will take you the opposite direction (through Higashiyama all the way to Northern Kyoto).

There are no direct buses to the Oharano area, so it's best to travel via Hankyu Railway to Higashimuko Station. From here, you can then take the Hankyu Bus to get closer to other attractions.

See

Southeast

Fox guardian at Fushimi Inari Taisha

• 1 Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) (Keihan Main Line train to Fushimi-Inari Station or JR Nara Line to Inari Station), ☏ +81-075-641-7331. Another of Kyoto's often-overlooked jewels, located just south of Higashiyama in the Fushimi area. Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, Fushimi-Inari-taisha is the head shrine (taisha) for 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates). A visitor could easily spend several hours walking up the hillside, taking in the beautiful views of the city of Kyoto and walking through the torii, which appear luminescent in the late afternoon sun. Countless stone foxes, also referred to as Inari, are also dotted along the path. Watch your fingers as you go - the fox spirits are said to be able to possess people by slipping through their fingernails. Admission is free. 

• 2 Fushimi Momoyama Castle (桃山城, Momoyama-jō; officially 伏見城, Fushimi-jō). This castle was once a favorite of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The original was dismantled in 1623, but a 1964 reconstruction went up in its memory with a small museum and gold-lined tea room. 

• 3 Teradaya (寺田屋). Open from 10AM to 4PM. It was here at this inn where Ryōma Sakamoto, a famous samurai who wanted to overthrow the Tokugawa, was injured in an attack, although he escaped. Some pictures, his handgun, and other historical artifacts are viewable inside. Entrance is ¥400. 

• 4 Tōfuku-ji (東福寺), 15-778 Honmahi, Higashiyama-ku, ☏ +81 75-541-2565. 9AM–4PM (varies, see website). A large temple complex with many small and beautiful gardens nearby. Hordes of Japanese tourists visit during the fall months, when the leaves show a dazzling array of colors, but it's not as well known to foreigners. A pleasant side path through the woods connects it to the Fushimi Inari grounds. Provides beginner Zen meditation sessions on Sunday mornings. Admission to grounds free; Garden ¥400. 

• 5 Jōnan-gū Shrine, 7 Nakashima Tobarikyū-chō, Fushimi-ku, ☏ +81 75-623-0846. Open from 9AM to 4:30PM. Although Jōnan-gū Shrine is rarely visited by foreign tourists, it is a beautiful shrine with extensive history. It was originally established by Emperor Kammu when Kyoto became the nation's capital. At the end of the Heian period, it became home to retired emperor Goshirakawa. As a result, the beautiful Rakusui-en Garden was constructed. As a former Imperial Villa, Jōnan-gū Shrine is a great alternative for those who are unable to secure reservations to Shugakuin or Katsura Imperial Villas, because no reservations are required to enter Jōnan-gū Shrine's garden. Entrance to the shrine grounds is free, but the garden costs ¥500 to enter. 

• 6 Daigo-ji (醍醐寺), 22 Higashioji-cho, Daigo, ☏ +81 75-571-0002. The Garan and Sanbōin are open from 9AM to 5PM from March through November, and 9AM to 4PM from December through February. The museum is open from 9AM to 4PM. Daigoji is a large temple complex consisting of the garan (main complex), Sanbōin Garden, and Reihōkan Museum. The size and position of the temple, slightly removed from the city, creates a more peaceful, serene setting. As a registered World Heritage Site, the temple has a lot of history, with the oldest remaining structure being the five-story pagoda built in 951. The Sanbōin is the temple's garden, and despite being rather pricey is truly beautiful. The museum houses many of the temple's treasures. Daigoji Temple is famous for being one of Kyoto's best places to view cherry blossoms in the spring and the leaves in the fall. Although the main temple complex is always worth visiting, those visiting in the autumn should consider paying the extra fee to see the Sanbōin garden, as it becomes especially beautiful with the vivid colors of the leaves (sadly pictures are not allowed in the Sanbōin). Each part costs ¥600 to enter however discount tickets can be purchased to see two (¥1000) or all three (¥1500). 

• 7 Zuishin-in (随心院), ☏ +81 75-571-0025. 9AM to 4:30PM. According to legend, this is where Ono no Komachi, one of Japan's famous femme fatales, resided. She made Prince Fukakusa agree to court her for 100 days before she would agree to marry him, but on the 99th day, he died, leaving her single and her beauty to fade. Entrance is ¥400. 

• 8 Kajū-ji (勧修寺), 27-6 Kanshujiniōdō-chō, Yamashina-ku (Nearest station: Subway Tōzai Line's Ono Station), ☏ +81 75-571-0048. Open from 9AM to 4PM. A temple with a peaceful lilly pond and a variety of chery trees. Admission: ¥400. 

• Video game giant Nintendo has its world headquarters in southern Kyoto. Sad to say, tours are not offered, and visitors are unlikely even to make it into the lobby; the best you'll be able to do is pose for a photo with the company logo on the plaza in front of the otherwise anonymous building.

Ōharano area

The Ōharano area, located in the Southwest, is named after Ōharano Shrine, one of the most famous sites in the area. While it is not really so far from the inner city, it does not reflect any of the stereotypical images one has when they think of Kyoto. The area is so rural, it feels as though the nearest city is hundreds of miles away. Most tourists are not even aware this area exists, so it can be a nice change of pace for those who have the time to explore the outer regions.

Zen garden at Shōbō-ji

• 9 Ōharano Shrine (大原野神社 Ōharano jinja), 1152 Minami Kasuga-cho Oharano, ☏ +81 75-331-0014. Always open. The shrine is believed to have been moved to Nagaokakyo at the bidding of Empress Kammu, who made it the shrine of the Fujiwara family's guardian god. The Imperial Court made annual offerings at this shrine. The pond within the shrine precincts was once a popular place for writing poetry. Because the area is removed from the inner city, the shrine is quite peaceful; it is not unusual to have the entire place to yourself. Entrance is free. 

• 10 Shōbō-ji (正法寺), 1102 Kasuga-cho Oharano (Located on the opposite side of the road as Oharano Shrine), ☏ +81 75-331-0105. Open from 9AM to 5PM. A Shingon sect temple featuring an impressive statue of the 3-faced thousand armed Kannon and a beautiful, well-kept Zen rock garden. Many of the rocks within the garden were chosen to resemble animals, like a rabbit and frog. Entrance is ¥300. 

• 11 Shōji-ji (勝持寺), 1194 Minamikasuga-cho Oharano, ☏ +81 75-331-0601. Open from 9AM to 4:30PM. Nicknamed Cherry Blossom Temple (hana no tera), it hosts a beautiful display of blossoms in the spring. Entrance is ¥400. 

• 12 Yoshimine-dera (善峯寺), 1372 Oshio-cho, Oharano, ☏ +81 75-331-0020. Open from 8AM to 5PM. In 1034 Emperor Go-Ichijo gave Yoshimine-dera imperial rank, so the head priest was a member of the imperial family for many years, although it is no longer so today. The 20th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Entrance fee: ¥400 (¥500 during special exhibit). 

Do

• JRA Kyoto Racecourse, 32 Yoshijima-Watashibajima-cho, Fushimi-ku (just outside Keihan Yodo Station). For those interested in horse races, Kyoto's racecourse is the mecca of horseracing in the Kansai area. 
• Riverboat Cruises, ☏ +81 75-623-1030. Call to make a reservation to schedule your ride. No tours are offered on Mondays. A peaceful ride down the canal past all of the historic sake breweries. It's a unique experience that is both scenic and affordable. Costs ¥1000 for adults, ¥500 for elementary school and younger. 

Buy

• Ryomakan (龍馬館), Chūō Ryoma-dōri, ☏ +81 75-602-2550. Open from 10AM to 5PM. An interesting souvenir shop dedicated to the famous samurai Ryoma Sakamoto. Inside you'll find some of the typical tourist souvenirs, like Ryoma Sakamoto keychains, but there are also some interesting and unique finds. Those looking to purchase swords may find that this shop sells more authentic swords than those in Kyoto's larger tourist spots. 

Eat

Local delicacies are sold at the roadside approaching Fushimi-Inari Shrine, including barbecued sparrow (雀/すずめ/suzume) and inarizushi (sweetened sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu), which is said to be the favourite food of the fox. The suzume is still in a form that resembles the animal (essentially a barbecued bird on a skewer), so those not accustomed may be a bit squeamish. If you plan to walk the path around Fushimi Inari and you wish to sample inarizushi, you can save money by stopping at the small restaurant up the path within the grounds of the shrine. It also provides a great view of a line of the torii gates from above.

• Usagiya (near Subway Tozai Line's Ono Station), ☏ +81 75-573-5523. Open from 5:30PM to 11:30PM (Closed Mon.). Serves a variety of delicious ramen dishes. Ramen sells for ¥900. 
• Uosaburo (魚三楼) (Just outside Keihan Fushimi Momoyama Station), ☏ +81 75-601-0061. Open from 11AM to 10PM. A pricey restaurant serving local Kyoto cuisine with a variety of set options. From ¥7000-25000. 
• Torisei, ☏ +81 75-622-5533. Open from 11:30AM to 11PM. Closed Mon. Serves a variety of chicken and meat dishes. Individual portions from ¥500-730. 

Drink

• Gekkeikan, 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, ☏ +81 75-623-2056. Open from 9:30AM to 4:30PM Tues.-Sun.. Founded in 1637, this local sake brewing company remains popular among Japanese even today. Many of the old breweries still exist and visitors can tour Gekkeikan and visit the attached museum to get a glimpse of how the sake is made. Entrance fee: ¥300. 

Sleep

Lodging options are limited in this part of the city. More choices can be found in Central Kyoto, just a short train ride away.

• Hotel Kyoto Eminence, ☏ +81 75-332-5800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. A luxury hotel outside of the inner city in the Oharano area. There is an onsen attached, which can be enjoyed with or without hotel reservations. Prices start from ¥8750 for hotel rooms. For those who just want to take advantage of the onsen, you can enter for ¥800. 
• Urban Hotel Kyoto, 4-59 Nishiura-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, ☏ +81 75-647-0606. A nice hotel in the heart of the Fushimi area, just a 15 minute walk away from Fushimi Inari Taisha. Prices start from ¥7000 (single). A nice budget option for two people is the semi-double for ¥9000. 

Go next

The World Heritage Sites of Byōdō-in and Ujigami-jinja are in the neighbouring city of Uji, just a few minutes away by train on either Keihan's Uji Line or the JR Nara Line.

This article contains content that was once found at Kyoto. View that page's revision history for the list of authors.