Kyoto Stroll | A stroll in the Imadegawa – Yoshida area of Kyoto

Today’s stroll in the Imadegawa – Yoshida area of Kyoto
This time, we will take a stroll from Imadegawa Street to the Yoshida district, located in the southern part of Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City.
Imadegawa Street and the Yoshida area are known for being home to the renowned Kyoto University and are famous as a student town. At the same time, it is a historical district with many historic temples and shrines. Let’s take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Kyoto, a city colored by students and history.

Today’s route

A.Okazaki-michi bus stop
B.Kurotani “Konkai Komyoji-Temple”, the head temple of the Jodo sect.
C.Shinnyo-do Hall, famous for its autumn leaves
D.Yoshida Shrine Daigengu” where all the gods of Japan are enshrined
E.Yoshida Shrine” is famous for its Setsubun Festival
F.Kyoto University, the highest academic institution
G.Bus stop in front of the main gate of Kyoto University

A.Okazaki-michi bus stop

Let’s start our stroll from the Okazaki-michi bus stop, located at the eastern end of Marutamachi-dori Street.

The Okazaki-michi bus stop is located close to a quiet residential area, yet conveniently located enough to walk to the famous Heian Shrine and the Philosopher’s Path.
It is also a fun place to start sightseeing in Kyoto. If you walk a little west on Marutamachi Dori and then south on Okazaki Dori, you will find many famous udon and omelette restaurants.

This time, however, let’s take Okazaki Road to the north. If you walk a little to the east (to the right) at the end of the road, you will soon see a magnificent gate. This is Konkai Komyoji Temple, affectionately known as “Kurotani-san” by the locals.

B.KURODANI,KONKAI-KOMYOJI TEMPLE

Konkai Komyoji Temple, also known as Kurodani-san, is a temple founded by Honen Shonin in the Kamakura period.
The temple gate and main hall, which are also used for filming period dramas, are wonderfully magnificent and overwhelm those who see them for the first time.
You will also see a statue of Monju Bosatsu, said to be by Unkei, and a memorial tower for Kasuga Bureki, Tokugawa Iemitsu’s nanny.

Despite all these attractions, Kurodani-san is usually a quiet place. Visitors can stroll through the temple grounds in a relaxed atmosphere without being crowded by many tourists. The popular stone Buddha with afro hair is located next to the stairs.

Kurotani-san is also the birthplace of the Shinsengumi. This is because Matsudaira Yoriyasu, the lord of the Aizu domain, had the Mibu Roshi Gumi here and set up its headquarters here. The Mibu Roshigumi later became the Shinsengumi.

Official site：KONKAI-KOMYOJI TEMPLE

C.Shin nyo-do

Further north from Kurodani-san’s north gate, you will see a beautiful red gate on the left side. This gate is the main gate of Shinnyodo. Pass through this to enter the temple.

The official name of Shinnyo-do Temple is “Shinsho-Gyokuraku-ji,” It is also believed that Shinnyodo is related to Abe no Seimei. It is said that the Fudo Myoo dedicated to Shinnyodo was in the residence of Abe no Seimei.

In the fall, the Shinnyo-do Hall is a beautiful place to see the brilliant autumn leaves, but it is also beautiful in other seasons with flowers and trees. A fee is required to enter the main hall and garden, but it is well worth it.

Official site：Shin nyo-do

D.Yoshida Shrine, Daigengu

After Shinnyodo, take a leisurely walk up Mt. Yoshida. As it is a low mountain, you can wear your usual attire.
After exiting the Shinnyodo temple gate, go straight ahead and you will see the Souchu Shrine. At Souchu Shrine, you will be greeted by komainu (guardian dogs) standing on their heads. These komainu are rare, and you should visit them along the way. If you are lucky, you may even see a cute white dog (the real one).

Then, as you proceed through the precincts of Munetada Shrine, you will come to a place where many torii gates stand in a row. As you proceed, keeping the torii gates on your right, you will see Yoshida Shrine Daigengu, which enshrine the eight million gods and goddesses.

Unfortunately, the inside of the Daigengu cannot usually be seen. However, on the first day of each month, during New Year’s Day and Setsubun, it is possible to enter and worship inside. Daimotogu is a shrine where all the gods from all over Japan gather. Even if you do not go inside, you are likely to receive various blessings just by visiting the shrine.

Exit the Daigengu Palace, turn right and walk down the mountain. Along the way, there are spots where you can see beautiful cityscapes. Take a casual stroll, just like the locals.

After descending the slope, you will see Yoshida Shrine.

E.Yoshida Shrine.

Yoshida Shrine has a long history, said to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185) by the chunagon Fujiwara no Yamakage. Since the shrine is dedicated to the protection of Kyoto (i.e., the capital) itself, it is quite familiar to Kyoto residents, especially those in Sakyo-ku, where the shrine is located.

The main shrine is somewhat unusual, with four buildings in a row. Four deities are enshrined, including Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, the god of valor. It is said to bring various blessings such as good luck, protection from bad luck, learning, and good marriage.

There is a brief rest area in the precincts of Yoshida Shrine. After visiting the shrine and enjoying Omikuji, let’s take a short rest. There is a vending machine next to it, so don’t worry if you are thirsty.

Yoshida Shrine is one of the hidden great shrines in Kyoto. You will find the air to be basically quiet, yet sacred and refreshing. Occasionally, you may encounter lovely school children strolling by.

However, Yoshida Shrine really comes into its own during the Setsubun Festival. The Setsubun Festival is held three days a year. Setsubun Matsuri is a long-standing festival with many stalls and a lively atmosphere.

Yoshida Shrine is a perfect place for an ordinary stroll, but sometimes it is good to feel this kind of atmosphere.

Official site：Yoshida Shrine

F.Kyoto University

As you walk down the slope leading to Yoshida Shrine and pass through a large torii gate, you will immediately see Kyoto University on your right. To conclude our stroll, let’s take a look inside Kyoto University, especially at the clock tower.

You may hesitate to enter the university at ……. However, Kyoto University’s Yoshida Campus is open to the general public. As long as you avoid entering classroom buildings and other areas that are off-limits, you can use the cafeteria and other facilities.

Entering the gate of Kyoto University, you will see a large clock tower in front of the building.

This clock tower is a symbol of Kyoto University and was historically built in 1925. Some people may think of this building when they think of Kyoto University: “Kyoto University is …….

The clock tower is now open to the public as the Centennial Clock Tower Memorial. Inside there is a historical exhibition room, a café, a French restaurant, and a store, all of which can be used. A visit to the café is a good way to relax after a long day of work.

The best place to visit is the Kyoto University Shop on the first floor. You can purchase goods and books related to Kyoto University. How about purchasing an unusual souvenir at the end of your stroll?

G.(Goal) Bus stop in front of the main gate of Kyoto University

Exit from the main gate of Kyoto University and walk to the right for about 5 minutes until you reach Higashioji Dori, where you will find the bus stop in front of the main gate of Kyoto University. From this bus stop, you can take buses going to Kyoto Station, Shijo-Kawaramachi, and other central Kyoto locations, as well as buses going to more northern areas.

A little further north from the bus stop is the intersection of Hyakumanben, lined with restaurants. If you are hungry, take a short stroll. Eating in the company of Kyoto University students is one of the best parts of strolling in Kyoto.

Route Review

Access to Imadegawa, Kyoto

Parking around Imadegawa, Kyoto

Imadegawa, Kyoto stroll Official Website

KONKAI-KOMYOJI TEMPLE：here
Shin nyo-do：here
Yoshida Shrine：here

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