For Kyoto sightseeing, the Randen is recommended! Famous spots recommended by local Kyotoites

When it comes to Kyoto sightseeing, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Arashiyama are classic choices, but for those who want to visit efficiently or feel the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto, the Keifuku Electric Railroad, commonly known as the Randen, is recommended.

The Randen is a local train that runs through the western side of Kyoto, connecting popular tourist destinations such as Arashiyama, Uzumasa, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Unlike major private railways or subways, it runs slowly through residential areas and traditional Kyoto streetscapes, making the journey itself feel like part of the sightseeing experience.

5 Reasons Why the Randen is Recommended for Kyoto Sightseeing

1. Visit popular tourist spots efficiently.
Starting with World Heritage sites, you can visit Arashiyama, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and famous spots in western Kyoto with few transfers.

2. Feel the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto.
The view of houses and alleys from the windows, unique to a streetcar, is charming.

3. Sightsee affordably with a 1-day pass.
If you plan to get on and off along the line multiple times, using the Randen 1-Day Free Ticket is convenient and economical.

4. You can also visit hidden gems where it is easier to avoid crowds
In addition to the popular Arashiyama, you can also access relatively quiet Rokuo-in and Toji-in temples, which are hidden gems.

5. Easy to travel to major sightseeing areas in Kyoto City
The Randen connects with JR, the Kyoto Municipal Subway, and Hankyu Railway, making it easy to travel to popular sightseeing areas such as Kawaramachi, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and the area around Kyoto Station after sightseeing in Arashiyama. It is easy to incorporate into a model course for Kyoto sightseeing, allowing you to efficiently visit sightseeing spots.

Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage Site)

Tenryu-ji Temple features the Sogenchi Garden, which was the first in Japan to be designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and the "Cloud Dragon Painting" on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall, which appears to be staring at you from wherever you look.

World Heritage Site registered Tenryu-ji is a famous temple that boasts the status of being the first among the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto). It is one of Kyoto's representative sightseeing spots that you should definitely visit when touring Arashiyama.

Rokuo-in Temple

Rokuo-in Temple's name is said to originate from the time when wild deer used to appear in herds. Within the temple grounds, there is a beautiful garden centered around the Shariden (Reliquary Hall) that incorporates Arashiyama as borrowed scenery.

Because there are relatively few tourists and you can worship in a quiet atmosphere, it is recommended as a hidden gem in the Arashiyama area.

Kurumazaki Shrine

Kurumazaki Shrine has a custom called "Orei-mairi" (thanksgiving visit), where you take home a "Kinen Shinseki (prayer stone)" granted by the shrine, and when your wish is fulfilled, you purify a stone from around your home and dedicate it along with the prayer stone.

Also, within the grounds of Kurumazaki Shrine is the Geino Shrine, known as the god of performing arts, where vermilion-lacquered fences inscribed with the names of many entertainers and celebrities are dedicated. It is visited by many people in the entertainment industry and is one of the popular spots near the station.

Koryu-ji Temple

Koryu-ji Temple is one of the "Seven Great Temples founded by Prince Shotoku," said to have been established by Prince Shotoku. A statue of Prince Shotoku is enshrined as the principal image.

It also houses the wooden Miroku Bosatsu Hanka Shii-zo (Maitreya in meditation), known as Japan's first National Treasure, which attracts many worshippers and Buddhist statue fans.

Mibu-dera Temple

Mibu-dera Temple is a temple known for being used as a military training ground for the Shinsengumi at the end of the Edo period. The grounds contain a bust of Kondo Isami, the commander of the Shinsengumi, and a memorial tower for the Shinsengumi soldiers, which many history fans visit.

Also, next to the north side of Mibu-dera Temple is the site of the Shinsengumi barracks, and behind it is the Yagi Residence, known as the place where Serizawa Kamo was assassinated. It is recommended to visit this as well when touring historical sites related to the Shinsengumi.

Ninna-ji Temple (World Heritage Site)

World Heritage Site Ninna-ji Temple is famous for its Omuro cherry blossoms, which are known as late-blooming cherry blossoms. It is located a short walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station, and the magnificent Nio-mon Gate, counted as one of the three great gates of Kyoto, welcomes visitors.

The vast grounds feature beautiful gardens and plenty of highlights such as the five-story pagoda. It is recommended as a representative famous temple in Kyoto where you can enjoy not only the spring cherry blossoms but also the scenery of each season.

Myoshin-ji Temple

Myoshin-ji Temple is one of Japan's largest Zen temples, with vast grounds of about 100,000 tsubo, measuring about 500 meters east to west and about 619 meters north to south. 46 sub-temples are scattered throughout the grounds, and it is visited by many worshippers as a representative Zen temple in Kyoto.

Among them, the sub-temple Taizo-in is highly popular, where you can admire the National Treasure "Hyonen-zu (Catching a Catfish with a Gourd)" and a beautiful dry landscape garden. It is a recommended spot for Kyoto sightseeing where you can experience the world of Zen in a quiet atmosphere.

Ryoan-ji Temple (World Heritage Site)

World Heritage Site Ryoan-ji Temple is a famous temple known for its dry landscape garden, which represents Kyoto. The rock garden in the front garden of the Hojo (Important Cultural Property) is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as a symbol of Japanese gardens.

Although 15 stones are skillfully arranged, it is said that you cannot see all of them at the same time from any angle. Because of its mysterious beauty, it is widely known overseas, and it is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots visited by many foreign tourists.

Toji-in Temple

Toji-in Temple is an old Rinzai sect temple known as the family temple of the Ashikaga Shogunate. It houses the grave of Ashikaga Takauji, who founded the Muromachi Shogunate, making it a temple highly popular among history buffs.

A beautiful strolling pond garden spreads across the temple grounds, and you can enjoy colorful scenery, especially during the autumn foliage season. Compared to famous tourist spots in Kyoto, it is relatively uncrowded, making it a recommended hidden gem where you can quietly appreciate the autumn leaves and the garden.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine holds a status as the head shrine among the more than 10,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide, along with Dazaifu Tenmangu. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and many students visit to pray every year.

It is also known as one of Kyoto's leading plum blossom spots. Additionally, the "Momiji-en (Maple Garden)" has been open to the public since 2007. On the 25th of every month, a temple festival known as "Tenjin-san" is held.

Summary

The Randen is not just a means of transportation, but a "part of the journey" where you can feel the streets and daily life of Kyoto. While efficiently visiting classic tourist spots, you can also encounter the charm of Kyoto that is easy to miss when using subways or buses.

If you want to enjoy Kyoto sightseeing more leisurely and in a more Kyoto-like way, please be sure to ride the Randen and enjoy strolling along the line.