![[Kyoto] A fulfilling solo trip. Relaxing and refreshing spots recommended for women.](/uploads/AhiW-Yz8DQ-oV6G0DWSKy.webp.w1920.avif)
Kyoto is recommended for solo female travelers! We'll introduce recommended spots from the editorial department, from popular attractions to hidden gems.
From here, we'll introduce recommended spots for solo female travelers, from popular destinations to hidden gems. Please use this article as a reference to create your own original solo trip plan.
Kyoto's classic spots you want to visit at least once
First, we will introduce Kyoto's classic tourist spots.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: A Representative Kyoto Spot Famous for its Thousand Torii Gates
Source:That's right, let's go to Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of the approximately 30,000 "Inari" shrines nationwide. In the past, it was believed to be related to the "rice" in "Inari" and to house a deity of "good harvests," leading to its popularity, especially among commoners. Today, it is said to bestow numerous benefits beyond commercial prosperity, family safety, and good harvests, including safe childbirth, fulfillment of wishes, academic success, and healing from all ailments.
The most famous feature of Fushimi Inari Shrine is the "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates), which are representative of the shrine and are located along the mountain trail, stretching for 4km. You will be overwhelmed by the sight of the vermilion torii gates in their bright red glory. The mountain trail can be steep in places, making it a challenge to conquer the entire route, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is rewarding, so those with confidence in their physical strength should definitely give it a try.
Beyond the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) lies the Okusha Hahoisho (Inner Shrine Worship Hall), and behind it, you'll find a pair of stone lanterns known as the "Omokaru-ishi" (Heavy-Light Stones), which are said to predict how likely your wishes are to come true. Make a wish in front of the lanterns and try lifting the knob-like decorative finials (giboshi) on top. If the weight you feel is lighter than you expected, your wish is likely to come true, but if it feels heavier, it may be more difficult to achieve. Fushimi Inari Shrine is filled with such charms, so please take your time and explore it thoroughly.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: A short walk from JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line.
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Ginkaku-ji: A Picturesque Temple Where You Can Feel Wabi-Sabi
Jisho-ji, commonly known as Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. While its official name is Higashiyama Jisho Zen-ji (Jisho-ji), it is widely known as Ginkaku-ji because its Kannon-den (Hall of Kannon) is called "Ginkaku" in contrast to "Kinkaku" (the Golden Pavilion) built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Unlike the opulence of Kinkaku-ji, it is a simple and tasteful temple, highly regarded as a representative building of Higashiyama culture.
Ginkaku-ji's charm, above all else, is its ability to evoke a sense of Japanese "wabi-sabi." The Togudo, designated a National Treasure as the oldest existing shoin-zukuri (drawing-room style) building in Japan, possesses an atmosphere that reveals beauty within simplicity, drawing people in.
Also, unusually for a temple, Ginkaku-ji has an observation deck. From the observation deck, you can gaze out at the temple grounds and take in a panoramic view of the charming buildings, including the Kannon-den, and the beautiful nature that surrounds them. The garden viewed from the observation deck is so beautiful it will be etched into your memory.
At Ginkaku-ji, you can feel a different kind of beauty than at Kinkaku-ji, so when you visit Kyoto, we highly recommend visiting both Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: (Bus) Approximately 40 minutes by city bus from JR Kyoto Station, a short walk from the "Ginkakuji-michi" bus stop.
Business Hours: March - November: 08:30 - 17:00, December - February: 09:00 - 16:30
Bamboo Grove Path ~ A Green Tunnel Where You Can Feel Healing ~
Source:Kyoto City Official Tourist Site
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an essential, classic spot for sightseeing in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward. Stretching for about 400 meters from near Nonomiya Shrine to the Okochi Sanso Garden, towering bamboo stalks densely crowd together, seemingly covering the sky, which is why it's sometimes called a "green tunnel." Tourists from Japan and abroad visit to catch a glimpse of its atmospheric beauty, and many can be seen enjoying the scenery in kimonos or taking rickshaw rides through the grove.
Walking through the bamboo forest, you'll be enveloped by the rustling sound of bamboo and negative ions, making it a truly healing space. The air is cool, so it will feel particularly refreshing in the summer. The sunlight filtering through the gaps in the bamboo also creates a magical, photogenic scene. Within the bamboo grove, you'll find "Nonomiya Shrine," which is said to bring blessings for finding a good match and for safe childbirth and fertility. Be sure to visit the shrine along with a stroll through the bamboo path.
The Bamboo Grove is a popular tourist spot in Arashiyama, alongside Togetsukyo Bridge, so it can get crowded on weekends. However, since it is open 24 hours a day, those who wish to avoid crowds and leisurely enjoy the space are recommended to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: [Train] 10 minutes on foot from Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Station, 13 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, 21 minutes on foot from Hankyu Railway Arashiyama Station
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Yasaka Shrine: The Place to Go for Beauty and Love Wishes
Source:Yasaka ShrineOfficial Website
Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of the Gion Shrine network, which has 2,300 locations nationwide. The main hall is a national treasure, and the shrine, with its 29 subsidiary shrines, branch shrines, and buildings, is a historic site designated as an important cultural property. The main hall is built over a "dragon's lair" believed to be inhabited by dragons, making the building itself a power spot.
Yasaka Shrine, long revered by the people of Kyoto. Within its grounds, there are approximately 20 shrines, known for their blessings in warding off evil, matchmaking, and beauty. Affectionately called "Gion-san," its amulets and oil blotting paper are very popular. It is also the central shrine for the nationally renowned "Gion Festival," and is widely loved as a focal point for Kyoto tourism.
Furthermore, in front of the shrine building of "Mimori Shrine," the god of beauty, a sacred spring called "Biyosui" (Beauty Water) bubbles forth. It is said that just a few drops applied to the skin will result in beautiful skin, so please try applying the water to your face and making a wish. In addition, there are items that will satisfy a woman's heart, such as "heart-shaped ema" (votive plaques) with wishes for romantic success, and "wish-granting rabbits" with cute shapes. If you plan to visit Kyoto's classic shrines, Yasaka Shrine is a must-see.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: (Public Transportation) JR Kyoto Station → 15 minutes by City Bus Route 206, get off at Gion bus stop, short walk. Or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station → 8 minutes walk (Car) 7km, 20 minutes from Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC.
Business Hours: 24 hours
Kifune Shrine ~A Shrine Dedicated to the God of Water, Popular for its Water Fortune-Telling~
Source:That's right, let's go to Kyoto.
Kifune Shrine is known as the head shrine for deities of water, with over 2,000 branch shrines nationwide. The name "Kifune" originates from the characters "氣生根," meaning the source of life force, and has been considered a power spot since ancient times. Kifune Shrine is said to bestow a wide range of benefits, including good fortune and prosperity, matchmaking, and the fulfillment of various wishes.
When visiting the shrine, the usual way to do so is called "Sansha-mode," which involves visiting the three sanctuaries located at the foot of Mount Kifune: Hongu, Okugu, and Yuzuriha. Yuzuriha, in particular, is gaining attention as a power spot for romance, enshrining a deity of matchmaking.
Additionally, a distinctive custom at Kifune Shrine is the "Water Fortune Slip," or *mizuuranai mikuji*. When you float the fortune slip you draw onto the pond known as "Goshinsui" near the shrine office, the fortune will appear on the water's surface. You can also take home some of this sacred water, believed to bring good fortune, by putting it in a container you bring yourself. There are also amulets and charms related to the sacred water, some of which are collaboration items with Kyoto's long-established and trendy shops, so please do take a look.
Address: 180 Kifunecho, Kurama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
Access: (Public Transportation) Eizan Railway Kibune-guchi Station → 30-minute walk. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus Route 33 towards Kibune for 5 minutes, get off at the Kibune bus stop, and walk 5 minutes. (Car) 20 km, 1 hour from Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC.
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Talismans and Charms Office)
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art ~A Stylish Museum Where You Can Feel Both Japanese and Western Styles~
The Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is a popular museum known for its stylish architecture and numerous photo spots. Originally established as the "Dairei Kinen Kyoto Art Museum," Japan's second-largest public art museum, it was later renamed the "Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art" before being renovated and reopened as the KYOCERA Museum of Art in 2020.
The museum's exterior blends both Japanese and Western styles, featuring an entrance called the "Glass Ribbon," a grand, pure white central hall that opens into a vast space, and the "Garden of Light," which utilizes the central courtyard as a multipurpose area. A distinctive feature is how the atmosphere dramatically shifts from room to room and space to space, including the "Courtyard of the Heavens."
Additionally, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art features many photogenic spots that will make you want to take pictures. For example, the rooftop garden "Higashiyama Cube Terrace" in the new building's Higashiyama Cube is an open space accessible to everyone. From here, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Higashiyama. Photography is permitted within the museum except for the exhibition rooms where the artworks are displayed, so be sure to capture a special shot.
Address: 124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: (By train) Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line. (By car) Approximately 7 km from Kyoto Higashi Interchange on the Meishin Expressway to the city center.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Togetsukyo Bridge: A Historic Bridge, the Symbol of Arashiyama
Source:Kyoto Tourism Official Site
Togetsukyo Bridge, like the "Arashiyama Bamboo Grove" introduced earlier, is a popular tourist spot located in Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is a bridge spanning the Katsura River that flows through the center of Arashiyama, and is said to be one of Kyoto's oldest bridges. Togetsukyo Bridge, with its beautiful scenery harmonizing with nature, is considered a symbol of Arashiyama. Its name is said to originate from Emperor Kameyama's words, "The moon appeared to be crossing the bridge."
Togetsukyo Bridge can be enjoyed by walking across it or taking photos from afar, but it's also recommended to enjoy boat rides on the river or admire the scenery from a Yakatabune (roofed pleasure boat). The scenery changes depending on the time of day, and particularly in the morning and evening, you will be able to see charming views.
Additionally, during the cherry blossom season each year, illuminations are held. There are about 1,500 cherry trees in the vicinity, allowing you to enjoy a magical collaboration of cherry blossom viewing and bridge illuminations. In particular, Nakanoshima Park on the central sandbar is a superb viewing spot. Togetsukyo Bridge is beautiful to see at any time, but its illuminated form is breathtaking. Why not try enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Togetsukyo Bridge next spring?
Address: Saga Nakanoshima-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: [By Train] 5-minute walk from Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Station, 5-minute walk from Hankyu Railway Arashiyama Station [By Car] 30 minutes from Meishin Expressway Kyoto-Minami IC
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Kyoto's Hidden Gems & Experiences for Travelers Seeking a Relaxed Pace Away from the Crowds
From here, we'll introduce hidden gem spots and experiences for those who want to leisurely tour Kyoto.
The luxurious pleasure of creating "unaju" by catching and grilling it yourself.
Source:TRAPOLOfficial Website
At "Unagi no Shiomi," a restaurant located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, you can experience making unaju (eel over rice) by catching your own eel. First, participants will catch live eels themselves using a rod and hook, and then observe how professional chefs prepare and grill the eel. You can also try your hand at catching fresh ayu (sweetfish) (from November to May, char is caught instead of ayu), and then skewer and slowly grill them over charcoal. Finally, you can relax and savor the delicious eel and ayu you caught yourself. This experience allows you to learn the importance of respecting life and the food we eat.
At Unagi no Shi-to-mi, you can savor exquisite eel, sourced fresh from Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures, grilled with a secret sauce and binchotan charcoal. This is the only place where you can experience catching your own eel and then having it prepared and cooked by professional chefs. The owner is a warm-hearted individual who values communication with guests, making this plan a truly enjoyable experience and a major draw. For more details, please visit the official TRAPOL website below.
Eel banner](https://trapol.jp/plans/w3ms9m?adults_count=3&children_count=0&toddlers_count=0&juniors_count=0)
Kyoto Imperial Palace: A Place to Tour the Residences of Successive Emperors
Source:Kyoto Travel Official Website
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a building located in a corner of the vast Kyoto Gyoen. Since Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo in 794, it served as the residence of successive emperors for over 1,000 years, where ceremonies and state affairs were conducted, until the Emperor moved to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration.
Within the grounds, measuring 250m east to west and 450m north to south, buildings that strongly evoke the Heian period stand in succession. For example, the Shishinden, with its opulent atmosphere adorned with abundant gold leaf on its walls and ceilings, is the most important building in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Also open to the public is the Seiryoden, constructed in the shoin-zukuri style, where the Emperor actually lived. Furthermore, in front of the Kogosho, there is an elegant Japanese garden that reveals a different face with each passing season.
While Kyoto Imperial Palace was previously only open to the public for a limited time, it has been open for year-round visits since 2016. Advance reservations are not required, and there is no admission fee, making it easy to stop by. You can tour freely, so take your time and enjoy the sights at your own pace. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, so be sure to include it in your sightseeing itinerary.
Address: Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the subway. Approximately 5-minute walk from Karasuma Imadegawa Station on the city bus.
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 4:20 PM (Last exit 5:00 PM)
D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO ~A Select Shop and Restaurant Pursuing Kyoto's Unique Charm~
D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO is a spot that features a select shop and cafe, gathering traditional crafts that have been passed down in Kyoto for generations, as well as local long-life products. Kenmei Nagaoka, a design activist, is developing the "D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT," a "community that partners with people who live in and are rooted in a particular region to discover long-life designs of that area and convey its local character." D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO opened in November 2014 as the 10th store in this project.
D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO's base of operations is located within the grounds of Honzan Bukko-ji Temple. This space, formerly used as a meeting hall, has been renovated into a charming shop filled with products chosen from a long-life design perspective. In addition, there is a dining cafe where you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients, as well as tea and sweets. Please come and spend some peaceful time in a space that pursues the essence of Kyoto.
Address: 397 Shinkaicho, Bukko-kudari, Takakura-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (within Motoyama Bukko-ji Temple)
Access: (Train) 2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Business Hours: Business hours and regular holidays will be announced on SNS.
Hand-pinching Pottery Experience ~Create Your Own Original Dish~
Source:TRAPOLOfficial site
For those interested in pottery, we recommend the experience of hand-sculpting Kiyomizu-yaki, a traditional Kyoto craft. Under the guidance of local artist Suzuki, you can create your own unique piece just as you like.
First, this experience involves learning about craftsmanship by visiting a ceramic electric kiln studio. Next, you will tour the gallery, a space meticulously curated by Mr. Suzuki. The "Ensho Series," which possesses a unique worldview, is on display, and the atmosphere, filled with music from records, is sure to captivate your heart.
Afterward, you'll receive 2kg of clay and can create your own pottery as your imagination dictates. Even if you have no prior pottery experience, you can participate with peace of mind thanks to Mr. Suzuki's support. You can make up to two pieces of any size. Once completed, your creations will be fired in a kiln and then shipped to your home. If you're interested in pottery or crafting, we highly recommend participating in this special pottery experience. For more details about the experience, please visit the official TRAPOL website below.
Ceramics_Banner2](https://trapol.jp/plans/7wjs10?adults_count=3&children_count=0&toddlers_count=0&juniors_count=0)
Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Exquisite Coffee Born in Portland, USA
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a cafe located on the first floor of Ace Hotel Kyoto, which was redesigned by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. This shop, originating in Portland, America, marks its first overseas expansion in Kyoto. The store boasts a casual and approachable atmosphere, much like its counterpart in Portland, while also incorporating a design that embraces the charm of Kyoto.
At our cafe, you can enjoy a variety of coffees, including espresso and drip coffee, along with homemade sweets crafted by our pâtissier. Our coffee beans are directly sourced through regular visits by our buyers to farms in 12 countries, ensuring we always offer the freshest beans available at the time. Additionally, our popular homemade donuts and cookies are perfectly sweetened to complement our coffee.
Furthermore, you can also purchase original goods such as coffee beans, tumblers, tote bags, and mugs at the shop. Please enjoy the meticulously crafted coffee, which can only be savored here in Japan, in this wonderful space.
Address: 245-2 Kurumaya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ace Hotel Kyoto 1F
Access: (Train) Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line / Karasuma Oike Station (Exit 6) 1 minute walk
Business Hours: 07:00 - 19:00
Experience handmade miso at a long-established shop!
Source:TRAPOLOfficial Website
At Kase Shoten, which has been producing and selling miso since the Taisho era, you can experience miso making. Before making miso, you will start with a tour of the wooden vats. Touching the wooden vats while listening to the history of the shop will sharpen your spirit. Kato-san, a local resident and the fourth-generation owner of Kase Shoten, has been in charge of food education classes about miso making at his alma mater, Nijo Castle Kita Elementary School, for about six years. He will also explain in detail the taste of authentic miso made in Kyoto during the experience.
After finishing our tour of the wooden vats, it was finally time to make miso. Using the ingredients meticulously prepared by Katō Shoten, who are dedicated to handmade products, you can create miso with plenty of love. The process involves mixing koji and salt, mashing soybeans, and then combining the mashed soybeans with the koji and salt to form balls – a truly rewarding experience, no doubt. Once the miso is made, it's placed in a container, the surface is smoothed, and it's complete. Miso making is a rare experience that you can only have here. For more details, please visit the official TRAPOL website, and if you're interested, feel free to join us!
In conclusion
This time, we've introduced perfect spots and experiences for solo female travelers in Kyoto, from well-known attractions to hidden gems. Kyoto holds many hidden charms, including shrines, natural spots, and hands-on crafting experiences. Please use this article as a reference to plan your own wonderful solo trip.
