Meeting Point

Osaka Port / Osaka, Umeda and Namba station

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794. At the very back of the shrine's main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate-covered hiking trail, which starts with two dense, parallel rows of gates called Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates"). The torii gates along the entire trail are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate.

Gion

Gion Shirakawa is in the entertainment district near Yasaka Shrine. Traditional wooden houses, restaurants and teahouses along the stream create a special atmosphere. Especially in spring, pink flowers of cherry trees and fresh green weeping willows show a nice contrast. If you are lucky, you might see some wedding couples in kimono, geisha or maiko on the street. They have a light-up event in the sakura season.

Entokuin Temple

A sub-temple of Kodaiji Temple and Kenninji Temple known as the "Temple of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Nene". Nene spent 19 years at this cosmetic castle (restored from Fushimi Castle) before her passing. The enshrined three-sided Daikokuten statue is a "Nenjibutsu", a Buddha to remember Hideyoshi. The ink painting by Hasegawa et al. on the 32 sliding doors has been designated as an Important National Cultural Property. Currently a digital replica stands in its place. The North Garden has also been designated as a Special Site of Scenic Beauty. The beautiful, Ikeizuma-style (garden focusing around a pond) front garden of Fushimi Castle was changed to a dry landscape garden by Masakaza Kobori when was it was moved here. Additionally, visitors can also see Nene's actual hand bowl, as well as enjoy Matcha in the tea room.

Chohouji Temple

The Rokkakudo (Chohoji) temple is said to have been founded by Shotoku Taishi (Prince Regent Shotoku). Successive generations of Ikenobo headmasters have served as head priests of this temple and the site is known as the “birthplace of ikebana.”

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.

Ending Point

Osaka Station/ Osaka port