Starting from Yamashina Station, explore these charming neighborhoods’ famous temples, local sweets, and more!
Yamashina and Daigo, just a short ride from Kyoto Station
Easily accessible from Kyoto Station, the Yamashina and Daigo areas offer a lot to see and experience, including historic temples and unique sweets. Starting from Yamashina Station, we’ll take you on a journey that showcases a different side of eastern Kyoto.
For a limited time only: Stamp rally exploring history at four stops, from Yamashina to Daigo
Starting from Yamashina Station, this stamp rally takes you to famous spots including Bishamon-do Temple (renowned for its autumn foliage), Zuishin-in Temple (associated with the poet Ono no Komachi), and Daigo-ji Temple (a famous flower-viewing spot cherished by lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi). Don’t miss out on Yamashina’s popular dessert shops along the way!
By layering the stamps, you create a single, colorful piece of art.
Collect all stamps to receive a voucher for sweets.
Stamp rally period: October 1 (Thu)–December 13 (Sun), 2026
* Download the PDF below for details on the stamp rally period, how to participate, etc:
Click here to download the stamp rally brochure (PDF)
*Please use public transportation.
*Temporary closures may occur in addition to the listed holidays.
Four stops on the way from Yamashina to Daigo
Bishamondo Monzeki
Bishamondo-Monzeki is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Perched on the hillside, this historic temple exemplifies both status and rustic charm. It takes its name from Bishamonten, a fierce protector deity who is worshipped here.
Kyoto Yamashina Hotel Sanraku
Conveniently situated just one stop (5 minutes) from Kyoto Station and a mere 2-minute walk from JR Yamashina Station
Zuishin-in Temple
Ninth-century poet and famed beauty Ono no Komachi is believed to have spent time at this temple during her later years. Several sites on its grounds are said to be connected with her, including a “letter mound” where she buried a thousand love letters; a Jizo statue containing love letters within its lining; and a well where she did her makeup. Zuishin-in Temple is also renowned for its beautiful plum blossoms, and the “Hanezu Dance” is performed here in the spring.
Daigo-ji Temple
With over 1150 years of history, Daigo-ji Temple is now home to myriad preserved cultural assets, including 100,336 National Treasures. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994, gaining international recognition of its historical and cultural value.
Exploring historic sites is hungry work — the three sweet treats of Yamashina
In recent years, the Yamashina area has become known for its sweets, starting with the local Yamashina Sweets Fes event. The following shops are some of the best and make perfect pit stops as you complete the stamp rally!
Switzerland Rhone
This shop is locally famous for its cheesecake. Their signature, a truly addictive “meister cheesecake” that features Dutch Gouda cheese, is moist, light, and blissfully melt-in-your-mouth. It occasionally sells out by the evening, so either call ahead to reserve one or head to Rhone early just in case!
Main store
Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Closed Tuesdays, as well as the third Wednesday of the month)
Address: 4-4 Goryo Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-591-1111
RACTO branch
Hours: 10:00–20:00
Address: RACTO Building B, 91 Takehanatakenokaido-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-583-4050
Yorozuya Rincho Main Store
The pride of this Japanese confectionery shop is its signature item, “Dream Dorayaki” — pancakes sandwiching red bean paste — that reportedly sell to the tune of 500,000 pieces a year. Driven by the owner’s desire to provide fresh treats, the main store prepares dorayaki right in front of customers for the first hour after opening every morning. Another service unique to the main store is that they will also grill Dohare Mochi rice cakes and mitarashi dango rice dumplings right at the counter for you.
Hours: 9:00–18:00 (until 17:00 on Sundays. Closed Wednesdays; other irregular closures may occur)
Address: 2-4 Kawatadodo, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-592-4628
CAFE HATCH
Tucked away off the main street, this cozy cafe is popular for its cute, seasonal fruit parfaits and waffles. In the fall, take a break with the owner’s recommended tea paired with a crispy, fragrant scone. Local specialty Dohare Mochi tastes great HATCH-style — sprinkled with kinako (roasted soybean flour) — and you can grill it yourself over a shichirin charcoal grill.
Hours: Thursdays 12:00–15:00 (last order 14:30), Fridays–Saturdays 18:00–22:30 (last order 22:00). Closed Sundays–Wednesdays; other irregular closures may occur.
Address: 35-5 Takehananishinoguchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-591-1969
Fun Fact: Yamashina specialty Dohare Mochi revived after 150 years!
Dohare Mochi, a type of rice cake, is said to have been popular among travelers at a teahouse in Yamashina’s Shinomiya neighborhood during the Edo period (1603–1868). In recent years, local volunteers and traditional Japanese confectionery shops have revived this style of mochi based on historical documents and illustrations. You can find Dohare Mochi at the Yorozuya Rincho main store and CAFE HATCH, among other shops.
Relax on the water! Lake Biwa and the Lake Biwa Canal
Refreshing autumn breezes and crystal-clear skies make fall the perfect season for pleasure cruises. The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise glides along this historic and scenic waterway, while the LAGO Cruise offers views of the lofty mountains and townscapes from Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga Prefecture.
The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise
The Lake Biwa Canal connects Kyoto with Otsu Port in Shiga Prefecture. Designated as a National Historic Site, this waterway is dotted with landmarks such as the First Tunnel, designated as a National Treasure, and the Otsu Lock Gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property. Taking a boat is the perfect way to view these historic structures up close, which were cutting-edge feats of engineering in their day.
We are also holding a Lake Biwa Canal stamp rally!
The striped bitterling fish was once common in the Yodo River basin, centered around Lake Biwa, but it is now included as an endangered species on the national and prefectural lists. Various conservation efforts are underway in the area around the Lake Biwa Canal, an industrial heritage site from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Have fun learning about this rare fish as you visit the stamp rally locations.
Contact: Stamp Rally Office
Email: info@yamashina-kyoto-shiga-stamprally.com
Hours: Weekdays from 9:00–17:00 (Closed weekends and public holidays)
*Depending on your inquiry, it may take some time to respond. Thank you for your patience.
Stamp Rally From Kyoto to Lake Biwa: Tracing Stories of Water Across Six Sights
