Hidden Gems of Kyoto - Yamashina

Photo taken during a limited-time event "Hana no Ma" at Zuishin-in Temple (March 30th～June 30th, 2023)

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02Sep2024

Hidden Gems of Kyoto - Yamashina

“TOTTEOKI” Hidden Gems of Kyoto

The "Hidden Gems of Kyoto" is a project that brings you new sightseeing information on hidden attractions in the local areas slightly removed from the city center.

About Yamashina

Yamashina is located on the east side of Kyoto. In the northern part, the man-made canal “Biwako Sosui” completed in 1890 runs through the area from east to west, and people can enjoy boat cruises and walking. Yamashina is only one stop (5 minutes) on the JR train from Kyoto Station, or 10 minutes from the city center on the Tozai subway line. The area is also conveniently accessible by bus (Keihan Bus) from Shijo-Kawaramachi and Keihan Sanjo Station. The area is covered by the One-day Subway/Bus pass.

Biwako Canal Boat Cruise

The Lake Biwa Canal is a man-made canal that runs from Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, to Kyoto City, built for the purpose of water transportation, power generation, water supply, and irrigation. In spring and autumn, sightseeing cruise boats are in operation (on limited days and with reservations necessary through their website). A 4-km promenade along the canal is a nice walking course, too.

Click below to learn more:

Lake Biwa Canal Cruise

Temples Associated with the World's Three Most Beautiful Women　

In Japan, Cleopatra VII of Egypt, Yang Kuei-Fei of China's Tang Dynasty, and Ono-no Komachi, a Japanese poetess of the Heian Period, are called the “Three Most Beautiful Women” in world history. Zuishin-in Temple, built on the site of Ono-no Komachi's residence, is very popular among young women as a place to pray for good romantic match-making. The colorful sliding door paintings depicting the life of Ono-no Komachi will be a good eyecatcher on social media.

Click below to learn more:

Zuishin-in Official Website (Japanese only)

Kyoto’s Two Strongest Power Spots

In Yamashina, there are two power spots that are considered the strongest in Kyoto. Many people visit them to increase their luck and detoxify their spirits. One is the Okuno-in of Iwaya Shrine. There are two huge rocks, Yin-rock and Yang-rock, and it has been a place of nature worship since ancient times. The other is Himukai Dai-jingu Shrine. There is a cave called “Amano Iwato,” which is hollowed out of a huge rock, and it is said that if you pass through the cave, you will be reborn as a new person.

Himukai Dai-jingu Shrine's "Amano Iwato" cave

Click below to learn more:

Iwaya Shrine’s Official Website (Japanese only)

Himukai Dai-jingu Shrine's Official Website (Japanese only)

A Treasure Box of Sweets

Kyoto is home to many Japanese and Western confectionery stores, but Yamashina in particular is a treasure box of unique and particular sweets. To name just a few: there is a coffee shop called "HAYASHI COFFEE ROASTERY" that offers beautiful “Flower Ohagi” once a month (4th Sat. of the month) and exquisite cheesecakes available at the "Switzerland Rhone" cake shop, made by a pastry chef who has obtained national master pastry chef titles in Austria and Germany. There is also the "Maleblanche Romain Forest" café and cake shop popular for its matcha green tea confectioneries called "Chanoka".