Golden Pavilion over Kyoko-chi pond. UNESCO. One-way path, 500 yen, 09:00–17:00. Arrive at opening. Bus 12 / 101 / 205 to Kinkakuji-michi from Kyoto Station or Nijo.

Head shrine of Inari, open 24 hours and free. Walk through the Senbon Torii tunnels up Mount Inari. JR Nara Line to Inari Station, 5 minutes from Kyoto Station. Go at dawn or after dusk to miss the crush.

Free path through moso bamboo next to Tenryu-ji. Pair with Togetsukyo Bridge. Arrive before 08:00. JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama, or Randen tram to Arashiyama.

UNESCO hillside temple with the wooden stage and Otowa Waterfall. Walk up Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka from Yasaka. Open about 06:00–18:00. Goji-no-to pagoda views on the descent.

Yasaka Shrine at the top of Shijo, then Hanamikoji and Shirakawa. Best at dusk. Do not block geiko or maiko for photos. Gion-Shijo (Keihan) or Kawaramachi (Hankyu).

Tokugawa castle, UNESCO. Ninomaru Palace has painted rooms and nightingale floors. Site of the 1867 restoration of imperial rule. Open about 08:45–17:00 (last entry 16:00). Closed Tuesdays in winter some weeks.

Canal path from Ginkaku-ji south toward Nanzen-ji, about 30 minutes. Best in cherry season. Start at Ginkakuji-michi and walk downhill with the water on your left.

UNESCO Zen temple. Fifteen stones in raked gravel — you never see all fifteen from one seat. Open about 08:00–17:00. Pair with nearby Kinkaku-ji if you reverse the morning.

Imperial Household Agency grounds in Kyoto Gyoen. Free timed entry; book online. Wide gravel courtyards, cypress roofs and pines. Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma line.

UNESCO Zen temple and Sogenchi pond garden in Arashiyama. Walk the garden then exit toward the bamboo grove. Open about 08:30–17:00. Combine with stop 3 if you do Arashiyama as one block.