Kyoto is highly popular as a tourist destination both domestically and internationally. Many couples might be considering visiting Kyoto together.
In this article, we'll introduce recommended date spots in Kyoto by area, along with seasonal recommendations and suggestions for one-day date courses, providing useful information for dating in Kyoto.
Check out the interesting spots and date courses, and try planning your own enjoyable date.
Recommended Date Spots Around Gion
Yasaka Shrine | A Popular Date Spot in Kyoto
Yasaka Shrine is located on the north side of Gion. While popular as an impressive tourist spot, there are also many restaurants in the area and the traditional Kyoto townscape remains, making it a great atmosphere for a date.
The area around Yasaka Shrine is packed with many elements sought after in Kyoto, making it a highly satisfying date spot.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Yasaka Shrine
Maruyama Park | A Relaxing Spot to Feel Nature
Maruyama Park is a popular park rich in nature. The spacious grounds are filled with plants that show different colors each season, especially famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms illumination in spring.
Known as Kyoto's oldest park, opened in 1886, it's also highly valued as a cultural property. It's nice to take a stroll while experiencing history. During cherry blossom season, many tourists visit day and night.
Address: Maruyama-cho and others, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Maruyama Park
Kiyomizu-dera | A Classic Tourist Spot Where You Can Also Pray for Love
Kiyomizu-dera is a temple that everyone thinks of when it comes to Kyoto. It's also famous as a spot for praying for love. Visit with your partner and pray for lasting happiness.
As Kiyomizu-dera is a popular tourist spot with many people, be careful not to get separated.
On the way to Kiyomizu-dera, there are Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes, lined with many street stalls, souvenir shops, and cafes. Enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Kyoto tourist area while making stops along the way.
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Kiyomizumichi Bus Stop
Visiting hours: 6:00-18:00
Admission fee: 400 yen for adults
Official website: Kiyomizu-dera
Yasaka Koshindo | Take a Commemorative Photo at This Popular Instagram Spot
Yasaka Koshindo is a temple that enshrines "Koshin-san". Recently, it has become highly popular among younger generations as an Instagram-worthy spot, attracting many tourists.
The small grounds are characterized by "Kukuri-zaru" (bound monkeys) densely hung all over. These are monkey dolls made of cloth with their limbs tied and hung. It's one of the ways of praying based on the idea of suppressing desires to fulfill wishes.
There's also a belief that tying monkeys leads to tying bonds, so it's quietly popular as a spot for praying for love.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Yasaka Shrine
Recommended Date Spots Around Arashiyama
Togetsukyo Bridge | Enjoy the Scenery of Four Seasons
Togetsukyo Bridge is a historic bridge that is said to have been first built between 834 and 848. It was named Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing Bridge) when Emperor Kameyama said it looked "like the moon crossing over a cloudless sky" when he saw the moon moving above the bridge.
The current Togetsukyo Bridge was completed in 1934 and has become an unmissable popular tourist spot in the Arashiyama area.
There are many restaurants in the surrounding area, making it perfect for a walking date. Enjoy the completely different scenery of Arashiyama in each season.
Address: 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 13 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Togetsu Bridge
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Walk through a serene space surrounded by bamboo
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a recommended spot for a summer date in Kyoto, exuding Japanese charm. While not flashy, the sight of tall bamboo covering your entire view is breathtaking. The air is fresh, and a cool breeze flows even in summer.
It's also known as a great photo spot that complements kimono well, so it's a must-visit if you're walking around Kyoto in kimono. Try capturing Japanese-style shots like couple photos or atmospheric back views.
Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyama-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Arashiyama Station
Viewing hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Official website: Bamboo Grove - Kyoto City
Fukuda Art Museum | Enjoy contemporary Kyoto art
https://www.photo-ac.com/main/detail/23712969
The Fukuda Art Museum, opened in 2019, is a new tourist spot in Arashiyama. While having a Kyoto-esque exterior, the interior is designed for casual art appreciation, making it easy for couples to visit.
It mainly exhibits works by Kyoto-born artists or pieces with Kyoto as their concept, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Kyoto.
There's also a café inside with a view of Togetsu Bridge, perfect for discussing art after viewing the exhibits.
Address: 3-16 Susukino Baba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 4-minute walk from Arashiyama Station
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, High school students 700 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 400 yen
Official website: Fukuda Art Museum
Saryo Hassui | Take a break while enjoying the spectacular view of Arashiyama
At Saryo Hassui, you can enjoy sweets and tea while taking in the spectacular view of Arashiyama. They also offer afternoon tea, so consider making a reservation in advance if you're interested.
Indoor seating features Japanese-style table seats, while the terrace allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying the panoramic view. Why not experience a sophisticated café time perfect for mature couples?
Address: 12 Susukino Baba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: About 5-minute walk from Togetsu Bridge
Business hours: 11:00 - 17:00
Official website: Saryo Hassui
Recommended date spots around Fushimi
Fushimi Inari Shrine | A must-visit Kyoto shrine with thousands of torii gates
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its rows of red torii gates, is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots, highly regarded by international visitors. As the entire mountain is considered sacred, locals also visit for hiking and training purposes.
With attractions like the thousand torii gates, Keikishi rock, and the back approach, it's perfect for couples on their first long trip, providing plenty of conversation topics.
There are also tea houses beyond the thousand torii gates, so take breaks as you explore.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Access: Right next to JR Inari Station
Viewing hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Official website: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Inafuku | Try the unique whole-roasted sparrow
Inafuku is a restaurant on the approach to Fushimi Inari Shrine. It's famous for serving whole-roasted sparrow, a specialty of the Fushimi area, along with other dishes like inari sushi and bento boxes.
The tradition of roasting sparrows reportedly comes from farmers catching and cooking sparrows that scattered their grains. It's sometimes mentioned as part of the history of modern yakitori.
After visiting the main shrine through the thousand torii gates, stop by if you're hungry.
Address: 2-4 Fukakusa Kaidocho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Access: 3-minute walk from Inari Station
Business hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of the month
Official website: Restaurant Inafuku
Jonangu Shrine | A shrine beautiful with moss, plum blossoms, and camellia
Jonangu Shrine is known as a shrine governing directions and is popular for car purification ceremonies. Many visitors come from all over Japan for this purpose.
Jonangu is also famous for its beautiful moss, plum blossoms, and camellia. If you visit during the camellia season, you can enjoy the sight of red camellias contrasting beautifully with the green moss. It's also known as a place to see various beautiful flowers throughout the seasons.
Address: 7 Nakajima Tobarikyu-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Jonangu Higashiguchi bus stop
Visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Jonangu Shrine
Fujinomori Shrine | Pray to the God of Competition and Winning Horses
Fujinomori Shrine is dedicated to the gods of competition and horses. It's known as a place where horse racing enthusiasts and people in the racing industry often gather, as well as visitors who come to pray before important competitions.
With the recent increase in horse racing fans, it's worth a visit if you're interested. By the way, for horse racing enthusiast couples, it's recommended to combine this with a trip to Kyoto Racecourse.
Address: 609 Fukakusa Torisaki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Fujinomori Station
Visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission fee: Free
Official website: Fujinomori Shrine
Recommended Date Spots for Each Season
[Spring Edition] Recommended Date Spots in Kyoto
For spring dates in Kyoto, spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms are recommended.
Include places with many blooming cherry trees or areas with nighttime illuminations in your date plan.
Be sure to research in advance as the periods and times for nighttime illuminations may change each year.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Maruyama Park
Philosopher's Path | Enjoy a stroll while feeling the spring
Keage Incline | An emotional photo spot with abandoned railway tracks and cherry blossoms
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Philosopher's Path | An emotional path with dancing cherry blossoms
[Summer Edition] Recommended Date Spots in Kyoto
For summer dates in Kyoto, it's important to plan with consideration for the heat, including places where you can cool off occasionally. It's good to choose outdoor spots with shade, places where you can enjoy tea, and include more indoor tourist attractions in your itinerary.
Yasaka Koshin-do
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Fukuda Art Museum
Kifune Shrine | A shrine where you can feel the power of nature
Shimogamo Shrine | One of Kyoto's most famous spots
Kyoto Tower | Enjoy modern Kyoto
[Autumn Edition] Recommended Date Spots in Kyoto
For autumn dates in Kyoto, it's recommended to fully enjoy the autumn foliage. You can experience autumn in Kyoto by including spots where you can enjoy vast autumn landscapes like Togetsukyo Bridge and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, along with visiting classic temples.
Also, as there are more special viewings and nighttime illuminations in Kyoto during autumn, make sure to check these in advance.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Saryo Hassui
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Shojuin Temple | Cute with its heart-shaped window and ceiling paintings
Rurikoin Temple | Recommended for special autumn viewings
[Winter Edition] Recommended Date Spots in Kyoto
When planning a winter date in Kyoto, it's best to prepare separate date plans for snowy and non-snowy days.
Check out places that are suitable whether it snows or not, spots that are beautiful when it snows, and areas that are easier to walk around when there's no snow.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine | A shrine where you can see plum blossoms
Electricity Science Museum
Strawberry Hunting
Kinkaku-ji Temple | Aim for the spectacular view of snow and the Golden Pavilion
Ginkaku-ji Temple | A different solemn atmosphere compared to Kinkaku-ji
Enjoy Kyoto in a Day! Recommended Date Courses
From here, we'll introduce four date courses that can serve as a reference for spending a day in Kyoto.
We'll briefly introduce Kyoto date plans that you can enjoy while renting kimonos, so please use them as a reference.
Here is the English translation of the specified portion of the blog post:
Compact Date Around Yasaka Shrine
The area around Yasaka Shrine is packed with Kyoto's essence.
This date course allows you to fully enjoy Kyoto within a compact travel range.
① Meet at Kyoto Station
② Get dressed at Kimono Rental Wargo
③ Visit Yasaka Shrine
④ Explore the area and have lunch break at a restaurant
⑤ Take a seasonal stroll in Maruyama Park
⑥ Enjoy Sannenzaka slope on the way to Kiyomizu Temple
⑦ Visit Kiyomizu Temple
⑧ Return the kimono
⑨ Have dinner at Kyoto Station
⑩ End of date
Seasonal Stroll Date
① Meet at Kyoto Station
② Get dressed at Kimono Rental Wargo
③ Cross Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy the scenery
④ Browse shops around Togetsukyo Bridge
⑤ Have afternoon tea at Saryo Hassui
⑥ Move to Bamboo Grove
⑦ Take commemorative photos with bamboo backdrop and explore
⑧ Move to Maruyama Park for an evening walk
→ Cherry blossom illumination is a must-see in spring!
⑩ Return the kimono
⑪ End of date
Energy-Demanding Date Enjoying Fushimi's Popular and Hidden Spots
This date course centered around Fushimi Inari Taisha offers a good balance of popular and hidden spots. As it involves a lot of walking and moving around, it's recommended for couples confident in their stamina. Challenge yourself!
By the way, Fushimi Inari Taisha is less crowded and more comfortable to explore in the early morning.
① Meet at Kyoto Station
② Get dressed at Kimono Rental Wargo
③ Walk through the thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
④ Visit the main shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha
⑤ Try grilled sparrow at Inafuku
⑥ Enjoy seasonal flowers at Jonangu Shrine
→ Bring a camera during camellia and plum blossom season!
⑦ Visit Fujinomori Shrine
⑧ Return the kimono
⑨ End of date
Recommended for Winter! Snow-Enjoying Date
The last date plan is a winter-exclusive snow-enjoying course. You might feel disappointed if it snows during your kimono date, but with boots on, it can be surprisingly enjoyable.
Let's enjoy the special Kyoto unique to snowy days.
① Meet at Kyoto Station
② Get dressed at Kimono Rental Wargo
→ Boots are recommended on snowy days!
④ Enjoy the beauty of gold and white at Kinkaku-ji Temple
⑤ Head towards Yasaka Pagoda, savoring the snowy Kyoto streets
⑥ Go to Kiyomizu Temple
→ Use public transportation if the snow is heavy!
⑦ Visit Kiyomizu Temple and explore surrounding shops
⑧ Return the kimono
⑨ Warm up at an Ayurveda salon & foot bath cafe
⑩ End of date
Enhance Your Kyoto Date with Kimono Rental from "Kimono Rental Wargo"!
If you want to have a kimono date in Kyoto, please consider Kimono Rental Wargo.
Kimono Rental Wargo offers seasonal kimono and yukata for both men and women. Why not make your Kyoto tour even more special and full of Kyoto essence by wearing a kimono?
Even if you're not familiar with kimono, professionals will help you with the dressing. Please feel free to consult us.
Summary
While Kyoto is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, it's also a recommended date spot for many couples precisely because it's an area that never lacks topics of interest.
Kyoto is a tourist destination that can be enjoyed by couples at any stage of their relationship, from those who have just started dating to those who have been together for a long time.
Please use the popular date spots and recommended date plans introduced in this article as a reference to create your own perfect Kyoto date plan.
At Kimono Rental Wargo, we recommend our one-day kimono rental service to make your wonderful date even more memorable. We have kimono available for both men and women, so if you're interested, please don't hesitate to contact us.