Things to do in Sakyo, Kyoto

The Silver Pavilion was built as Ashikaga Yoshimasa's retirement villa and was never actually covered in silver. It is a UNESCO site and became the base of Higashiyama culture, which shaped traditions such as the tea ceremony, poetry and garden design.

"The Silver Pavilion was built as Ashikaga Yoshimasa's retirement villa and was never actually covere"

One of the host's favourite temples, famous for its aqueduct and rock garden.

"One of the host's favourite temples, famous for its aqueduct and rock garden."

A canal-side walking path named after a Japanese philosophy professor who is said to have walked it daily while meditating. It is lined with maple trees on one side and cherry trees on the other, with small shrines and ginkgo trees along the way.

"A canal-side walking path named after a Japanese philosophy professor who is said to have walked it "

A scenic valley north of the city known for summer terrace dining on platforms built over flowing water.

"A scenic valley north of the city known for summer terrace dining on platforms built over flowing wa"

A temple known for its beautiful garden, making it one of the best places in Kyoto to see autumn foliage.

"A temple known for its beautiful garden, making it one of the best places in Kyoto to see autumn fol"

A lovely hike through shrines and temples surrounded by splendid nature. Kurama is about 30 minutes by train from central Kyoto.

"A lovely hike through shrines and temples surrounded by splendid nature. Kurama is about 30 minutes "

A quiet little shrine a few minutes from Ginkaku-ji, where eight deities are enshrined. Its lanterns light up in the evening, making it a peaceful escape from the crowds.

"A quiet little shrine a few minutes from Ginkaku-ji, where eight deities are enshrined. Its lanterns"

A Meiji-period aqueduct built in a European Romanesque style. It is no longer in use but has been preserved for its unique architecture.

"A Meiji-period aqueduct built in a European Romanesque style. It is no longer in use but has been pr"

A temple whose main viewing deck overlooks a garden full of stunning autumn foliage. Autumn visits require an online reservation, and entry costs 1,000 yen.

"A temple whose main viewing deck overlooks a garden full of stunning autumn foliage. Autumn visits r"

A local train line through the countryside that has become a sightseeing ride thanks to its scenery. It passes through the famous maple tunnel, which is illuminated at night but also lovely by day.

"A local train line through the countryside that has become a sightseeing ride thanks to its scenery."

A shrine that is especially pretty in autumn, though its leaves fall earlier than in the city. It offers water fortunes (mizu-mikuji) that reveal text when dipped in water, with QR codes for English translations.

"A shrine that is especially pretty in autumn, though its leaves fall earlier than in the city. It of"

Created by chef and artist Masayo Funakoshi, it runs as a tea salon and cafe by day and a private restaurant in the evening, with an open kitchen and mismatched design tableware. It is known for its porridge and seasonal dishes, and has a ceramics store on the second floor.

"Created by chef and artist Masayo Funakoshi, it runs as a tea salon and cafe by day and a private re"

A peaceful temple on the Philosopher's Path, away from the crowds. Its entrance has sand gardens with seasonal designs, and the grounds have moss-covered gardens.

"A peaceful temple on the Philosopher's Path, away from the crowds. Its entrance has sand gardens wit"