Kyoto One-Day Walking Tour: Best No-Backtrack Route with Top Photo Spots & Hidden Gems

Here’s a carefully planned one-day Kyoto citywalk route to ensure you avoid backtracking, escape the crowds, and capture stunning photos! First-time visitors, save this guide!

🚶 **Lazy? Just follow this route:**
1️⃣ Kiyomizu-dera → Sannenzaka
🚶 3min walk
2️⃣ Sannenzaka → Ninenzaka
🚶 4min walk
3️⃣ Ninenzaka → Hōkan-ji Temple
🚶 3min walk
4️⃣ Hōkan-ji Temple → Kōdai-ji
🚶 4min walk
5️⃣ Kōdai-ji → Yasaka Shrine
🚶 7min walk
6️⃣ Yasaka Shrine → Gion
🚶 3min walk
7️⃣ Gion → Hanamikoji Street
🚶 3min walk
8️⃣ Hanamikoji Street → Kamogawa River
🚶 8min walk
9️⃣ Kamogawa River → Nishiki Market
🚶 9min walk

📷 **Best photo spots:**
1️⃣ “Kyoto Mizuiro-tei,” “Akeono-tei,” “Agoya Chaya,” “Shichimiya Honpo” – Best angles for Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka.
2️⃣ Saiin-in Temple – Perfect spot for sunset shots of Yasaka Pagoda.
3️⃣ Kiyomizu-dera Main Hall – Recreate the iconic *Detective Conan* scene.
4️⃣ Kiyomizu-dera West Gate – Frame the entire Kyoto view through the gate.

5️⃣ Yasaka Shrine – Capture a dramatic shot at the lantern’s diagonal angle.
6️⃣ Shirakawa Minami-dori – Get Hanamikoji-style shots without the crowds.

⚠️ **Heads up:**
❗ No stalking or photographing geishas in Gion! Keep 5m distance if you spot one.
❗ Wear sneakers on Sannenzaka’s stone paths—change into geta (wooden sandals) just for photos.
❗ At Yasaka Shrine’s love fortune stone, walk blindfolded—only 30% success rate!
❗ Avoid renting kimono at tourist spots!

Book in advance at **Okamoto Gofuku (Gion Branch)** (arrive before 9am for the newest designs).
❗ Cleanest restrooms: Kōdai-ji parking lot & Nishiki Market. Kiyomizu-dera toilets have long lines!
❗ Start early to dodge crowds—tour groups flood Kiyomizu-dera after 8am.