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HOTEL KUU KYOTO is located just in front of Higashi Honganji Temple’s Goei-do Hall.
This modern Japanese-style inn is located just 7 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station. This location is both conveniently accessible and convenient as a starting point for sightseeing, ensuring guests can enjoy a comfortable stay no matter the purpose.
The hotel is located 7 minutes north of Kyoto Station’s Central Gate along Karasuma-dori Street in front of Higashi Honganji Temple’s Sanmon Gate.
THE GRAVITY OF KYOTO
The hotel is located 7 minutes north of Kyoto Station’s Central Gate along Karasuma-dori Street in front of Higashi Honganji Temple’s Sanmon Gate.
• From Tokyo: Take the Tomei Expressway to Kameyama JCT, followed by the Meishin Expressway, getting off at Kyoto-minami IC. Follow Route 1 for 15 minutes to reach the hotel.
• From Osaka: Take the Meishin Expressway and get off at Kyoto-minami IC. Follow Route 1 for 15 minutes to reach the hotel.
• approx 75 minutes by Limited Express "Haruka" from Kansai International Airport
• approx 60 minutes by Limousine bus from Osaka International Airport
As the head temple of the Shinshu Otani School of the Jodo‐shin sect of Buddhism, Higashi Honganji Temple features a portrait of Shinran Shonin (the sect founder) in Goei-do Hall as well as a memorial to the temple’s principle image, Amida Nyorai, in Amida-do Hall. Goei-do Hall is also famously known as one of the world’s largest wooden buildings.
1 minute from the hotel on foot
Shosei-en Garden is located on the grounds neighboring Higashi Honganji Temple (the temple villa). The garden has been designated a national scenic area. Believed to have been worked on by Ishikawa Jozan, this impressive pond-centric garden is a popular destination accentuated by colorful seasonal flowers.
3 minutes from the hotel on foot
Built when Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan, To-ji Temple was built as a central seminary for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism under Kukai. Visitors to the temple will see not only national treasures such as a five-storied pagoda, the temple’s main hall, the Daishi-do Hall (Great Priest’s Hall), and Rengemon Gate, but also plenty of other sights such as numerous Esoteric sculptures.
25 minutes from the hotel by bus
Nishiki Market covers some 390 meters and features more than 120 shops offering everything from Kyoto vegetables and pickled goods to tofu, tea, sushi, dried goods, and confectionery, making this a perfect destination for souvenirs.
16 minutes from the hotel by bus
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is the head shrine of all Inari-jinja shrines (which worship Inari, the god of agriculture, industry, general prosperity, and worldly success) in Japan and has been an important religious destination for over 1300 years. The shrine’s approach is decorated with thousands of red torii gates for a spectacular display that has attracted many worshipers over the years.
18 minutes from the hotel by train
Kyoto Tower is home to not only an observation deck looking out over the city of Kyoto from 100 m up but also a commercial zone featuring popular local shops such as the Sky Lounge and other topical stores as well as a large public bath.
6 minutes from the hotel on foot
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s quintessential tourist destinations. Travelers visit from all over the world to experience Togetsu-kyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River and surrounded by rich seasonal scenery including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in fall.
50 minutes from the hotel by bus (to Togetsu-kyo Bridge)
Running north-south in the northwest corner of Higashiyama Ward, Hanamikoji-dori Street features impressive stone paving. With numerous historic teahouses and restaurants, the street is a popular destination for its tasteful scenery.
20 minutes from the hotel by train
Beginning in front of Kumanonyakuo-ji Shrine to the south, this roughly 1.5 km pathway follows part of the Lake Biwa Canal. The pathway was frequented by the philosopher Kitaro Nishida, who followed the canal deep in thought, giving rise to the name the “Philosopher’s Path.”
40 minutes from the hotel by bus
The World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle is a gorgeous national treasure that features such beautiful sights as Ninomaru Palace. Built in 1603 as a residence for when Tokugawa Ieyasu came to the capital of Kyoto, it was here at Nijo Castle that Tokugawa Yoshinobu announced the restoration of imperial rule in Japan at the end of the Edo period.
30 minutes from the hotel by train or bus
