Timeline
16:58
Start with a coffee at this nearby café. It opens early and is a short walk from the temple, giving you time to arrive before the crowds build.
17:48
Walk to Chion-in. The grounds are free to enter, allowing you to wander the complex and see the massive Sanmon gate while the afternoon light is still bright.
18:28
Stay put for sunset. The temple grounds offer a quiet, historic backdrop as the sun sets toward the WNW. This is the peak moment of the evening.
18:58
Head to Kikunoi for dinner. This famous ryotei serves kaiseki cuisine. Lunch is reasonable, but for dinner you will need a booking well in advance. The walk is short.
19:58
End the night at this izakaya pub. You can watch the food being prepared and try the sweet plum liquor. It is popular with both locals and tourists.
Local tip
Kikunoi requires advance booking for dinner. If you do not have a reservation, consider the Italian food at Gion TAC or the matcha parfait at Saryou Tsuriji instead, but be prepared for potential queues at the latter.
Check before you go
- Kikunoi (1997) is open 17:00-20:00 for dinner. Bookings are essential.
- Saryou Tsuriji (1994) is open until 21:00 on weekdays and 20:30 on weekends. Expect waits.
- Gion TAC (1996) closes at 15:00, so it is only an option for lunch or early afternoon, not dinner.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kyoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).