Timeline
06:19
Grab a matcha parfait to hold onto. It is not uncommon to wait 30 minutes just to get inside so arrive early.
06:34
Walk to Kenninji Temple. The sand and moss gardens are quiet and meditative in the early light.
07:04
Watch the sunrise. The temple grounds offer a serene backdrop for the morning light.
07:49
Finish your parfait and enjoy the golden light spilling through the halls before the crowds arrive.
Local tip
The matcha parfait place opens at 10:00 on weekdays and 10:00 on weekends. Since you are arriving before sunrise, you will likely have the place to yourself or have a very short wait if others beat you there. The temple opens at 10:00 as well, but you can access the exterior gardens earlier.
Check before you go
- Saryou Tsuriji opens at 10:00 Mon-Fri and 10:00 Sat Sun. If you arrive before opening, you may need to wait outside or find another early option.
- Kenninji Temple opens at 10:00. Check if early garden access is permitted on your specific date.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kyoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).