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  Yasaka Shrine

  Located at the eastern end of Shijo Street, which can be considered Kyoto's main street, the shrine protecting the east of Heian-kyo has been worshipped since ancient times as a shrine that wards off epidemics from the capital. The Gion Festival, held in July, is known worldwide as one of Japan's three major festivals.

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  Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

  Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across the country, attracts devout worshippers as the god of prosperity in business and bountiful harvests. The shrine is famous for its tower gate donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and its row of vermilion-lacquered torii gates. Within the grounds, which encompass the entire Mount Inari mountain, you can see statues of foxes holding various treasures in their mouths.

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  Heian Shrine

  Heian Shrine conveys the elegance of Heian-kyo to the present day. The vast gardens were designed by Ogawa Jihei VII, and offer beautiful scenery in every season, transporting visitors to the Heian period.

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  ① Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle

  This castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a lodging when he visited Kyoto. It was also the site of the Meiji Restoration. Only the Ninomaru Palace remains from that time, and it has been designated a national treasure.

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  ②Nishiki Market

  Also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," it offers a wide selection of Kyoto flavors, including Kyoto vegetables, seafood, pickles, and side dishes. There are also eat-in spaces and restaurants that allow you to bring your own food. You can enjoy local flavors to your heart's content.

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  ③Kenninji Temple

  This is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded by Zen Master Eisai, who is known as the father of tea and who first brought tea to Japan during the Kamakura period. You will be awed by the gorgeous paintings of the wind gods and thunder gods (replicas on display) and the painting of the twin dragons.

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  ④Kyoto Tower

  The observation deck, located 100 meters above ground, offers a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto. You can enjoy different views of the spots you've walked around by changing the angle.

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  ⑤Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

  This is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines across Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. It is a famous spot surrounded by beautiful nature, including a plum garden and a maple garden. There is plenty to see, including the main hall, which has been designated a national treasure.

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  ⑥Kyoto Railway Museum

  There are plenty of actual exhibits, including the old wooden Nijo Station building and steam locomotives lined up in a roundhouse with a turntable, allowing you to feel the romance of modern Japan.

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  ⑦Ryoanji Temple

  Not only is the dry landscape garden attractive, but the view of the pond surrounding the southern side of the temple grounds is also appealing. At Seigen-in Temple within the temple grounds, you can enjoy vegetarian cuisine such as boiled tofu.

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  8. Kyoto City Zoo

  This is the second zoo to open in Japan, and has a long history. There are facilities where you can pet and feed the animals and interact with them.

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  9. The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  It acts as a bridge between modern and contemporary art. Its distinctive collection changes every two to three months, so you're sure to find something new and surprising no matter how many times you visit.

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  10. Kyoto National Museum

  This museum collects, stores, and exhibits a wide range of art and cultural assets related to Kyoto, including sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, and crafts. The museum shop and attached cafe are also popular.

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  ⑪Togetsukyo Bridge

  The view of the bridge with Arashiyama in the background is one of Kyoto's most iconic tourist spots. There are also rental boats available upstream, so it's recommended to view the bridge from a boat on a clear day.

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  ⑫Nonomiya Shrine

  This historic shrine appears in the Tale of Genji's "Kageki no Maki" chapter. It is also famous as the place where the Saio, who serves at Ise Grand Shrine, was purified.

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  ⑬ Shimogamo Shrine

  The vast grounds are surrounded by nature and are lined with historic shrines and sites, so we recommend taking your time to stroll around. One theory is that it has been an object of worship since before the Common Era.

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  ⑭ Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  A staple of Kyoto tourism, this temple was founded in 778 as a place of worship for Kannon. There is plenty to see, including the spectacular view from the stage, the stage itself, and the temple buildings lining the grounds.

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  ⑮Nanzenji Temple

  This is the head temple of the Nanzenji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The Sanmon Gate, the red brick Suirokaku Suirokaku, and the Hojo Garden are must-sees. Experience sessions such as sutra copying and zazen meditation are also held regularly.

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  ⑯Byodoin Phoenix Hall

  This temple was originally a villa owned by Fujiwara no Michinaga, but was converted into one by his son, Yorimichi. The famous "Phoenix Hall" was designed to reflect the Pure Land in the present world. It conveys the glory of the Fujiwara clan to the present day.

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  ⑰Amanohashidate

  It is one of the long-loved Three Views of Japan, and even appears in the Hyakunin Isshu. The lush pine trees growing on the 3.6km long white sandbar, and the scenery that seems to float on the deep blue sea, are truly mystical.

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Gourmet food around the hotel

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  ① Shinshindo Omiya store

  Shinshindo, a long-established bakery that opened in 1913, has a branch located inside Shijo-Omiya Station, just a short walk from Villa Fontaine.

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  ②Fruit Parlor Yaoiso

  This fruit parlor, run by a fruit specialty store, was founded in 1869. Its signature fruit sandwiches have been popular for over half a century.

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  ③DONGURI Shijo Omiya store

  This okonomiyaki specialty restaurant was born and raised in Kyoto and uses only local ingredients, such as wheat and vegetables. They have multiple locations throughout the city.

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  ④Omi Beef Steak & Wine Yamamura Gyubei

  This yakiniku bar is run by a butcher shop that has been in business for over 40 years, mainly in Kyoto. You can enjoy Omi beef and Kuroge Wagyu beef in a casual setting.

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  ⑤ Kameya Yoshinaga Main Store

  Founded in 1803, they maintain traditional flavors while also offering innovative sweets suited to modern lifestyles, such as sliced yokan to put on bread.

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  ⑥ Brulee Donut

  This shop specializes in creme brulee donuts, which are also popular for mail order. Be sure to try the unique dessert texture of soy milk donuts filled with custard cream and caramelized custard.