Kyoto/South

Southern Kyoto (洛南) covers a large part of Japan's former capital, stretching from the Ōharano area in the west to Fushimi-ku, Daigo, and the southern tip of Higashiyama-ku in the east. The ancient city of Uji borders the district to the southeast.

Some of the district's better-known attractions include Daigo-ji - which is inscribed as a World Heritage Site within the group "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" - and the seemingly endless lines of torii stretching up the mountainside above Fushimi-Inari Shrine.

By train
Originating from the city's main transport hub at Kyoto Station, the JR Nara Line is a convenient link for tourists travelling between Central and Southeastern Kyoto. Trains running on the Keihan Main Line fulfill a similar role, connecting Eastern Kyoto to the south (although they do not stop at Kyoto Station). JR Inari Station and Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station both put visitors almost at the doorstep of the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, one of the district's most famous attractions. The Keihan Line also provides easy access for those continuing on to Uji or Hirakata.

By subway
From Central and Eastern Kyoto, the municipal subway system's Tōzai Line goes as far south as Rokujizō Station where passengers can transfer to the JR Nara Line. The Tōzai Line stations Ono and Daigo bring travellers within reach of Zuishin-in and Daigo-ji, respectively.

By bus
To get to the Fushimi area by bus, take Bus 5 South (南5) to reach Tōfuku-ji (Tofukuji-michi) and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Inari Taisha-mae). Make sure you are on the South bus; the other number 5 bus will take you the opposite direction (through Higashiyama all the way to Northern Kyoto).

There are no direct buses to the Oharano area, so it's best to travel via Hankyu Railway to Higashimuko Station. From here, you can then take the Hankyu Bus to get closer to other attractions.

Southeast




Oharano area
The Ōharano area, located in the Southwest, is named after Ōharano Shrine, one of the most famous sites in the area. While it is not really so far from the inner city, it does not reflect any of the stereotypical images one has when they think of Kyoto. The area is so rural, it feels as though the nearest city is hundreds of miles away. Most tourists are not even aware this area exists, so it can be a nice change of pace for those who have the time to explore the outer regions.



Do




Eat
Local delicacies are sold at the roadside approaching Fushimi-Inari Shrine, including barbecued sparrow (雀/すずめ/suzume) and inarizushi (sweetened sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu), which is said to be the favourite food of the fox. The suzume is still in a form that resembles the animal (essentially a barbecued bird on a skewer), so those not accustomed may be a bit squeamish. If you plan to walk the path around Fushimi Inari and you wish to sample inarizushi, you can save money by stopping at the small restaurant up the path within the grounds of the shrine. It also provides a great view of a line of the torii gates from above.

Sleep
Lodging options are limited in this part of the city. More choices can be found in Central Kyoto, just a short train ride away.



Go next

 * Central Kyoto
 * Arashiyama (Western Kyoto)
 * Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto)
 * North Kyoto
 * The World Heritage Sites of Byōdō-in and Ujigami-jinja are in the neighbouring city of Uji, just a few minutes away by train on either Keihan's Uji Line or the JR Nara Line.