Things to Do in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Sakyo Ward in Kyoto features the 15th-century Zen temple Ginkaku-ji with its sand garden, and the Heian-jingū Shrine with landscaped gardens. The area also includes the Philosopher's Path, bakery-cafes, and Japanese restaurants.
Sakyo Ward in Kyoto features the 15th-century Zen temple Ginkaku-ji with its sand garden, and the Heian-jingū Shrine with landscaped gardens. The area also includes the Philosopher's Path, bakery-cafes, and Japanese restaurants.
Ginkaku-jiFamous Buddhist Temple
Tetsugaku No MichiCity Park
Philosopher's PathHistoric Landmark
By TripSapien · Updated October 20, 2026
Top things to do in Sakyo Ward
Where to eat & drink in Sakyo Ward
Sojiki Nakahigashi
Michelin ★★Japanese· ¥10,000+The wooden tablet at the entrance expresses the house credo: ‘Garnish rice cooked in the okudo stove with char-grilled snacks and wild grasses and flowers’.
- Mon–Tue
- Closed
- Wed–Fri
- 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
- Sat
- 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
- Sun
- 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
Shimogamo Saryo Main Restaurant
★ 4.4 · 512Japanese· ¥10,000+Shimogamo Saryo began as a water-wheel teahouse on the approach to Shimogamo Shrine in the late 19th century; hence the name, which means ‘Shimogamo tearoom’.
- Mon
- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed–Fri
- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sat
- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sun
- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Planning time in Sakyo Ward?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs before you go.
Sakyo Ward map
Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Ginkaku-ji
- 2Tetsugaku No Michi
- 3Philosopher's Path
- 4Heian-jingū Shrine
- 5Kyoto Beer Lab
- 6Donabe Saizen Toyouke
- 7Café Chikoro
- 8Cafe Sunaba Kyoto
- 9Hohohoza
- 10Sojiki Nakahigashi
Other areas in Kyoto
Ready to plan Sakyo Ward?
Turn these Sakyo Ward picks into a day-by-day Kyoto plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.