There are many places to visit in Kyoto. It takes probably few days to see all Kyoto. For people who don't have enough time or have no idea where to go I would like to introduce some half day courses.
This course is Western part of Kyoto.
Let's start from Nanzenji temple. It takes 15min. by bus from NISHIYAMA RYOKAN. Subway is also convenient from Kyoto shiyakusyo mae st. (Kyoto city hall).
This temple is famous of a biwa lake cannal. It used to provide water for public and a hydroelectric power from biwa lake in Shiga prefecture next to Kyoto. It was built more than 100 years ago. It isn't used anymore, but Kyoto city preserve as a historical site.
Then, let's move to Eikando which is just 7 min. walk from Nanzenji. Eikando is said to be Momiji no Eikando which means Eikando of Japanese maple. Literally red maples are very beautiful during the autumn.
This small pond is also in Eikando temple. It is interesting that there is a kindergarten next to the temple. If you go there in the morning, you may hear cheerful voice.
Next, let's walk Tetsugaku no michi (Path of philosophy). It is also very close to Eikando taking 7 min.
It is a popular place of cherry blossom. There are cherry trees along the cannal and they look like a tunnel of cherry blossom. Here is highly recommended during the spring.
After 45 min. walking, we get to Ginkakuji (Silver pavilion) Unfortunetely, it is been renovating untill March next year.
Even though it is underconstruction, it is worth visiting because the moss garden is very nice.
If you are Hello Kitty fun, why don't you go to Hello Kitty store? It's about 10 min. walking distance from Silver pavilion. The shop is in a wooden house in a small street.
They have a Kyoto's original Kitty products from dolls to bags. Even not kitty lovers, it is fun to look around.
Last destination is Chionin temple. It is walking distance or if you are tired, take a #17 bus and get off at Kyoto Kyodai nougakubu mae or Hyakumanben.
From there take #17 bus at Hyakumanben st. and get off at Kyoto shiyakusyo st. (kyoto city hall). It takes 10 min. then you can come back to NISHIYAMA RYOKAN.
If you don't want to be hurry, it is not necessary to go all places.
Pick up the place depending on your plan or what to want to do.