Kyoto's hidden gems, travelled by the only tram in Kyoto, Randen

▲Image source: Keifuku Electric Railroad

　Kyoto has many famous places, historical sites and interesting places, but there are still some places that are not well known to visitors to Japan. This time, we will take a ride on Kyoto's only tram and introduce some hidden spots. Buy the convenient and economical 「Arashiyama Dentetsu 1-Day Free Ticket」 for strolling around, and start from Shijo-Omiya Station, the starting station of the Arashiyama Dentetsu Main Line.

■One of the three rare torii gates in Kyoto, 「Konoshima Nimasu Amateru Mitama Shrine（Kaikonoyashiro)」

　 This shrine has long been worshipped as a god of rain, and within its grounds is a rare stone triple-pillar torii gate that is arranged in an equilateral triangle. Currently it is surrounded by a fence and can only be seen from a distance, but previously it was possible to worship it from three directions.

■Eigaza, a nostalgic candy store, is located in the movie town that was once known as the Hollywood of Japan.

　 Located near the popular tourist spot 「TOEI Kyoto Studio Park」, the store has an atmosphere of old-fashioned movie theaters and movies. In addition to about 1,000 kinds of snacks and toys, you can also enjoy a shooting gallery.
　
・Recommended items①・・・The popular snack 「Umaibo」 has been on sale for 45 years, 16 yen per stick (tax included, same below)

　　「Umaibo」 is a popular stick-shaped corn-based snack that comes in 13 different flavors, with the corn potage and mentaiko flavors being recommended. The front of the snack bag has the character 「Umaemon」 printed on it, which is very cute.

・Recommended item ②・・・The shop's original soft serve ice cream 「Uzumasa Sankichi Soft Serve」 - ​​300 yen

The vanilla soft serve ice cream, made with sauce from a local mitarashi dango shop, offers a new experience with its exquisite match with the sauce. Another great thing about this shop is that you can enjoy it at your leisure at the tables in the back of the shop.

▲An old-fashioned Japanese living space created by movie studio art staff.

■A variety of experiences unique to 「Ninnaji Temple」, a World Heritage site founded in 888

▲Image source: Keifuku Electric Railroad

　This temple has long been loved by the locals, thanks to the Omurozakura cherry tree, which is famous for its late-blooming and short height. The temple grounds are lined with buildings built during the Edo period, including a five-story pagoda and Niomon Gate, one of Kyoto's three great gates.

・Recommended Experience①・・・You can see Buddhist statues and murals that are not usually on display, and experience ascetic practices 「Incense offering experience」　10,000 yen

▲Image source: Ninnaji Temple

　In the Kannon Hall, built 400 years ago and usually closed to the public, you can view the principal image of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and the murals up close and purify your mind. Afterwards, you will have the ascetic practices experience of incense offering called 「Koumori」, which is one of the offerings to Buddha. Advance registration is required.

・Recommended Experience②・・・「Copying Sutras experience」: Enjoy the relaxing garden and copy sutras at the same time. 3,500 yen

You will be guided through the Shinden, a restored building where the emperor lived, and the Imperial Garden, created by a famous gardener. Afterwards, you will copy out the 「Heart Sutra」, which summarizes the state of Buddha's wisdom and enlightenment. Advance registration is required.
　
■「Sakasho Omatto」 - a place where you can casually enjoy Japanese sake and Japanese cuisine
　This sake shop was started by a long-established liquor store with the desire to make it easier for people to enjoy sake. There is a tasting space at the entrance of the store, where you can sample around 20 types of sake, mainly from local Kyoto breweries, along with Japanese cuisine.

・Recommended menu: 「Rice with raw egg and a choice of soup」 made with plenty of ingredients from Kyoto that can only be eaten here, 2,200 yen

▲Source: Sakasho Omatto

　The meal includes rice selected by a rice master, a bowl of local Kyoto eggs, and five types of side dishes that can only be enjoyed in Kyoto. The colors of the dishes are beautiful, and the taste is light, typical of Kyoto. We also recommend the 「Sake Tasting (with snacks)」 for 1,800 yen, where you can choose and enjoy Kyoto sake.

▲Enjoying a meal while looking at the garden and the beautiful sliding door paintings on the walls is a special experience.

■The 「Arashiyama Dentetsu 1-Day Free Ticket」 is a great value ticket that allows unlimited use of the Arashiyama Main Line and Kitano Line of Randen all day long
　It comes with benefits (discount coupons) that can be used at about 30 facilities, including shrines and tourist facilities along the Arashiyama Railway line. It can be purchased at manned stations, including Shijo-Omiya Station, Katabiranotsuji Station, Arashiyama Station, and Kitano-Hakubaicho Station.

■Locations of the shrines, temples, and shops introduced
　　・Konoshima Nimasu Amateru Mitama Shrine
　　　　Uzumasa Morigahigashicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Nearest station: Randen Arashiyama Main Line, Kaikonoyashiro Station, 5 minutes walk
　　・Eigaza, the movie town's candy store
　　　　2F, Randen Plaza Katabira, 30-3 Katabiranotsujicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Nearest station: Randen Arashiyama Main Line, Katabiranotsuji Station (directly connected)
　　・Ninnaji Temple
　　　　33 Omuroochi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Nearest station: Omuro-Ninnaji Station on the Randen and Kitano lines, 3 minutes walk
・Sakasho Omatto
　　　　34, Saga Shakado Daimoncho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station on the Randen and Arashiyama Main Line, 7 minutes walk
　　※For details, please check the website of each shrine, temple, or shop.