Southern Kyoto

The most interesting southern Kyoto sights are three religious structures: Byodo-in, Fushimi-Inari Taisha, and Tofuku-ji. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Byodo-in is a 40-minute train ride south of Kyoto in Uji, whose other religious sites include Kosho-ji, a quiet Zen temple, and Ujigamijinja, another World Heritage site. Uji is one of Japan's major tea-producing districts, as evident by all the tea shops lining the streets. Stop in and sample this fine green tea brewed at a temperature guaranteed to enhance its flavor. The tourist information center has maps in English. Both Fushimi-Inari Taisha and the Temple Daigo-ji in southern Kyoto are on mountains with trails to explore.