Hobby trips

A forest path over the mountain from Kurama-dera temple down to the riverside village of Kibune, about 90 minutes. Take the Eizan Railway to Kurama and walk towards Kibune so the steep section is uphill.

A short, steady climb from near Ginkaku-ji to the giant 大 bonfire site, with a wide view over the whole city. Allow around an hour up and back.

Japanese art and treasures in a Meiji-era hall and Yoshio Taniguchi’s modern wing.

A 1933 museum with a glass-lined contemporary entrance cut beneath the plaza.

Crafts, ceramics and modern Japanese painting in a Fumihiko Maki building.

The potter’s home and kiln, kept as he left it; a quiet lesson in mingei craft.

A former school filled with manga to read on the lawn and shelves.

Stone-stepped slopes of wooden shopfronts below Kiyomizu-dera. Walk them before 9am.

Japanese art and treasures in a Meiji-era hall and Yoshio Taniguchi’s modern wing.

A 1933 museum with a glass-lined contemporary entrance cut beneath the plaza.

Crafts, ceramics and modern Japanese painting in a Fumihiko Maki building.

The potter’s home and kiln, kept as he left it; a quiet lesson in mingei craft.

A former school filled with manga to read on the lawn and shelves.