Hidden Gems in Kyoto

While tourists queue at Tofuku-ji for autumn colors, locals come here. Over 500 maple trees create a dense canopy around a three-story pagoda, and general admission is free. Located between the Philosopher's Path and Konkaikomyo-ji, it's easy to include in an eastern Kyoto walk.

Tucked at the far northern end of Arashiyama, past where most tourists turn back. Each of the 1,200 rakan statues was carved by amateur volunteers, every face is different, many hilarious. Some hold tennis rackets, cameras, or beer. A photographer's paradise.

One of Japan's finest "borrowed scenery" gardens, a clipped azalea hedge perfectly frames Mt. Hiei in the distance. The garden makes the mountain appear to be part of the composition. David Bowie reportedly visited and was deeply moved. You'll likely be alone here.

A samurai-turned-poet built this hermitage in 1641 to spend his retirement composing verse. The white sand garden viewed from the tatami room, accompanied by the rhythmic "tok" of the shishi-odoshi (deer scarer), is one of Kyoto's most quintessential zen moments. Combine with nearby Ichijoji ramen street.

Five distinct Zen gardens packed into a compact space, including Japan's smallest rock garden (Totekiko). The 500-year-old main hall is a National Treasure. Most visitors to Daitoku-ji pass by, this sub-temple is always open and usually empty. Pure Zen distilled.

The reservation requirement (apply in advance) keeps crowds to a minimum. The garden carpet of 120+ moss varieties is unlike anywhere else on Earth, an emerald dreamscape that inspired Kinkaku-ji's garden. The required sutra copying before viewing adds a meditative dimension.