Nishijin and Kamigyo: getting here and what's near

Where is Nishijin?

Nishijin is Kyoto's old weaving quarter, north of the city centre. It is not an official district: the name covers streets in Kamigyo and Kita wards. It is said to come from the "western camp" of the Ōnin War in the fifteenth century, after which the scattered weavers came back and the area took the name. Cadent House is on one of its quiet residential streets.

How do I get to Nishijin from Kyoto Station?

Take the Karasuma subway line north to Imadegawa, then walk. Cadent House is 14 minutes on foot from Imadegawa, about 28 minutes door to door from Kyoto Station.

• From Kyoto Station: Karasuma line to Imadegawa, then 14 minutes on foot, about 28 minutes.
• From Kansai Airport: Haruka to Kyoto, then the Karasuma line, about 105 minutes.
• From Osaka: Hankyu to Karasuma, change to the Karasuma line, about 65 minutes.

The street is narrow and the house has no sign beyond the name on the lattice. Directions and parking are on the access page.

What is near Cadent House?

Kitano Tenmangu, 8 minutes on foot

A shrine founded in 947 for Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar deified as Tenjin, which is why students come to pray before exams. Its plum trees are the draw in late winter, and the Plum Blossom Festival falls on 25 February. On the 25th of every month there is a large market in the grounds.

Kamishichiken

Just east of Kitano Tenmangu, often described as Kyoto's oldest geiko district, its name taken from seven teahouses built here centuries ago. Kyoto's tourism office asks visitors not to approach or photograph the geiko and maiko they pass.

Nishijin Textile Center, 6 minutes on foot

At the corner of Horikawa and Imadegawa. Entry is free; there are weaving demonstrations and short kimono shows through the day. Hand-weaving and kimono-wearing sessions are charged and need booking. Hours change with the season, so check before you go.

Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, by bus

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is about 25 minutes away by bus, and Nijo Castle about 18.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

A short walk from Imadegawa station. The grounds are free to walk around and the palace is closed on Mondays; check the Imperial Household Agency's site for current hours.

Funaoka Onsen

A public bathhouse on Kuramaguchi-dori, in a building from the 1920s. A sentō is a neighbourhood bath, not a hot spring; the same washing-first rules apply as in any Japanese bath.

What is a good one-day itinerary in Nishijin?

1. Morning: Kinkaku-ji. Go early, by bus, about 25 minutes.
2. Late morning: Kitano Tenmangu. About 8 minutes from the house on foot. If it is the 25th, give the market time.
3. After lunch: Kamishichiken. A short walk east from the shrine.
4. Afternoon: Nishijin Textile Center. See the looms that built the neighbourhood, and catch a kimono show.
5. Late afternoon: the Imperial Palace grounds. East along Imadegawa-dori; closed on Mondays.
6. Evening: a bath at Funaoka Onsen, then dinner in the neighbourhood, or in the kitchen if you have the Whole House.

Staying longer? Nijo Castle makes a second morning. Starting prices for the house are on the rates page.