Have you heard of the anime *Holmes in Kyoto: Teramachi Sanjo*?
"Holmes of Kyoto's Teramachi Sanjo" is an anime adaptation of Mai Mochizuki's mystery novel series.
The story revolves mainly around antique appraisals and exploring Kyoto, and it’s not just the mystery-solving that’s a highlight—the romance between the two main characters is also a major draw.
So, where exactly are the famous Kyoto anime pilgrimage sites in “Holmes of Kyoto Teramachi Sanjo”?
In this post, I’d like to compile a list of the Kyoto pilgrimage sites featured in *Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo*.
■ What is the plot of *Holmes* set in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto?
Mai Mochizuki's novels are well-known, and they became even more popular after being adapted into an anime, didn't they?
In *Holmes of Kyoto's Teramachi Sanjo*, many of Kyoto's famous landmarks make an appearance.
Here, let’s start by taking a look at the plot summary of *Holmes* in Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo.
Synopsis released from the official website
"Kura," an antique shop standing all by itself in Kyoto's Teramachi Sanjo Shopping District.
Aoi Makise, a high school girl, meets Kiyotaka Ietou, the son of the owner of “Kura,” by chance and starts working there part-time.
Kiyotaka was gentle in manner but had an incredibly sharp intuition, which earned him the nickname “The Holmes of Teramachi.”
Aoi and Kiyotaka take on various requests related to the antiques brought in by customers—
■Holmes's Pilgrimage to Kyoto's Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto: Part 1. "WRIGHT Shokai"
Outline
Actually, there’s a real-life shop that served as the model for “Kura,” the antique shop featured in *Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo*.
That’s the shop called “WRIGHT Shōkai,” which operates as a coffee shop.
Here, you can see customers relaxing while sipping coffee—it looks just like a scene from an anime.
The atmosphere is stylish and retro, so you'll feel like you've stepped right into the world of anime.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “WRIGHT Trading Company”
"WRIGHT Shokai," a coffee shop that attracts customers.
It's a café tucked away on a side street off the main shopping district, where the friendly staff brew coffee for you.
Apparently, the shop’s name comes from the Wright brothers. It originally opened as an antique shop, and after about five years—during which it was renovated into a gallery—it began operating as a coffee shop.
The shop occasionally hosts exhibitions and lectures, making it a well-known spot among Kyoto residents.
If you'd like to soak up that retro atmosphere just like in the anime, be sure to stop by.
Address
406-30 Sakuranomachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-211-6635
How to access
About a 4-minute walk from "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station" on the City Subway Tozai Line
○ Official Website (Twitter)
https://twitter.com/WrightShokai
■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 2: "The Kamogawa Riverbank" in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto
Outline
The riverbank of the Kamo River appears in Episode 1 of “Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo.”
The banks of the Kamogawa River are famous as a spot where couples sit side by side on dates, aren't they?
There was a scene in the story where Aoi felt a bit down after seeing a couple getting along so well, wasn't there?
By the way, I believe this view is near Ponto-chō Park along the Kamogawa River.
In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and look beautiful.
○ A Detailed Explanation of the “Kamogawa Riverbank”
The Kamo River is a Class 1 river in the Yodo River system that flows through Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This river originates near Mount Sanshikegatake and flows north to south through Kyoto City for approximately 23 km until it joins the Katsura River.
In fact, with ducks swimming in the Kamogawa River and open-air dining platforms in operation, you can enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons.
Address
The area around Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-222-3561
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line and Kamoto Line
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■Holmes’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto, Part 3: “The Five-Story Pagoda”
Outline
The five-story pagoda at Ninnaji Temple, located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, appears in Episode 1 of “Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo.”
The five-story pagoda was shown right at the start of the anime, and the cherry blossoms in spring were absolutely beautiful, weren't they?
In the anime, he appears in a scene where he meets a man who was asked to meet a monk at Ninnaji Temple.
There, we hear the story of a man who inherited a rice bowl from his father’s estate.
By the way, the beautiful cherry blossoms that appear in the story are a late-blooming variety known as “Omuro-zakura,” which is famous at Ninnaji Temple.
The Omuro cherry blossoms have been designated a National Scenic Spot and are mentioned in waka poetry.
○Detailed explanation of the "Five-Story Pagoda
The five-story pagoda was built in Kan'ei 21 (1644) with a donation from Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and its height of 36.18 meters is sure to leave you in awe.
Five-story pagodas from the Edo period have a distinctive feature: their roofs are all the same size.
This building has a design very similar to that of Tō-ji.
The pillars of the five-story pagoda are also adorned with chrysanthemum motifs, reflecting the attention to detail evident throughout.
Incidentally, Ninnaji Temple was founded in 888 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site mentioned in works such as *Tsurezuregusa*.
Address
33 Omuro-Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-461-1155
How to access
Approx. 2 minutes walk from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Randen Kitano Line
○Official homepage
■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 4: "Tadasu no Mori" in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto
Outline
A threatening letter arrives addressed to Saori, who has been chosen as the Saiō-dai for the Aoi Festival.
The sacred site where the mystery of that threatening letter was solved is Tadasu no Mori at Shimogamo Shrine.
At Tadasu no Mori, you can enjoy the changing natural scenery throughout the year—from fresh greenery in spring to colorful autumn leaves.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Tadasu no Mori”
The forest surrounding the approach to Kamiguso Shrine is called “Tadasu no Mori.”
Spanning an area of 124,000 square meters and home to some 4,700 trees, this popular spot has long been a favorite destination for people seeking relief from the summer heat.
Address
59-2-15 Shimogamo Izumikawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-781-0010
How to access
About a 10-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Main Line
○Official homepage
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■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto: Part 5. "Sanjo Shopping Street"
Outline
There was a shopping district near “Kura,” the antique shop featured in *Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo*, wasn’t there?
The subject of this story is the Sanjo Shopping Street, a familiar sight along Sanjo-dori.
During the day, there are lots of people on the streets, and the shops are bustling.
○ A Detailed Guide to the “Sanjo Shopping District”
The Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Street is located on Sanjo Street, which runs through the center of Kyoto.
The Sanjo Shopping District refers to the area that connects the Teramachi Specialty Store Association Shopping Street to the north with the Kyogoku Shopping Street and the Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Street in Shin to the south.
You'll be able to enjoy Kyoto's famous specialties and traditional flavors.
Address
The area around 11 Ishibashi-cho, east of Sanjo-dori and Teramachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
Phone number
075-255-7098
How to access
About a 10-minute walk from Keihan “Sanjo Station”
○Official homepage
■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto, Part 6: "Suirokaku"
Outline
Within the grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple stands a brick-built aqueduct.
Built in Meiji 23, this place has a magical atmosphere.
The bridge piers are arranged in a Roman-style arch, and since it’s famous as a “holy site” for shows like *K-On!*, it’s a must-see for anime fans.
○Detailed description of the "Waterway Pavilion".
The Aqueduct is 93.17 meters long, and many tourists visit to see the brick arches up close.
I’ve heard that a man named Sakuro Tanabe was responsible for the architecture and design, taking care to harmonize with the temple grounds’ landscape.
Address
Nanzenji-Buroyama-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-771-0365
How to access
Approx. 8 minutes walk from Nanzenji Eikando-mae bus stop by city bus from JR Kyoto Station.
○Official homepage
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■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites: No. 7, "Mount Kurama" in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto
Outline
Mount Kurama, which Kiyotaka and Aoi visit, appears in Episode 3 of “Holmes in Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo.”
The scene shows the two of them arriving at Demachiyanagi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway; the station platform and electronic display look exactly the same.
The two of them will pass through the tunnel, stop by Kurama Temple, and then continue on their way.
And you drew a "Great Fortune" when you tried the water-divination fortune-telling on the temple grounds, didn't you?
In addition to the anime, there are many other highlights, such as the water fortune-telling omikuji that you can actually float on the sacred water within the shrine grounds, so please be sure to visit.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Mount Kurama”
Mount Kurama, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, has an elevation of 584 meters.
A ridge runs north to south, flanked by the Kurama River to the east and the Kibune River to the west. It is famous as the headquarters of the Tengu, where legend has it that the famous warrior Ushiwakamaru studied martial arts and military strategy.
So, once you reach the top, you’ll likely be able to see Tengu figurines and other decorations.
Although you can visit Kurama-dera Temple by cable car, we recommend walking around the temple grounds.
Address
Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-741-2003
How to access
About a 20-minute walk from Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway
○Official homepage
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■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto, Part 8: "Café Rec Court"
Outline
The Kyoto Hotel Okura appears in Episode 2 of “Holmes in Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo.”
Locations such as the Café Rec Court, where Kiyotaka and Aoi had tea, as well as café and hotel lobbies, appear in the show with remarkable realism.
It might be nice to have some tea at the table where the two of them sat.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Café Rec Court”
"Café Reck Court" is located on the first floor of the Hotel Okura Kyoto.
This place features a stylish, open space—it’s the perfect café-style setting for adults to relax.
You can enjoy desserts and other treats crafted with care and skill by our pastry chefs.
Address
537-4 Ichino-Funairi-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; 1st Floor, Kawaramachi Oike Hotel Okura Kyoto
Phone number
075-254-2517
How to access
About a 1-minute walk from "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station" on the Tozai Subway Line
○Official homepage
https://www.hotel.kyoto/okura/restaurant/lec-court/?doing_wp_cron=1692244142-0555920600891113281250
■Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto, Part 9: "The Path of Philosophy"
Outline
The Philosopher's Path appears in Episode 6 of "Holmes in Kyoto's Teramachi Sanjo."
It appeared as the meeting place for Kiyotaka and Aoi, and the sign was even visible in the background of the story, so it really left an impression, didn't it?
It is said that the Path of Philosophy got its name because Kitaro Nishida, a professor at Kyoto University and a philosopher, used to walk along it while deep in thought.
It has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads and is bustling with tourists.
The Philosophy Path is 1.5 km long. It’s beautiful with cherry blossoms in the spring and fresh greenery in the summer, so please be sure to visit.
○Detailed explanation of "Philosophy Road
"The Philosopher's Path," which connects Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple.
It was not well known at the time because it was an administrative road established in 1890 when the Lake Biwa hydrophobic system was completed.
However, it became famous because the philosopher Kitaro Nishida used to take a walk there every morning.
The "Kanseki Cherry Trees," donated by the Japanese-style painter Hashimoto Kanseki, are now in full bloom along the road.
Address
Near Shikagaya, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
How to access
Take the Subway Karasuma Line, get off at Imadegawa Station, transfer to a city bus, get off at Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop, and walk shortly.
○Official homepage
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■ Holmes' Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Teramachi Sanjo, Kyoto: Part 10. "Nanzen-ji Temple"
Outline
Nanzen-ji Temple, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, appears in Episode 5 of “Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo” as the place Kiyotaka and Akito visit.
Nanzen-ji Temple is famous for its massive Sanmon gate, which stands 22 meters tall and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, hasn't it?
The scene where they climb up those three gates is also depicted.
When you come on a pilgrimage to this sacred site, be sure to check out the view from the upper floor—the one that left Akito speechless.
○Detailed explanation of "Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291, 710 years ago, by Hōhō Kameyama with Zen master Mukan Fumon as its founder.
It is the head temple of the Nanzenji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and has the highest prestige in the Zen world.
Highlights include the Sanmon Gate—a Designated Important Cultural Property known for Ishikawa Goemon’s famous line, “What a magnificent view! What a magnificent view!”—and the sliding door paintings titled “The Tiger Drinking Water” by Kano Tanyu.
Address
86 Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-771-0365
How to access
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line
○Official homepage
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-2267/
■ Summary
How was it?
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the locations featured in *Holmes of Kyoto’s Teramachi Sanjo*.
"Holmes in Kyoto's Teramachi Sanjo" is based on a novel by Mai Mochizuki, and it became even more popular after it was adapted into an anime in July 2018, didn't it?
Be sure to visit the famous sites where Aoi and Kiyotaka spent time together and experience Kyoto’s history and cityscape for yourself.
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