Check out the Konpuku Temple・Shisen-do・Manshu Temple・Shugaku-in Villa walking trail map while reading this.
The starting point by bus is Ichijoji Sagarimatsu.
It is possible to access this area by the Hiezan Train line form Ichioji once you pass through a little shopping district. Walk a little east from the Ichijo-ji Sagarimatsu bus stop and you will arive at Ichijo-ji Sagaramatsu.

This is famous for being the place where Miyamoto Musashi and Yoshioka Seijuro fought. A monument has been set up, but years of pine tree growth has literally taken over the area. This is also the area where Kusunoki Masashige set up an encampent during the warring years.
If you head right and exit the residential area, you will come upon Konpuku Temple, which is part of the Kitayama complex.

Konpuku Temple　The rooftop that can be seen is part of Bashoan, which was built by Tesshu

There may be many people who have not heard of Konpuku Temple. The grave sites of Goshun, Keibun, Aiko Getto and Buson are located here. Murayama Takao's grave can also be found here. This is a smaller temple, but being buit into the slope of a mountain makes it rather unique. Because of the location on a mountain, there is a view of the city from the graveyard!

If you descend facing the north, then climb the steep little hill, you will be heading towards Shisen-do and Jozan Temple.

The white sand and azaleas in this garden a quite impressive, and is highly recommeded during the Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage seasons. The designs found in Shogetsuro are very interestesting themselves.

Heading northeast from Shisendo, you will be approaching Manshu Temple. You will pass several fields along the pleasant walk.

Manshu Temple

The gate front area at Manshu Temple is famous for the foliage season, but the combination of mountainside and Cherry Blossons is also a site to see during the spring.
The chief priest here was also responsible for Kitano Tenman Shrine, which is located close to the front gates here. There is a Chaya (Benten Tea House) at Tenman Shrine where you can eat soba noodles and view the cherry blossoms.
Keep along the road in front of Manshu Temple and head north - eventually you will come to the Otowa River. Its a little unfortunate that the river has been lined with concrete, but there is white sand still present. This area is called Kirara-zaka and the entrance to Mt. Hiei is located here.

Just beyond the river is the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. In order to visit, a prior application for admission is required. This can be done online or by mail. May be a little troublesome, but it is free of charge and the visit is quite enjoyable.

　

You may be a little surpirsed at seeing the little field located upon entering the gate. The view from the pavilion which is said to be the same height as Kyoto Tower is quite beautiful.

Keep heading north from here and you will come upon Renge Temple - the distance is quite far, so you may want to catch a bus from Shirakawa Street. You can either hop on from the Shugakuin Rikyu Michi stop or from Eiden Shugakuin Station.

Distance: About 4.5 km Time: Approx. 2 hours
Transportation: Kyoto City Bus 5 - About 5 minutes from Ichijoji Kudarimatsu-cho stop.

Detours:
For those who are phyisically fit, lets try heading climing to the North, where you will find Renge Temple. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from Shugakuin Imperial Villa. It is a little out of the way, but you can relax and look at the gorgeous gardens.
This area is also great during the foliage season.

The garden at Renge Temple

Once you get off at Ichijoji Sagarimatsu, head north and you will come upon the shop Honode (picked mica shop).
Also, if you arrive at Eiden Shugakuin Station and head west to Higashi Oji Street, you will find Teten-u, Yume o Kataru and Takayasu, which are some of the most famous ramen shops in Kyoto.
The bookstore Keibunsha is also located in this area.