MUST SEE SACRED SITES OF THE KANSAI
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***Please click on the individual sites in the map above to see my brief description. The official websites for the locations are generally linked, as well. 
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Dr. Shultz's Touring Rules

RULE #1: Be flexible!

• use the suggested tour sites as just a basis for your exploration 
• be sure and check out the MANY smaller temples and shrines that you will pass along the way
• plan your route from site to site to make it as scenic and picturesque as possible 

RULE #2: Don't Stare at Your Phones!

• cultivate a hyperawareness of the genuinely awesome places you will find yourselves 
• plan your route and then put your phone away until you get lost. Better yet, ask a local for directions

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RECOMMENDED TOURS (for use with the above map):

The Best of Higashiyama, Kyoto
Kennin-ji Temple (600 yen)>>>Yasui-Konpiragu Shrine>>>Yasaka Shrine>>>Todai-ji Temple (600 yen)>>>Kiyomizu-dera Temple (400 yen)>>>Tainai meguri ("inside the womb pilgrimage") and Jishu Jinja Shrine are both inside Kiyomizu-dera 

A Path for Reflection in Kyoto
Philosopher's Path>>>Nanzenji-Temple (500 yen)>>>Himukai-Daijingu Shrine

Kobo-ichi: The Oldest Flea Market in Japan

• time your trip to visit the awesome Toji Temple, a Shingon esoteric institution, on the 21st of any month
• the market begins from the early morning (even before 8 am) and runs until 4:30 PM. 11-12 is still nicely active, but a bit calmer than earlier in the day
• you will tour the extensive grounds taking in the delightful mix of the sacred and secular 
• bargains and souvenirs abound, as well as great food 
• note the mini-pilgrimage made with sand from the Shikoku henro, and look out for pilgrims dressed in white 

Love Pilgrimage 
Yasuikonpira-gu Shrine>>>Okuninushisha (in Yasaka Shrine)>>>Jishu Shrine (in the Kiyomizu Temple complex behind the main hall; 400 yen to enter the temple grounds)

The Essence of Kyoto Culture
Rengoin Sanjusangendo Temple>>> Kyoto National Museum (350 yen for Uni Students; bring ID)>>>Toyokuni-Jinja Shrine>>>Mimizuka>>>Kiyomizu-dera Temple>>>Yasaka Shrine

Heart of Osaka
Osaka Castle (600 yen)>>>Osaka Peace Museum (250 yen)>>>Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Uji: The Charm of Often-Neglected Kyoto
Mampuku-ji Temple (500 yen)>>>Mimuroto-ji Temple (500 yen)>>>Ujigami Jinja Shrine>>>Byodoin Temple (600 yen) 

The Kyoto Trail 京都一周トレイル

• a hiking trail that takes you to all of the holy mountains that surround Kyoto in a ring
• Nice Overview
• Official Site 
• Conceptual Map 
• individually numbered route points can be found on google maps by searching "京都一周トレイル"

Lake Biwa Power and Power Spots
Chiyo Shrine>>>Hikone Castle (800 yen)>>> Ferry to Chikubujima (students 2400 yen)>>>Hogonji Temple>>>Chikubujima Shrine>>>return ferry

The Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (五山): 

• link them however you wish
• Nanzenji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Shokokuji Temple, Kenninji Temple, and Tofukuji Temple
• More information HERE, and plenty elsewhere 

Kyoto Western Mountain Challenge
Arashiyama temples/shrines of your choice>>>Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street>>>Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple>>>Atago Jinja Shrine

• this goes through amazing historical districts and climbs the tallest mountain surrounding Kyoto, Mt. Atago
• note that the trail is snow and ice covered in the middle of winter (bring light crampons)