Higashiyama District

The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains is one of the city’s best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city.

The Streets

The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes, and restaurants which have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. These businesses retain their traditional design, although many have been renovated through the years, and they continue to serve customers today, selling local specialties such as pottery, sweets, tsukemono, crafts, and other souvenirs.

While the walk between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine is only about two kilometers long and could be done in half an hour, you could easily spend half a day or more visiting the various temples, shrines, shops, and cafes along the way. Good walkers are likely to enjoy walking beyond Yasaka Shrine past Chionin and Shorenin to Heian Shrine and possibly as far as Ginkakuji via Nanzenji and the Philosopher’s Path.

Key Sights Along the Way

Kiyomizudera Temple — One of Japan’s most popular temples, standing in the wooded hills with its famous wooden terrace offering views over the city. Hours: 6:00 to 18:00; admission 500 yen.

Kodaiji Temple — Constructed in 1605 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his wife. Features temple halls, gravel and landscape gardens, teahouses, and a bamboo grove. Hours: 9:00 to 17:30; admission 600 yen.

Yasaka Pagoda — The last remnant of Hokanji Temple and one of the most visible landmarks in the district. The interior is occasionally open to visitors (500 yen), a rare opportunity as most pagoda can only be viewed from outside.

Yasaka Shrine — Host to the Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s most popular shrines, located at the eastern end of Shijo-dori next to Maruyama Park. Lanterns are lit every evening. Always open, free admission.

Maruyama Park — A public park next to Yasaka Shrine. During the first half of April, when cherry trees are in full bloom, it becomes Kyoto’s most popular (and most crowded) cherry blossom viewing spot.

Getting There

From Kyoto Station take bus number 206 in the direction of Kiyomizudera. The district can be accessed from multiple bus stops between Gojozaka (10 minutes, 230 yen) and Gion (15 minutes, 230 yen). Alternatively, the district is a 10-15 minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station or Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line, from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line, or from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line.