Eastern Kyoto, also known as Higashiyama, is one of the most picturesque and historic parts of the city of Kyoto. The district stretches along the foothills of the eastern mountains and for centuries has attracted pilgrims, monks, and travelers wishing to see the traditional face of old Japan.
Eastern Kyoto is a district that is home to some of the country’s most famous temples, including the monumental Kiyomizu-dera, whose wooden terrace has been a symbol of the city for centuries. Between the temples wind narrow stone streets filled with small shops, teahouses, and traditional houses. Walking through them, you can feel the atmosphere of old Kyoto, which despite the passage of time has preserved its unique character.
Higashiyama, however, is not only about historic temples. It is also home to places connected with geisha culture, Zen gardens, small shrines, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city.
EASTERN KYOTO – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Eastern Kyoto, marked on maps as the “East” area, stretches from the Kamo River in the east to the slopes of the Higashiyama Mountains. This area encompasses one of the oldest and most historic parts of Kyoto, where over the centuries temples, shrines, and traditional residential districts have developed. Here, traditional stone roads, wooden houses, and small temples hidden among the hills have been preserved.
TRANSPORT IN EASTERN KYOTO
Eastern Kyoto is relatively easy to access thanks to a well-developed public transportation system. The area is served by city buses (though these are unfortunately always very crowded) and several key train and subway stations on its outskirts. One of the main transport hubs is Gion-Shijō Station, located near the historic Gion district. Within a short distance is also Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, from which many landmarks and Kiyomizu-dera Temple can be reached on foot.
Despite the availability of public transport, many visitors choose to explore Eastern Kyoto on foot. Distances between the main temples and landmarks are relatively short, and walking through the narrow streets allows one to fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient capital. However, in summer, extreme heat can make these walks less enjoyable.
STREETS OF EASTERN KYOTO IN THE GION DISTRICT
The Gion district is one of the most distinctive and atmospheric areas in eastern Kyoto. Narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, and small teahouses make a walk through this part of the city feel like a journey back in time to the Edo period. The most famous street is Hanamikoji Street, lined with former geisha houses and elegant restaurants serving traditional kaiseki cuisine. In the evening hours, it is sometimes possible to see geiko and maiko heading to appointments at the teahouses. One of the most picturesque lanes is also Shirakawa Lane, running along the small Shirakawa Canal. Stone bridges, willows leaning over the water, and traditional architecture create one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto.
YASAKA SHRINE
Yasaka Shrine is one of the most important Shintō shrines in Kyoto and serves as a symbolic meeting point between the Gion and Higashiyama districts. Its origins date back to the 7th century, and over the centuries it has been a place of prayer for the city’s residents and a guardian of the Gion area. The shrine is especially famous as the center of one of Japan’s most important festivals, the Gion Matsuri, held annually in July and boasting a tradition of over a thousand years. The shrine complex consists of numerous buildings, courtyards, and gates, creating an extensive area full of historical architecture and sacred spaces.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Yasaka Shrine
- OPENING HOURS: Open 24 hours
- ADMISSION: Free, donations welcome
- VISIT DURATION: About 30–60 minutes
- ADDITIONAL NOTES: The shrine serves as the starting point for a walk through Maruyama Park. Facilities include restrooms, drink vending machines, and small shops selling souvenirs and charms.
- DETAILS ON SITE: Yasaka Shrine
ENTRANCE GATE
One of the most recognizable features of the shrine is the main entrance gate from Shijō Street. This distinctive gate, painted in a vivid red, is visible from afar and serves as the symbolic gateway to the Gion district. The gate leads to a wide avenue along which pilgrims and tourists walk toward the shrine’s main courtyard. In the evening, the area becomes especially atmospheric, illuminated by numerous lanterns at the shrine entrance
MAIN SHRINE HALL
The central part of the complex is the main worship hall, known as the honden and haiden, where visitors pay respects to the shrine’s protective deities. The building features traditional Shintō architecture, elaborate decorations, and a distinctive roof with wide eaves. In front of the hall, worshippers make offerings, pray for good fortune, and participate in various religious ceremonies.
COURTYARD WITH LANTERNS
One of the most distinctive spots in the complex is the pavilion adorned with hundreds of lanterns, donated by local businesses and restaurants from the Gion district. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit, they create a stunning and picturesque scene, making it one of the most iconic views of Kyoto.
OTHER BUILDINGS AND SMALL SHRINES
Within Yasaka Shrine, there are also many smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. Some are associated with love, career success, or protection from illness. The expansive shrine complex also connects to the nearby Maruyama Park, which is famous in spring for its cherry blossoms and is one of the favorite walking spots for Kyoto residents.
YASAKA KŌSHIN-DŌ TEMPLE
Just about 600 meters directly south of Yasaka Shrine lies another noteworthy temple: Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple. It is a small but very distinctive complex located in the Gion district of eastern Kyoto.
The temple belongs to the Kōshin tradition, which blends elements of Buddhism with folk beliefs and Taoist practices. It is best known for its colorful “shōmen kongō” figures and the so-called “kukurizaru”—hanging charms shaped like little monkeys, on which visitors write their wishes and dreams. Because of these charms, I nicknamed the temple the “bubble temple.” It is one of the most colorful spots in Kyoto.
HŌKAN-JI TEMPLE (YASAKA PAGODA)
Right next to it stands another temple, whose pagoda rises above the narrow streets of the district. It is one of the most photogenic spots in this part of Kyoto. Hōkan-ji Temple is best known for its iconic Yasaka Pagoda. The pagoda dominates the historic Higashiyama district, helping travelers find their way through this area for centuries. Its slender silhouette perfectly blends with the traditional houses and stone-paved streets.
According to tradition, the temple was founded in the 6th century by Prince Shōtoku Taishi, one of the most important figures in the early history of Buddhism in Japan. Today’s five-story pagoda stands about 46 meters tall. However, the structure has been rebuilt multiple times, as fires and other damages frequently struck historic Kyoto.
SANNENZAKA STREET AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
SANNENZAKA STREET
Sannenzaka is one of the most famous and most photographed spots in the Higashiyama district in eastern Kyoto. The stone steps and traditional wooden houses create an exceptionally picturesque landscape that has attracted tourists from around the world for years. The street leads towards the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is why pilgrims have been using it for centuries to reach this important place of worship.
The name Sannenzaka literally means “Slope of Three Years.” According to local legend, falling on these steps was said to bring bad luck for the following three years. Although today this is mostly treated as a curiosity, many visitors still carefully navigate the stone steps of this historic street.
TEAHOUSES AND GARDENS
Today, along the steps, there are numerous souvenir shops, teahouses, and small restaurants serving traditional Japanese delicacies. It’s worth peeking into the courtyards, which are often surrounded by beautiful, lush greenery.
SURROUNDINGS
The area around Hōkan-ji and Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple is one of the most atmospheric parts of the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. Narrow streets, stone steps, and traditional wooden houses create a unique scenery that has attracted pilgrims and travelers for centuries. The neighborhood has preserved the old character of Kyoto. Wooden houses, small temples, and hidden courtyards make every walk an opportunity for new discoveries.
Thanks to its proximity to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the area is bustling with life throughout the day. At the same time, simply turning down a side street reveals quieter corners where you can feel the atmosphere of old Kyoto.
KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE
Sannenzaka Street leads directly to the most famous and beautifully situated temple in Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on the hillside of the Higashiyama district, has attracted pilgrims and tourists from around the world for over a thousand years. The temple’s name means “Pure Water Temple,” referring to the spring located at the base of the complex. The history of the temple dates back to the 8th century. According to records, the complex was founded in 778 and was repeatedly expanded and rebuilt over the centuries following fires. Today, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most important centers of Buddhism in Japan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Kiyomizu-dera
- OPENING HOURS: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- ADMISSION: Free entry, donations welcome
- VISIT DURATION: 1.5 – 2 hours
- DETAILS ON SITE: Kiyomizu-dera
NIO-MON GATE
Niōmon Gate serves as the main entrance to the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex in Kyoto. Its distinctive, vividly red structure is one of the most recognizable features of the entire temple and frequently appears in photos of this part of the city. On either side of the entrance stand the massive statues of the Niō guardians, believed to protect the temple from evil spirits and negative energy. The gate takes its name from these statues.
SHORO (BELL TOWER) I NISHIMON
Just beyond the gate stands the Shōrō Bell Tower. This wooden structure houses a large temple bell, which has played an important role in religious ceremonies for centuries. In Japanese Buddhism, bells carry symbolic meaning. According to tradition, their sound purifies the mind and helps worshippers focus during prayer. In many temples, bells ring especially during major festivals and ceremonies.
On the right side, you can also see the Nishimon Gate. Its name literally means “Western Gate,” as it stands on the western side of the temple.
SANJUNOTO PAGODA
The three-story Koyasu Pagoda (often referred to as Sanjūnotō, meaning “three-storied pagoda”) is one of the most distinctive structures within the Kiyomizu-dera complex in Kyoto. The pagoda holds an important religious role in Buddhist tradition. Such structures often house relics or objects associated with Buddhist worship.
ZUIGU-DŌ (TAINAI MEGURI) , KYŌDŌ HALL I TAMURADO
Zuigu-dō Temple within the Kiyomizu-dera complex in Kyoto attracts visitors primarily because of the mysterious underground passage, Tainai Meguri, which symbolizes entering the Buddha’s body and represents a spiritual journey of purification and rebirth. Within the complex, there are also other important structures, such as Kyōdō Hall, which serves as a repository for valuable Buddhist manuscripts and texts, and Tamurado, a smaller hall used for prayers and rituals by visitors seeking happiness and protection in daily life. Together, they form a harmonious whole, showcasing both the spiritual and historical dimensions of Kiyomizu-dera.
TODOROKI-MON GATE, OWL WATER BASIN I ASAKURADO
Todoroki Gate symbolizes the “crash” of wind and water, which in Japanese tradition protected the Kiyomizu-dera temple grounds from evil spirits. Near the main halls is the Owl Water Basin, a small, charming spot serving as a traditional basin for cleansing hands and face before entering the sacred buildings. Within the complex stands also Asakurado, a smaller but significant hall where visitors can pray and make offerings, seeking protection and happiness in daily life.
HON-DO (MAIN HALL)
The main hall, Hon-dō, forms the heart of the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex in Kyoto. This is where worshippers gather for prayers and ceremonies, making it the spiritual center of the temple. Inside, there are altars and offering areas, and the entire structure exemplifies classical Japanese Buddhist architecture, combining religious function with aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The building features an expansive wooden terrace supported by massive pillars, constructed without the use of nails. From the terrace, there is a panoramic view of the Higashiyama district, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage of the maple trees.
SHAKADO, AMIDA-DŌ I OKUNOIN
Just behind the main temple, against the backdrop of forested hills, there are three more temple pavilions within the Kiyomizu-dera complex in Kyoto. The first is Shakado, a small but important pavilion dedicated to Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha. It is used for prayers and offerings, and its wooden architecture harmoniously blends with the surrounding Higashiyama hills, creating an intimate corner conducive to reflection.
Nearby is Amida-dō, another pavilion dedicated to Amida Nyorai, the Buddha Amitabha. Here, worshippers come to pray for happiness, health, and protection. The building features traditional wooden construction and a serene interior that complements the landscape of the surrounding hills.
The last of these temples is Okunoin, located a bit farther away, offering a quieter space for prayer and contemplation.
PANORAMA OF KYOTO FROM THE TEMPLE HILL
From the hill on which the Kiyomizu-dera complex stands, a spectacular panorama of Kyoto unfolds. You can see both the historic districts, such as Higashiyama, and the extensive areas of the modern city. From the terrace, pagodas, temples, and narrow streets of the district are visible, as well as the Kamo River flowing through the city.
KOYASU-NO-TO PAGODA
Koyasu-no-to Pagoda is a small, five-story pagoda located in the southern part of the complex. The pagoda is especially known among visitors as a place for prayers for safe motherhood and the healthy birth of children, making it an important site of worship within the temple.
VIEWS OF THE TEMPLES FROM THE PAGODA SIDE
OTOWA-NO-TAKI FALLS
Otowa Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall located at the foot of the Kiyomizu-dera complex. Its water splits into three streams, each symbolizing a different blessing: health, success in studies, and happiness in love.
VIEWS OF THE TEMPLE FROM THE RETURN PATH
The return path from the Kiyomizu-dera complex in Kyoto still offers many picturesque views of the temple buildings and the hills of the Higashiyama district. Walking down the paths leading from the temple grounds, you can see the entire complex from a different perspective and notice details that are easy to miss during the initial visit. Along the way, there are often viewpoints offering clear views of the main hall’s wooden terrace, as well as pagodas and smaller pavilions nestled among the trees. The Koyasu-no-to Pagoda stands out particularly beautifully, rising above the green slopes of the hill. There is also a small café along the path, providing a spot to sit, relax, and take a break.
EASTERN KYOTO – OTHER ATTRACTIONS
It’s impossible to see and explore everything in just a few days. Below is a list of other places definitely worth visiting in Eastern Kyoto:
- Maruyama Park
- Chion-in – Buddhist temple
- Kōdai-ji Temple – Buddhist temple
- Ryōzen Kannon Temple – Buddhist temple
- Toyokuni-jinja Shrine – Shinto shrine
- Kyoto National Museum
- Sanjūsangendō Temple – Buddhist temple
- Chishakuin Temple – Buddhist temple
ACCOMMODATION IN KYOTO
When planning accommodation in Kyoto, it’s worth considering different districts and types of lodging. You’ll find everything here—from traditional ryokan to modern hotels. We stayed near Omiya Station, which was a pleasant and quiet district, yet conveniently close to public transport and fairly near the main attractions. When booking, we recommend using a trusted portal we’ve used multiple times:
- Booking.com
- Agoda , which works particularly well in Asia (it’s worth checking both).
Through any link on this page, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Simply enter your desired dates and book safely:
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