Higashiyama Ward Travel Guide
Kyoto
Visit Higashiyama Ward
Popular places to visit
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Yasaka Shrine
Observe traditional Shinto architecture, pretty lanterns and sacred rituals at this historic shrine, home of the annual Gion Festival and Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom park.
Gion Corner
Enjoy a performance at Gion Corner, a theatre with a story to tell in Kyoto. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or experience its fascinating museums.
Sanjusangen-do Temple
This temple is the famous site where thousands of hand-carved deities from the 13th century flank the longest wooden building in Japan.
Gion Shirakawa Area
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Gion Shirakawa Area in Kyoto. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.
Kodai-ji Temple
A widow built this temple in 1606 to pay homage to her late warrior husband. Today, it survives as an eye-catching site of tranquility with postcard-pretty gardens.
Things to do
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Osaka & Kyoto Highlights Tour with Traditional Kimono Experience
Private Customized Walking Tour in Kyoto
Top hotels in Higashiyama Ward
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Sh shops were really close by. It’s a really great location by the SOG temple. There is a lot to see and doing in the area. The hotel is beautiful and we had a view of the pagoda from our window. Not sure which train station is close by though, but the hotel was just awesome free drinks at certain ...
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
We really liked the location and the Japanese vibe of the hotel was very nice! The bathroom facilities were excellent. We booked a premium king room and it was too hard for us as 65+ aged customers to crawl in and out of the bed. We would just caution other travelers to be aware of this situation. ...
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Really comfy room in a great location and the happy hour was a nice surprise (happy hour = free hour in this scenario)
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
The staff was so nice and went above and beyond to make sure that there was no wait time, the elevator door was open as I walked up, and always had a smile. I don’t speak fluent Japanese and they helped me through every process and questions I had. The rooms were spacious and elegant.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Staff amazing
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Higashiyama Ward
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
You'll enjoy the gardens and monuments in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka. You might want to make time for a stop at Sannenzaka Museum or Three-Year Slope.
Komatsucho
While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.
Gion
Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.
Okazaki
Gardens and mountain views are highlights of Okazaki. Make a stop by Kyoto Municipal Zoo or Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Keage Station to get around town.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Shijo Kyo Machiya, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
Downtown Kyoto
While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Teramachi Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
