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.
Hanamikoji Street
You can learn about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Hanamikoji Street. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
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 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
Top hotels in Higashiyama Ward
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
"Great location and at walking distance from kiyomizu dera. Breakfast was yummy and we utilized credit on their restaurant and bakery. Rooms are very nice. Would stay here again!"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
"Truly can't say enough good things about this hotel in Kyoto. Just a beautiful hotel. From the moment you walk in, the service is top notch with staff so friendly and attentive our entire stay. Most speak English so we had no communication difficulties during our stay. They even helped us book dinner ..."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
"Loved our stay at Kyoto Granbell Hotel. Amazing location, main tourist attractions, bars, coffee, restaurants, public transportation, Kamo River, all easily accessible from Granbell. Staff was amazing and incredibly helpful, they arranged our luggage forwarding to Tokyo as we did not want to bring ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT
"Great convenient and clean stay."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
"Staffs were helpful and friendly! Breakfast has a lot of choices and the restaurant serve great lunch and dinner with reasonable price!"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
"We absolutely LOVED our stay in Kyoto at the Four Seasons. Every member of the team was incredibly kind, personable and beyond helpful. It was a beautiful hotel and an incredibly memorable stay."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Where to stay in Higashiyama Ward
Central Kyoto
Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
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.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Downtown Kyoto
While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kawaramachi Street or ShinPuhKan Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
Karasuma
Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.
