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.
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.
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.
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
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Kyoto Essentials Private Tour: Perfect for First-Time Visitors
Kyoto Full-Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Top hotels in Higashiyama Ward
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
This was by far the best property we stayed at on our trip around Japan. It was beyond what was expected. The staff down to the rooms were 5 stars. I really recommend staying here.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
Very convenient location. Close to many things. Nice breakfast. Calming public bath.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
The property was lovely and the staff could not have been more helpful. We enjoyed being in the Gion district, ventral and close to restaurants and transportation. We really liked that there was a free shuttle bus to the Kyoto Train Station. A couple of small things: we wish there was better lighting ...
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Clean , spacious well supplied room
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
The staff were responsive, welcoming, and very helpful. We felt taken care of the minute we set foot inside. Hotel amazingly clean and updated. The onsen was peaceful. The restaurant was incredible with views i will remember of kyoto. The location made travel easy, esp with the shuttle. We cannot ...
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
This is a great boutique hotel close to a main shopping and restaurant area in Kyoto. Also just steps to the subway line. If you get a room on the Main Street it can be a bit noisy at night.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 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 ShinPuhKan Shopping Center or Kyoto International Manga Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
