The Eastern Mountains district is stone-paved lanes, wooden machiya townhouses, ancient temples, and forested hillsides. Kiyomizu-dera watches over from its nail-free wooden stage, built in the 8th century. Below, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka wind through craft shops, tea houses, and pottery studios that look much as they did centuries ago. The Yasaka Pagoda rises above the tile rooftops — originally founded in 589 AD, the current structure dates to 1440. The whole district flows naturally into Gion, making the walk from mountain temples to geisha quarters a single continuous route. Higashiyama is not a museum piece — people live and work here alongside the visitors.
What to See
Higashiyama's essential temples, lanes, and landmarks.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Must-SeeA UNESCO temple on a hillside with a wooden stage extending over the forest, offering wide views of the city and surrounding mountains. The walk up through Kiyomizu-zaka is lined with traditional shops and tea houses that make the approach as good as the temple itself. Allow 1-1.5 hours — see our dedicated Kiyomizu-dera guide for the full story.
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Must-SeeTwo gently curving stone stairways lined with traditional wooden buildings that look much as they did during the Edo period. Sannenzaka leads up toward Kiyomizu-dera with pottery, fan, and sweet shops. Ninenzaka branches north toward the Yasaka Pagoda past tea houses and craft stores. Local legend: stumble on Sannenzaka and you get three years of bad luck (Ninenzaka, two years) — likely invented to encourage careful walking on slippery steps. Even the local Starbucks is in a restored 100-year-old machiya townhouse. Before 9 AM is best for photography.
Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji)
Iconic LandmarkA five-story vermillion pagoda originally founded in 589 AD (the current structure dates to 1440), visible from throughout the neighborhood. The view from Yasaka-dori street — the pagoda framed by traditional wooden buildings — is a classic Kyoto photograph. Occasionally open inside (ground floor only, ¥400) with Buddhist statues and ceiling paintings. The surrounding lanes have tea houses, kimono rental shops, and souvenir stores. At night the illuminated pagoda against the dark hillside is worth a return visit.
Kodai-ji Temple
TempleFounded in 1606 by Nene, wife of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for his soul. The gardens by landscape architect Kobori Enshu include a dragon-shaped pond and a dry landscape of raked gravel. Inside, maki-e (gold lacquer) artwork on the furnishings is a standout example of Momoyama-period craft. Seasonal illumination events (until 9:30 PM) use spotlights and projection art to transform the gardens — an interesting mix of historic setting and modern presentation.
Nene-no-Michi (Nene's Path)
Walking PathA stone-paved path connecting Kodai-ji Temple to Maruyama Park and Gion. Named after Nene, who founded Kodai-ji, it runs along the western edge of the Higashiyama hills with views of gardens and temple walls on one side, the city on the other. Bamboo fences, stone lanterns, and seasonal flowers line the way. In autumn the trees turn red and gold. This path is the natural link between Higashiyama's temples and Gion — the full 2 km walk from Kiyomizu-dera through here into Gion is a Kyoto essential.
The Essential Higashiyama Walk: Kiyomizu-dera to Gion
This iconic 2-kilometer walking route takes you through the heart of historic Kyoto, from the hilltop temple of Kiyomizu-dera down through preserved lanes to the geisha district of Gion. Allow 2-3 hours with stops.
Start at Kiyomizu-dera Temple (¥400) — arrive early (6:00-7:00 AM) for empty temple and golden morning light on the wooden stage
Walk down the approach street (Matsubara-dori) browsing pottery shops and souvenir stores — try yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice cakes), Kyoto's signature sweet
Turn onto Sannenzaka — descend the stone stairway lined with traditional wooden buildings and craft shops
Continue onto Ninenzaka — follow the curving stone steps past tea houses and the famous Starbucks machiya
Arrive at Yasaka Pagoda — photograph the iconic five-story pagoda framed by traditional buildings along Yasaka-dori
Walk through the quiet lanes around Kodai-ji Temple (¥600) — explore the Zen gardens and maki-e lacquer art
Follow Nene-no-Michi path — stone-paved walkway with bamboo fences and temple wall views connecting to Maruyama Park
Enter Maruyama Park — rest beneath the famous weeping cherry tree (spectacular in spring) and visit Yasaka Shrine
Cross into Gion — walk south along Hanamikoji Street as the lanterns begin to glow and maiko emerge for evening engagements
Shopping & Crafts
Ceramics, textiles, and traditional crafts in Higashiyama's historic shops.
Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery
CraftHigashiyama is the center of Kiyomizu-yaki, Kyoto's signature pottery tradition dating to the 17th century. The kilns on the hillside above Kiyomizu-dera have produced some of Japan's finest ceramics, from delicate teacups to ornate vases. Shops along Sannenzaka and the approach to Kiyomizu-dera sell everything from affordable souvenirs (¥500-2,000) to museum-quality pieces by living national treasures (¥50,000+). Touan on Ninenzaka offers hands-on pottery painting experiences (¥1,500-3,000).
Traditional Textiles & Kimono
CraftHigashiyama's shops sell traditional Japanese textiles including nishijin-ori (Kyoto's famous brocade weaving), chirimen (crepe silk), and furoshiki (wrapping cloths). Kimono rental shops are abundant — Yumeyakata and Okamoto are popular choices, offering full kimono dress-up experiences including hair styling from ¥3,300-8,000 per day. Walking the historic lanes in a rented kimono is one of Kyoto's most popular visitor experiences.
Incense & Traditional Crafts
CraftKyoto has been Japan's incense capital since the Heian period, and Higashiyama's shops carry an extraordinary range of traditional incense (senko), from everyday sticks (¥300) to precious aloeswood blends (¥5,000+). Shoyeido, one of Japan's oldest incense companies (founded 1705), has a shop near Kodai-ji. Other traditional crafts include Japanese fans (sensu, ¥1,000-10,000), calligraphy supplies, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Continue Your Kyoto Walk
Higashiyama flows naturally into Gion — continue your exploration with our dedicated district guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
The walk from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion covers approximately 2 kilometers and takes 45-60 minutes at a steady walking pace. However, with stops at temples, shops, tea houses, and for photography, most visitors spend 2-3 hours on the route. Add another hour if you visit Kiyomizu-dera (¥400) and Kodai-ji (¥600) thoroughly. Starting early in the morning (6:00-7:00 AM at Kiyomizu-dera) allows a leisurely pace with fewer crowds and arrives in Gion by late afternoon for the magical evening atmosphere.
Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) for empty lanes and soft light. Late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) catches golden hour and transitions into Gion's evening atmosphere. Autumn (mid-November to early December) has blazing maple colors but heavy crowds. Spring cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) is equally striking. Winter has the fewest visitors and occasional snowfall.
Higashiyama is challenging for wheelchair users due to the stone stairways of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, uneven cobblestone surfaces, and the steep approach to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera itself has improved accessibility with some ramped routes, though not all areas are accessible. Kodai-ji has partial wheelchair access. The Nene-no-Michi path is relatively flat and manageable. For visitors with mobility concerns, a taxi can drop you at the top of the Kiyomizu approach, and the walk downhill through Sannenzaka is easier than going up.
The Ninenzaka area has several excellent options. Kasagi-ya is a beloved tea house on Ninenzaka serving matcha and warabi mochi since the Taisho era (¥600-900). Yojiya Cafe (near the Yasaka Pagoda) serves matcha lattes with their signature face-print latte art (¥800). For a full meal, Junidanya near Kodai-ji serves tofu kaiseki lunches (¥2,500-4,000). The approach street to Kiyomizu-dera has numerous stalls selling yatsuhashi, matcha ice cream (¥400), and other Kyoto snacks.
Kimono rental is one of Higashiyama's most popular experiences, with dozens of shops offering full kimono dress-up including obi (sash), tabi (socks), geta or zori (sandals), hair styling, and accessories. Prices range from ¥3,300 for a basic set to ¥8,000+ for premium kimono. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. Major rental shops include Yumeyakata, Okamoto (with a branch right on Kiyomizu-zaka), and Wargo. Most shops are open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM with returns by 6:30 PM. Walking the historic lanes in a traditional kimono adds a wonderful layer of immersion to the experience.