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.
Tofuku-ji Temple
More than any other site, this shrine is celebrated for the unrivaled autumnal colors of the trees surrounding the spiritual Zen haven.
Things to do
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Kimono Rental CHAMATSU|Kimono/Yukata Rental FamilyPlan
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
Top hotels in Higashiyama Ward
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
"Good location if you’re happy to be slightly out of Central Tokyo and the staff were helpful signposting the bus to get to Haneda Airport. Lots of restaurants nearby especially for yakitori. I did find the bathroom to be awkwardly set up with a low shower going into the bath."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
"Excellent stay near everything around Gion! Highly recommend it!"
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
"We had a lovely stay overall. The staff were fantastic throughout — incredibly helpful, welcoming and always happy to assist with anything we needed. The hotel itself is beautiful and in a great location, which made exploring very easy. The only downside for us was the room size. Although the room ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
"Great Hotel with nice amenities and shuttle bus to Kyoto Station and Gion. However the room was very small and ceiling was low. It was hard to navigate for 3 people in such small room"
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT
"You get what you pay for. Great location."
Reviewed on 30 May 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
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 Three-Year Slope or Sannenzaka Museum.
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 National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto 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 Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market, 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 Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
