Higashiyama Ward Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Activities
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari
Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour
Kyoto: Gion & Pontocho Food Tour with 13 Dishes
From Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Tour
Our pick of the best Higashiyama Ward Hotel Deals
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Lovely room, very thoughtfully laid out. Lovely shower and toilet. Bed very comfortable. Hotel was very elegant and the bakery was amazing. We got 5000 yen hotel vouchers to spend and got some great things from the bakery. Lots of other amenities such as laundry room and gym which looked very modern ...
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Perfect!
Reviewed on 16 Feb 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
Amazing property
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
I’ve stayed here before and that’s why I returned, definelty a must stay in Kyoto. The views and breakfast are excellent!
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
The staff was very helpful, reading websites, calling taxis, and making dinner reservations. The room was clean and well appointed. The location is fabulous!
Reviewed on 22 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 Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, 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 GEAR - Art Complex 1928, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.
