Higashiyama is a beautiful historic district on the lower slopes of the hills in eastern Kyoto.
It is located between the famous geisha district of Gion and the famous Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu-dera.
The Higashiyama district is famous for its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses.
In contrast to Gion, which is mainly home to teahouses and traditional Japanese restaurants, Higashiyama is mainly known for its souvenir shops, cafes and curcas.
If you'd like to take pictures of empty streets without people, head to Higashiyama early in the morning before 7am or late in the evening.
Shops usually open around 9:30am and close around 6pm, however cafes and restaurants tend to stay open until 9pm.
The walk through the Higshiyama district is less than 2 km and takes about 30 minutes.
Accommodation in Higashiyama
This area is one of the most beautiful in Kyoto and has the most historical character.
Higashiyama is a premium location with the best and most luxurious hotels:
How to get there
Higashiyama is on the eastern edge of Kyoto, but is easily accessible by public transport.
The closest bus routes are along the main road about 150 metres from the centre of the district.
For a detailed listing of buses and other transport, see the information about Gion, which is adjacent to Higashiyama.
Expect long queues at bus stops when travelling from Higashiyama to central Kyoto between 16:00 and 19:00. You can wait more than 30 minutes for a seat. We recommend walking against the direction of the line to a bus stop where there won't be as many people waiting.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Kyoto.
