Higashiyama District

Higashiyama District is Kyoto's best-preserved pre-modern streetscape, centred on the linked slopes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka in Higashiyama-ku. Protected since the 1970s under Japan's Important Preservation District system, the stone-paved lanes are lined with wooden machiya houses, tea shops, pottery stores and sweet shops, many still trading from century-old buildings. The paths climb toward Kiyomizu-dera and connect onward to Kodai-ji temple and Yasaka Shrine, making the walk itself as much a draw as the temples it leads to. Rated 4.2/5 from over 1,500 visitor votes.

Higashiyama District covers the historic quarter between the Kamo River and the Higashiyama hills, anchored by the connected slopes of Sannenzaka (Sannei-zaka) and Ninenzaka. Both lanes fall under Japan's Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings designation, which keeps their wooden facades, stone paving and low rooflines intact. Around 60 shops and eateries operate along Sannenzaka alone, selling Kyoto specialties like yatsuhashi sweets, pottery and pickles, plus kimono rental and tea ceremony experiences. The lanes funnel visitors uphill to Kiyomizu-dera and connect further to Kodai-ji temple, Yasaka Shrine and the Gion entertainment district, making Higashiyama a full half-day walking circuit rather than a single stop.