Higashiyama Attractions

Gion Geisha District

‘Geisha’ is probably one of the first words that spring to mind when thinking about Japan and the 2005 film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ gave this archetypical Japanese custom a higher profile. Kyoto used to be a major centre for geishas but things change rapidly and nowadays it is said that there are less than 500 left in the old capital. In Kyoto, geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) frequent Kagai (‘flower town’) an area of the city that is full of teahouses as well as expensive restaurants, bars, theatres and shops. Come early one evening, to have a peek at these beautiful women hurrying to work at the elite and costly teahouses. They are dressed in elegant and expensive traditional silk kimonos with their hair up and wearing chalk-white makeup as they walk along in their wooden geta clogs and white socks. These young and friendly women sometimes slow down and turn to tourists’ cameras with lovely smiles. Their job is to sing, dance, play traditional instruments and entertain their guests, and the cost of their company is not cheap.

Kiyomizu-dera

A visit to Kiyomizu-dera or Otowasan Kiyomizudera in the wooded hills east of Kyoto is like travelling back in time. Kiyomizu-dera (‘Pure Water Temple’) is one of the most celebrated temples in the whole country. Kiyomizudera is best known for its 13-metre high wooden extension that juts out from its main hall, above the hillside below.

The extension affords visitors great views out over the numerous maple and cherry trees below that explode into a bright sea of colour in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the extension, was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand-armed Kannon.

One of the most appealing aspects of a visit to Kiyomizudera is the walk to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the Higashiyama district. The many shops and restaurants in the area have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries, and products on sale range from local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles to the standard set of souvenirs.

It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in honour of the Kannon Bosatsu (bodhisattva of mercy and compassion) but the present temple was rebuilt in 1633 by the third Tokugawa shogun. An UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Kiyomizu-dera is nestled into the eastern mountains on approximately 130,000sqm, and with over 30 structures, is one of the most popular landmarks in the country. Its serene location is quite far from the main area of Kyoto requiring a strenuous uphill walk to reach it but the wonderful views and 1000-year old buildings are well worth the effort.

Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus number 100 or 206 (15 minutes). Alight at Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, and it is a ten-minute walk up the hill to the temple. Alternatively, Kiyomizudera is about a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station along the Keihan Railway Line. Read More...

Sanjusangendo Hall

This imposing grand hall is famous for its 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy) from the 12th and 13th centuries, all beautifully carved from Japanese cypress wood and covered with gold leaf. Other interesting statues include 28 Buddhist deities and two temple guardians. This 100-metre hall is considered Japan's longest wooden structure. Every January people gather for the famous centuries-old archery contest held behind the temple.

Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji is a Zen temple with a huge open temple complex and beautiful gardens. Every autumn the temple is crowded with tourists who come to admire the perfect autumnal colours of the Japanese maple trees in combination with traditional temple architecture. It is considered traditional to view them from the Tsuten-kyo Bridge. The temple itself was built in 1236 and later on had to be reconstructed because of several major fires in 1319, 1334 and 1336. The remarkable 22-metre tall main gate is the largest of all Zen temples in Japan. Many structures inside the temple are listed as national treasures. Tofukuji is another must-visit in Kyoto. Most of the property in Tofukuji’s grounds is free of charge to enter but the garden and Tsuten-kyo Bridge requires an admission fee.

Yasaka Shrine

This beautiful 5-storey pagoda is all that remains of a great temple that once stood here. Also called the Gion Shrine it is the centerpiece of the annual Gion Festival. Built in the 7th century the enshrined Shinto deity Susano-no-Mikoto symbolizes prosperity and protection against pestilence. A ritual when attending Yasaka Shrine is to write a prayer, wish or thought on a small piece of paper and tie it to the tree covered with tiny paper bows.

Chion-in

Built to proclaim the superiority of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, Chion-in features the colossal Sanmon gate the most imposing of any Japanese religious site. The temple is located where Honen the founder of the Jodo sect initiated his teachings and later fasted himself to death in 1212. Suffering the fate of many Kyoto temples it has been ruined by fires and earthquakes numerous times; the oldest buildings being the Hon-do (Main Hall) rebuilt in 1633 and the Daihojo (Abbots’ quarters) rebuilt in 1639. The main hall houses a huge bell which plays a vital role in New Year celebrations, rung 107 times before New Year and once more to shake off the excesses of the year gone by.

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

These flagstone-paved roads are one of four preservation areas in Kyoto, retaining all the charm of a bygone era. The names Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka translate as two year slope and three year slope respectively. A stroll through the streets will reveal exquisite wooden buildings, tiny gardens and cozy tearooms. Local folklore holds that if, while walking on the steps, you happen to trip you will suffer two or three years bad luck, so watch your step!

Choraku-ji

The steep uphill climb to this tiny temple is not for the faint-hearted but the panoramic Kyoto views from the top is a fitting reward. The path leading to the temple is lined with stone lanterns that when lit during the summer months create an amazing sight. The temple dates back to the 9th century.

Kyoto National Museum

Stop in to the Kyoto National museum to view the exquisite permanent collections of archaeological artifacts, calligraphy, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, lacquer work and more. Special exhibitions change regularly so just stop in the beautiful Meiji-era red brick building for details, or check the newspaper for exhibit themes.

Minami-za Kabuki Theater

Gion Corner