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Higashiyama Classic Traverse — From Kiyomizu-dera Down to Gion — Kyoto

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Higashiyama Classic Traverse — From Kiyomizu-dera Down to Gion

Full day

6 stops · Full day

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My Trip

If it's your first time in Kyoto, the Higashiyama hillside is the one route you can't skip. This golden itinerary walks you downhill from top to bottom — starting at Kiyomizu-dera and threading old stone lanes, a pagoda, and shrines all the way to Gion's geisha quarter, every stop just a 6–10 minute walk apart so you never touch a bus or train all day. Hit Kiyomizu-dera early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Full day6 stopsEst. budget 50,000 KRW

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple清水寺

    Higashiyama · Temple · Attraction · 70 min stay

    Kyoto's face — from the wooden stage perched on the cliff, the whole city spreads out below. The unmissable first stop for any first visit.

    오전 8~9시(개문 직후 인파 회피)

  2. Walk 8 min
    2

    Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Slopes三年坂・二年坂

    Higashiyama · Street · Alley · 50 min stay

    Preserved old lanes of tiled-roof houses and stone steps. Strolling with a souvenir and a matcha soft-serve in hand is the whole point.

  3. Walk 6 min
    3

    Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji)法観寺 八坂の塔

    Higashiyama · Landmark · 20 min stay

    A five-story wooden pagoda towering at the end of the lane — the postcard shot that says 'Kyoto' at a glance.

  4. Walk 7 min
    4

    Kodai-ji Temple高台寺

    Higashiyama · Temple · Garden · 40 min stay

    Founded by the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its quiet maple-and-moss garden and bamboo path make a perfect breather.

  5. Walk 10 min
    5

    Yasaka Shrine八坂神社

    Gion · Shrine · 30 min stay

    Gion's guardian shrine and the heart of the Gion Matsuri. Its vermilion gate is the gateway to the Gion district.

  6. Walk 6 min
    6

    Gion Hanamikoji Street祇園 花見小路

    Gion · Street · Alley · 40 min stay

    Kyoto's most atmospheric lane, where teahouses and geisha culture live on. It's at its best at dusk when the lanterns flicker on.

Sources · Freshness

  • ownTrip Pagoda 큐레이션

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