Higashiyama

The Higashiyama District (東山) in Kyoto offers a captivating journey into the city's historic heart. Nestled along the lower slopes of the eastern mountains, it remains one of Kyoto's best-preserved traditional areas. Visitors can wander through narrow, stone-paved lanes that wind between famous landmarks such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. The district’s beautifully preserved wooden machiya townhouses, tea houses, and traditional shops create an atmosphere that reflects the elegance of old Kyoto.

As you explore, you'll discover countless small shops, cozy cafes, and long-established restaurants that have been welcoming travelers for generations. Many of these businesses continue to offer Kyoto’s famous local specialties, including delicate Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, handcrafted souvenirs, traditional sweets like yatsuhashi, pickled vegetables, and artisanal crafts. Whether visiting in the quiet morning hours or during the softly lit evenings, a stroll through Higashiyama offers a timeless and immersive glimpse into Kyoto's enduring cultural heritage.