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Gion & Higashiyama

Kyoto

Kyoto's most atmospheric district, with Gion's wooden teahouses and geisha, and the stone lanes of Higashiyama climbing to Kiyomizu-dera.

Best for Upscale · First visit

Transport
3/5
Sights
5/5
Value
2/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$235/night · 10 min to Shijo-Kawaramachi

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Gion & Higashiyama on the map

Why stay here

  • Kyoto's most beautiful streets
  • Walk to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine
  • Ryokan-style luxury hotels

Who should stay here

  • Couples
  • Culture lovers
  • Luxury stays

Not ideal if…

  • You're on a budget
  • You dislike crowds by day
  • You need a subway on your doorstep

What it's like

Gion is Kyoto's famous geisha district: Hanami-koji's wooden teahouses, the willow-lined Shirakawa canal and Yasaka Shrine's lanterns. South of it, Higashiyama's preserved slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka climb past the Yasaka pagoda to Kiyomizu-dera, with temples like Kodai-ji in between.

It's the most beautiful place to stay and the best for seeing the sights on foot, early before the crowds. Hotels are expensive, the lanes are packed by day, and the nearest subway is a walk away.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Hanami-koji

    Gion's lane of teahouses and restaurants.

  • Shirakawa

    Willow-lined canal, beautiful at night.

  • Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka

    Stone steps lined with old shops.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Gion-Shijo station on the Keihan line, buses to Kiyomizu-michi and Higashiyama Yasui, and taxis.
To Shijo-Kawaramachi
About 10 minutes
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
About 95 minutes: Haruka express to Kyoto Station, then a taxi or bus.

Nearby attractions

  • Kiyomizu-dera

    Temple on a wooden stage above the city.

  • Yasaka Shrine

    Lantern-lit shrine at the top of Shijo-dori.

  • Gion at dusk

    The best chance to glimpse geiko and maiko; don't stop them for photos.

  • Kodai-ji

    Zen temple with a bamboo grove and gardens.

Where to eat and drink

  • Gion

    Kaiseki restaurants and teahouses.

  • Higashiyama lanes

    Matcha sweets and tofu restaurants.

Where to stay in Gion & Higashiyama

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Why we like it: Luxury hotel above the Ninenzaka lanes with city views.

Typical luxury rate in Gion & Higashiyama: ~$1,005/night

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Luxury pick

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Why we like it: 1930s schoolhouse turned luxury hotel near the Yasaka pagoda.

Typical luxury rate in Gion & Higashiyama: ~$1,005/night

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Luxury pick

Sowaka

Why we like it: Adults-only ryokan-style hotel in a restored townhouse.

Typical luxury rate in Gion & Higashiyama: ~$1,005/night

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Hotels in Gion & HigashiyamaMid-range from ~$235/night

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