Eastern Kyoto
Kyoto has so many amazing sights to see that it can be hard to decide what to do and where to go. Here are the sites that we recommend in Eastern Kyoto, we have put them together so that hopefully it is easier for you to plan a few sites to see together.
Kiyomizudera Temple
The famous Kiyomizudera temple can be found in Eastern Kyoto and nearby the old traditional streets of Higashiyama District. This temple was founded in 778 at the Otowa waterfall. Kiyomizudera literally means pure water temple. Kiyomizudera is famous for its wooden balcony that gives an amazing view of Kyoto, particularly in cherry blossom season or autumn.
There was a tradition that if you jumped off the 13m high veranda of Kiyomizudera and survived, your wish would be granted. This is the origin of a Japanese phrase; ‘to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu’ similar to ‘to take the plunge’. Records show that 234 jumps were attempted and about 85% survived! The practice was banned in 1872.
There are a number of pagodas, shrines and other sites near Kiyomizudera, however, I must admit the kids weren’t as excited about this as we were. They were more interested in watching the water striders under the bridge!
Higashiyama District
Just near the Kiyomizudera temple are the traditional streets of Higashiyama. As you walk these streets you will feel as though you have stepped back in time, into Kyoto of old. This was my absolute favourite part, seeing the cobbled streets and old wooden merchant shops. The kids really enjoyed this walk.
Chionin Temple
The Chionin temple sanmon gate, is an impressive structure (Sanmon means gate of three liberations and is the most important gate to a Japanese Zen Buddhist temple).
Once you step through the gate you will be confronted with super steep steps. We all felt like Po Panda climbing the staircase to the Jade Palace! Master 2yo literally crawled up them they were so steep. Although these stairs are not in Kung Fu Panda, they can be seen in the movie – The Last Samurai.
Nanzenji Temple
The Nanzenji temple site has a number of temples and gardens. It is located at the southern end of the Philsophers Path. The entrance is impressive with the towering Sanmon gate. Once inside there are beautiful moss and rock gardens and a huge aqueduct which looks very out of place. It was part of a canal system to carry water and goods.
Philosopher’s Path
This is a beautiful 2km walk along the canals from Nanzenji to Ginkakuji. It will take about 45 minutes, not including stops at restaurants, shops, temples and shrines along the way.
In the 20th century Nishida Kitaro would walk this path each day and contemplate life. It is a peaceful walk (well without kids it is!) and is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Kyoto.
Ginkakuji
Ginkakuji or Silver Pavilion is not covered in silver, although its cousin Kinkakuji found further North in Kyoto is covered in gold. Ginkakuji is located at the Northern end of the philosophers path.
Ginkakuji has the most amazing gardens and at autumn the striking red, yellow and green leaves make an impressive mosaic. Ginkakuji also boasts a perfectly manicured sand garden, a place of tranquillity and peace.
From the top of the garden, there is an amazing view of Ginkakuji surrounded by modern day Kyoto, an amazing juxtaposition of new and old.
Gion District
Gion is known for its high number of traditional wooden merchant houses. The streets are beautiful and many of the houses have been converted to shops, restaurants and tea houses.
Wandering though this area is also popular as there is a higher chance of spotting a geiko (Kyoto’s word for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha). These beautiful women are entertainers and artisans and represent the ancient culture and customs of Japan and Kyoto. Please be respectful as there have been complaints of tourists hounding them like paparazzi. It is quite common for Japanese girls to dress up in a kimono for the day, you can tell a geisha by the face paint, unpainted back of neck and the elaborate hair.
Gion corner has a daily show aimed at tourists that highlight many traditional arts including tea ceremony, dance and theatre.
Who would enjoy this…
If you enjoyed any these pictures then Eastern Kyoto is for you! If you enjoy a walk back in time or the tranquillity of a peaceful garden, then a visit to Eastern Kyoto is a must.
There are so many sites in Eastern Kyoto, however, visiting temple after temple can get boring for younger kids (and older ones!) so try and vary the activities. We’d highly recommend incorporating a walk through Higashiyama or the Philosophers path to stretch the legs.
How to get here
In Kyoto there are many types of transport including bus, train, subway and taxi. Most of the sites are easier to access via bus.
The “Raku Bus” are Kyoto City’s tourist buses. The Raku Bus #100, #101, and #102 stop at popular tourist locations in Kyoto City. Bus #100 travels to Eastern Kyoto from Kyoto station.
There is also the Sky Hop tourist bus that does a circuit from Kyoto station to many of the sites including; Kiomizudura temple, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji and Nijo castle, however, the pass is a 24 or 48 hour pass and it is expensive. They have a really cute map to help you orientate yourself in Kyoto city.
There are a lot of taxis in Kyoto and we often found this an easy option with little tired feet, although as a larger family we need two taxis.
Some sites in Eastern Kyoto are within walking distance of each other. Walking from Kiyomizudura through the streets of Higashiyama to Chionin takes about half an hour. Walking from Nanzenji to Ginkakuji along the Philosopher’s path also takes about 45 minutes, however, if you plan to stop and look at shrines and take photos along the way or know you have slow walkers then perhaps double that time, some reviews say they spent half a day on this walk.
Need more info?
Eastern Kyoto – As always Japan guide has an awesome map that will help you orientate yourself to this area.
Travelling to and around Kyoto
While in Kyoto check out…
Arashiyama including the bamboo forest
Kinkakuji the Golden Pavilion
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nishiki market