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Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto

Things to Do in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Kyoto's temple-lined eastern ward, climbing from the Kamo River into the Higashiyama foothills. Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion's machiya lanes form the spine, but pottery shops, tiny cemeteries, and dawn walks along the Shirakawa canal supply the quieter texture behind the crowds.

Kyoto's temple-lined eastern ward, climbing from the Kamo River into the Higashiyama foothills. Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion's machiya lanes form the spine, but pottery shops, tiny cemeteries, and dawn walks along the Shirakawa canal supply the quieter texture behind the crowds.

  • Kiyomizu-deraFamous Buddhist Temple
  • Kyoto National MuseumHistory Museum
  • Tōfuku-ji TempleFamous Buddhist Temple
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026

Top things to do in Higashiyama Ward

  • Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Kiyomizu-dera

    4.6 · 70.9k
    Famous Buddhist Temple

    Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.

    Every day
    6 AM – 6 PM
  • Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Kyoto National Museum

    4.3 · 8.2k
    History Museum

    Long-running museum with Japanese sculptures, paintings, calligraphy & metalwork, plus a cafe.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    9:30 AM – 5 PM
    Fri
    9:30 AM – 8 PM
    Sat
    9:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    9:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Tōfuku-ji Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Tōfuku-ji Temple

    4.5 · 11.2k
    Famous Buddhist Temple

    Large Buddhist temple established in 1236 on scenic grounds with gardens known for fall foliage.

    Every day
    9 AM – 4 PM
  • Sanjūsangendō Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Sanjūsangendō Temple

    4.7 · 17.2k
    Buddhist Temple

    This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.

    Every day
    8:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Ninenzaka in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Ninenzaka

    4.5 · 11.3k
    Specialty Store

    Charming pedestrian thoroughfare known for its classic architecture, teahouses & cherry blossoms.

    Every day
    12 AM – 12 AM
  • +chocolat プラスショコラ in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    +chocolat プラスショコラ

    4.7 · 177
    Chocolate Shop· ¥1,000–2,000
    Every day
    8 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Sannenzaka in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Sannenzaka

    4.4 · 16.7k
    Historic Landmark

    Bustling pedestrian street on a hill lined with souvenir stalls & traditional Japanese architecture.

    Every day
    12 AM – 12 AM
    Map

Where to eat & drink in Higashiyama Ward

  • Choshoku Kishin in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Choshoku Kishin

    4.3 · 446
    Breakfast· ¥3,000–4,000

    ‘Kishin’ refers to the ‘joyful mind’ that Zen Buddhism encourages cooks to adopt. The term encapsulates a natural feeling of gratitude to those who eat and an attitude of joy with respect to meals. The menu consists of rice dishes cooked…

    Mon–Tue
    7:30 AM – 12 PM
    Wed–Thu
    Closed
    Fri
    7:30 AM – 12 PM
    Sat
    7:30 AM – 12 PM
    Sun
    7:30 AM – 12 PM
  • Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji

    Michelin
    French· $$$

    Elegant dining with a view of Yasaka Pagoda. The cuisine is authentic French, crafted with classic techniques and sauces.

    Website
  • Cabaret (formerly BAR Baaru) in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Cabaret (formerly BAR Baaru)

    5.0 · 267
    Live Music· ¥1,000–2,000

    A bar in Kyoto's Gion district that welcomes first-time visitors and international guests.

    Mon–Fri
    6 PM – 2 AM
    Sat
    6 PM – 2 AM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Vive Lounge Kyoto in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Vive Lounge Kyoto

    4.9 · 195
    Lounge· ¥1,000–5,000

    VIVE LOUNGE KYOTO. Music bar on the Kamogawa in the Gion area. Opening April 3, 2026.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    7 PM – 3 AM
    Sat
    7 PM – 3 AM
    Sun
    7 PM – 2 AM
  • Wakana in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Wakana

    4.8 · 1.7k
    Coffee Shop· ¥2,000–3,000

    Mellow cafe serving light bites such as yakidango & sweets, as well as hearty donburi meals.

    Every day
    11 AM – 8 PM
  • Lorimer Kyoto Jr. in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Lorimer Kyoto Jr.

    4.6 · 675
    Breakfast· ¥1,000–2,000
    Every day
    8 AM – 3 PM
    Map
  • BAR CRAFT倶楽部 京都|cocktail bar in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    BAR CRAFT倶楽部 京都|cocktail bar

    4.9 · 568
    Cocktail Bar· ¥2,000–3,000

    A cocktail bar in Kyoto offering a Japanese-style atmosphere where guests can enjoy cocktails, whiskey, and food.

    Every day
    3 PM – 1 AM
  • Higashiyama Yoshihisa in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Higashiyama Yoshihisa

    Michelin ★★
    Japanese· $$$$

    The chef oversees every aspect of the menu, which changes monthly.

    Website
  • Fuku Coffee Roastery in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

    Fuku Coffee Roastery

    5.0 · 473
    Coffee Shop· ¥1–1,000

    A coffee roastery located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, offering coffee bean sales, wholesale, and cupping experiences.

    Mon–Wed
    Closed
    Thu–Fri
    8:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    8:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    8:30 AM – 5 PM

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Higashiyama Ward map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Higashiyama Ward with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Kiyomizu-dera
  2. 2Kyoto National Museum
  3. 3Tōfuku-ji Temple
  4. 4Sanjūsangendō Temple
  5. 5Choshoku Kishin
  6. 6Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji
  7. 7Ninenzaka
  8. 8+chocolat プラスショコラ
  9. 9Cabaret (formerly BAR Baaru)
  10. 10Vive Lounge Kyoto

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