How long does it take to walk from Yasaka Pagoda to Kiyomizu-dera?

The direct walk takes about 15-20 minutes, covering roughly 1 kilometer. However, most visitors spend at least 60-90 minutes on this stretch to explore the shops and cafes along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes.

Is Kiyomizu-dera worth visiting?

Yes, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most celebrated temples. The massive wooden stage offers incredible views of Kyoto, and the engineering feat of building it without nails makes it an architectural wonder.

Are Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka difficult to walk?

The difficulty is moderate due to the steep incline and stone steps. While the distance is short, the elevation gain and the uneven surfaces require comfortable walking shoes and a basic level of fitness.

Can I see the Yasaka Pagoda at night?

Yes, the exterior of the Yasaka Pagoda is illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for evening photography. While you cannot enter the temple grounds late at night, the view from the public streets is spectacular.

What is the best time of day to explore Higashiyama?

The best time is early morning, before 9:00 AM. By midday, the narrow streets of Sannenzaka become very crowded with tourists, making it difficult to appreciate the historic atmosphere and take photos.

Are there entrance fees for the temples on this route?

The streets like Ninenzaka and Ishibe-koji are free to access. However, Kiyomizu-dera and Kōdaiji Temple both require entrance fees, typically ranging from 400 to 600 yen per person.

Is the Higashiyama walking route accessible for strollers?

It is challenging for strollers due to the many stone steps on Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. While there are some back-road workarounds, most of the historic charm involves stairways that are not stroller-friendly.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the Japan of centuries past with this self-guided walk through the Ancient Slopes of Higashiyama. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of old Kyoto, where narrow stone-paved lanes are lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and the scent of incense drifts from hidden altars. As you explore independently, you will encounter some of the most iconic sights in the country, from the towering Yasaka Pagoda to the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. This walking route is designed for those who appreciate history, architecture, and photography, offering a rhythm that allows you to pause whenever a view catches your eye. The journey begins in the quiet, atmospheric Ishibe kōji road, a preserved area that feels worlds away from modern urban life. From there, the path leads you toward the Hōkan-ji Temple, better known as the Yasaka Pagoda, which serves as a majestic focal point for the entire district. You will then navigate the famous sloping streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These pedestrian-only lanes are famous for their perfectly preserved architecture and legendary superstitions. The route culminates at the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera, a temple that has stood on the hillside for over 1,200 years, offering sweeping views across the city. Finally, the walk concludes at Kōdaiji Temple, a masterpiece of Zen gardening and architectural elegance. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, this walking tour Kyoto provides a deep dive into the spiritual and aesthetic heart of Japan's ancient capital.

Highlights

Wander the atmospheric, stone-paved alleyways of Ishibe kōji road

Capture the perfect photo of the iconic 46-meter Yasaka Pagoda

Stroll through the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka shopping slopes

Visit the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, built without a single nail

Explore the Zen gardens and bamboo groves of Kōdaiji Temple

Experience the preserved Taisho-era architecture of the Higashiyama district

Tour Stops (6)

Ishibe kōji road

Welcome to Ishibe kōji, often cited as one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto. The name literally translates to 'Stone Wall Alley,' referring to the stone foundations that support the traditional wooden buildings. This area was developed during the Taisho era and remains one of the city's most strictly preserved historical districts. As you walk, notice the absence of overhead power lines and modern signage, a deliberate effort to maintain the illusion of time travel. This quiet lane once served as a path for pilgrims visiting nearby shrines, and today it remains a peaceful sanctuary of high-end ryokans and discreet tea houses. It is the perfect introduction to the architectural heritage of Higashiyama.

Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

Standing before you is the 46-meter tall Yasaka Pagoda, the last remaining structure of Hōkan-ji Temple. While the current tower was rebuilt in 1440 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori, the temple's origins date back to the 6th century, founded by Prince Shotoku. This five-story structure is a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist architecture, designed to withstand the frequent earthquakes of the region using a central 'shinbashira' or heart-pillar that acts as a shock absorber. As an iconic silhouette of the Kyoto skyline, it has been a landmark for travelers for centuries. Take a moment to admire the intricate woodwork and the bronze spire reaching toward the sky.

Ninenzaka

Ninenzaka, or 'Two-Year Slope,' is a charming pedestrian street that dates back to the Daigaku era of the early 9th century. The street is lined with beautifully restored machiya houses that now host traditional craft shops, cafes, and even a unique Starbucks housed in a 100-year-old building. Local legend warns that if you trip and fall on this slope, you will suffer two years of bad luck—a clever superstition likely invented to encourage people to walk carefully on the steep, narrow path. Observe the 'mushiko-mado' (insect-cage windows) on the upper floors of the buildings, a classic feature of Kyoto's merchant architecture designed for ventilation and privacy.

Sannenzaka

Continuing upward, you reach Sannenzaka, the 'Three-Year Slope.' Similar to its neighbor, legend says a fall here brings three years of misfortune. Historically, this path was known as Saineizaka, meaning the 'Slope of Safe Childbirth,' as it led expectant mothers to pray for a healthy delivery at Kiyomizu-dera. Today, it is one of Kyoto's most vibrant shopping streets. Look for shops selling 'Kiyomizu-yaki' pottery, a local ceramic style known for its elegant glazes, and 'Yatsuhashi,' a cinnamon-flavored rice flour treat that is Kyoto's most famous souvenir. The stone steps and weeping cherry trees make this one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, the 'Temple of Pure Water,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marvel of ancient engineering. Founded in 778, the temple's main hall features a massive wooden veranda supported by 139 giant pillars, joined entirely without nails. This 'stage' was originally used for ritual dances offered to the deity Kannon. Below the hall, you can find the Otowa Waterfall, where three streams of water represent longevity, success in school, and a fortunate love life. Visitors often use long-handled cups to drink from the streams, though it is said that drinking from all three is considered greedy. The panoramic views of Kyoto from this vantage point are truly unparalleled.

Kōdaiji Temple

The final stop on your journey is Kōdaiji Temple, established in 1606 by Nene, the widow of the great unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for her late husband. The temple is a stunning example of Momoyama-period style, featuring lavish interiors decorated with 'maki-e' lacquerwork using gold and silver powder. The grounds include two tea houses designed by the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū and a Zen rock garden that is often rearranged to reflect the seasons. As you walk through the small but dense bamboo grove at the rear of the property, you can feel the quiet dignity that Nene sought during her retirement here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Higashiyama district walk is widely considered the best for history, as it contains the highest concentration of preserved wooden architecture and ancient temples like Kiyomizu-dera. This self-guided route allows you to see the 15th-century Yasaka Pagoda and the 1,200-year-old foundations of the city's spiritual center.