A Guide to Kyoto's Key Neighborhoods

There is no better way to delve into Japan’s traditional legacy than to spend a few days in its former imperial capital, Kyoto. From 794 to 1868, Kyoto was the centerpiece of Japan’s political, cultural, and religious activities and managed to retain much of its traditional charming atmosphere.

While Kyoto is one of Japan's most tourist-friendly cities, it can be challenging to navigate through the iconic sights and enchanting neighborhoods. We’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods and destinations to check out as you journey through the historic capital full of architectural wonders.

If you want a more structured tour of the region, check out our 7-Day Kyoto Itinerary (For First Timers) or A Weekend in Kyoto for $200.

As one of Japan’s most renowned geisha districts, Gion is a captivating neighborhood that manages to preserve the essence of traditional Japanese culture. What makes Gion so unique are its narrow streets lined with machiya, traditional Japanese wooden townhouses that function as both a residence and a place of business.

Besides the charming architecture, you may also catch a glimpse of the elusive geiko or maiko going to and from a teahouse. Do act respectfully, and avoid taking pictures of the ladies without prior permission!

To fully immerse yourself in Gion’s ambiance, try on a kimono and experience walking down Hanami-koji street, the district’s main thoroughfare lined with quaint shops, exclusive boutiques, and traditional restaurants. You will also want to check out the Yasaka Shrine, one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto that comes alive during the famous Gion Matsuri festival held every July.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is a mere five minutes walk from Gion-Shijo station. The first hotel in the world to be awarded the WELL certifications as a sustainable hotel, the Good Nature Hotel is dedicated to creating an environmentally and health-conscious business.

Alternatively, a cheaper option would be Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji, a temple hotel that welcomes guests with the culture and traditions of Kyoto. With forty-eight lanterns lining the Jokyoji main hall and a lobby fusing contemporary and traditional artwork, this hotel’s unique artistry makes it the perfect rejuvenating accommodation.

Look up Kyoto on social media, and you will undoubtedly see the breathtaking bamboo forests of Arashiyama. Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers a serene escape from the bustling city and is particularly known for its cherry blossom blooms and vibrant fall foliage.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an almost mythical trail, with soaring stalks of bamboo lining up beside you along the trail. It tends to get really crowded during the day, so if you want to experience the bamboo grove in all its glory try to get there early in the morning where there are not as many people!

Be sure to explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a renowned garden designed by the Zen master Muso Soseki. If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike up the Monkey Park Iwatayama where you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view of the city, mountains, and river together with the park’s energetic residents.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto offers a luxurious retreat that harmonizes seamlessly with Arashiyama’s serene surroundings. This premium ryokan experience provides an unparalleled experience of Arashiyama by incorporating the natural environment into its elegant designs. The guest pavilions, constructed from pristine wood and polished through traditional Kyoto woodworking techniques, offer you a chance to meditate to the gentle flow of the Oi River and a magnificent view of ancient cherry and maple trees.

For budget-conscious travelers, Hotel Arashiyama also offers beautiful views of Arashiyama from all their rooms and is a quick seven-minute walk from Arashiyama station. The hotel is also right next door to the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Sagano Scenic Trail, making this a prime location to explore the area.

Another iconic landmark of Kyoto is the array of bright vermilion torii gates that line the trails at Fushimi Inari Shrine. The vast network of torii gates beckons adventurers to explore further into the sacred Mount Inari, a wooded forest that reaches an impressive height of 765 feet. If you brave the two to three-hour journey to the top, you are rewarded with one of Kyoto’s most spectacular views of the city.

In addition to the shrine, Fushimi is also known for its sake production. Fushimi roughly translates as “underground water”, and the water found in these underground sources is soft and mellow, making it ideally suited for sake production. The Fushimi Sake District is located along the Horikawa River and is home to traditional sake breweries. Be sure to check out Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for an introduction to sake, its brewing process, and a taste test of some of Kyoto’s finest sake!

If you plan to stay in the area, Urban Hotel Kyoto is an ideal choice. Located 10 minutes on foot from Fushimi Inari Shrine, the hotel is a cheap and convenient option that is an excellent base to go sightseeing from. You can also opt for the breakfast plan, which provides a handmade breakfast buffet at the hotel’s first-floor restaurant.

From its narrow cobblestone streets to enchanting architectural treasures, Higashiyama is a popular neighborhood that has long captivated visitors with its wealth of historic landmarks. The beautifully preserved historic district sits in the foothills east of Kyoto’s city center and has managed to capture the essence of how Japan looked during the feudal era.

The main Higashiyama district is always bustling with activity, its streets lined with small shops, restaurants, and cafes selling local specialties from pottery to artisanal crafts to sweets. If you’re seeking matcha desserts of the highest quality, do check out Higashiyama Saryo which sells everything from parfaits to cakes!

Of course, no trip to Higashiyama is complete without checking out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its large wooden terrace and panoramic views of the city. The temple, which literally translates as “pure water” temple, was originally built in 780 on the Otowa Waterfall— which you can still visit at the base of Kiyomizu-dera's main hall. Besides the temple, you can also head for a poetic stroll at the nearby Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant walk that connects the Nazen-ji Temple with Ginkaku-ji (Higashiyama Jisho-ji), the Silver Pavilion.

Part of the fun of traveling is in cultural immersion, and Tsumugi Kiyomizu-Gojo offers you just that! A Kyoto-styled machiya near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the townhouse embraces the concept of good old Japanese tradition and fuses with modern functionality. With stylish bedrooms, a built-in bath with a garden view, and a prime location with all the major sightseeing destinations within walking distance, Tsumugi Kiyomizu-Gojo is an exceptional experience!