Enjoy a Stroll through Higashiyama
The Higashiyama district is dotted with many temples. Among these temples, Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi-inari Taisha are well known, with even more ancient history than Heiyan-kyo (what Kyoto was called for 794 years when it was Japan’s capital) itself. Also, on your next visit to Kyoto, we would certainly ask you to visit the main temples gathered together in Higashiyama, which are representative of Higashiyama Culture, in which Japan’s traditional culture, including tea ceremony and flower arranging, blossomed: Ginkaku-ji, or “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”; Yasaka Shrine, located in Gion in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district; the approximately 50 cherry blossoms of beautiful Kodai-ji Temple in the spring; the 1000 Arms of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, in Sanjyusangen-do Hall, and so on.From Yasaka Shrine on the road leading towards Kiyomizu-dera, follow the cobblestone streets to take in the typically Kyoto-style scenery.Continue along Ninenzaka, Yasaka Street, Sanneizaka (also known as Sannenzaka) and Kiyomizu Road.In the case of Sanneizaka, the steep cobblestone street continues for approximately 100 meters. Designated as an Important Historical Building Preservation District, old tea houses and other buildings line the street.After climbing the Sanneizaka, you’ll come out onto Kiyomizu Road. On Kiyomizu Road, a large number of shops line the streets, and it is usually crowded with tourists. Cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed on this walk in the spring.
The Illumination of Kyoto’s Beautiful Colors
The many temples and other cultural heritage in Kyoto, and also its historic streetscapes, exude a particular atmosphere. Efforts are actively being made to preserve these sites. The Kyoto Hanatouro, or “Flower Illumination Path”, which started 2003, is one tourism-based resource for creating business opportunities.Kyoto at night is beautifully presented through the illumination of the flowers and trees. From Jingu-michi Road near Higashiyama Station (Tozai line), along the cobblestone streets of Yasaka Shrine all the way to Kiyomizu-dera, the colors change by the light of the Roji Andon lanterns. A slightly different feel from the daytime walk, one can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.