Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama

We meet at Kyoto Station in the morning and head straight out so we can reach our first destination ahead of the main crowds. We will have plenty of time to admire Hiroshi Hara's futuristic station building when we return in the afternoon.

Kyoto's most celebrated temple, famous for its massive wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, supported by hundreds of pillars without a single nail. The views over Kyoto are spectacular. We explore the main hall, the Otowa Waterfall where visitors drink sacred water, and the pagoda area.

This picturesque stone-paved slope is one of Kyoto's most beloved walking streets. Lined with traditional wooden buildings housing tea shops, craft stores, and restaurants, it has retained its Edo-period atmosphere. I will share the superstition about falling on these steps!

This five-story pagoda is one of Kyoto's most photographed landmarks, rising dramatically above the traditional streetscape. Dating from 1440, it is the last remaining structure of a once-great temple complex. A perfect spot for iconic photos.

Continue down this charming stone-paved street, slightly less steep than Sannenzaka. Browse the traditional shops and enjoy the preserved Edo-period architecture. The famous Starbucks in a converted machiya townhouse is worth a peek.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant tucked into the historic lanes between Ninenzaka and Nene-no-michi—perhaps yudofu (Kyoto's simmered tofu), handmade soba or a seasonal obanzai set.

Built by Nene, the widow of the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in memory of her husband. The temple features beautiful gardens, elegant tea houses, and a bamboo grove. The lacquered interiors are adorned with intricate goldwork. We spend time exploring the temple grounds and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere.

Also known as Gion Shrine, this vermilion landmark has guarded the eastern entrance to Kyoto for over 1,350 years. The shrine is particularly magical during the Gion Festival in July. We explore the main hall and the colorful lanterns.

Behind Yasaka Shrine opens Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest public park and its most beloved cherry-blossom spot. A short walk further rises the Sanmon of Chion-in, the largest wooden temple gate in Japan, at the foot of the head temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism.

Before evening falls we sit down in a traditional teahouse on the edge of Higashiyama and Gion for matcha and a seasonal Kyoto sweet – a calm pause before we walk into Gion at dusk.

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya teahouses line the atmospheric streets. If we are lucky, we may spot a geiko or maiko hurrying to an evening engagement. The preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our Higashiyama journey concludes at Pontocho, one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining streets. This narrow alley running parallel to the Kamo River is lined with restaurants and bars—the perfect place to continue your evening or find dinner with a river view.