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Road trip from Osaka · About 1 hr 10 by car
Kyoto
Higashiyama is the old eastern edge of Kyoto: stone-paved slopes climbing to Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage, lanes of wooden shops, Yasaka Shrine and the geisha district of Gion.
Kyoto is hard work by car. The streets are narrow and parking near the sights is scarce. The winning plan is to drive in, park once, then spend the day on foot (with a taxi or bus for longer hops).
Where to go
1Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺Hillside temple with the famous wooden stage jutting out over the trees and a view across Kyoto.1–1.5 hr · Adult ¥500, elementary and junior high ¥200. Cash only.Map ↗
2Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka 三年坂・二年坂Stone-stepped lanes of wooden shops and tea houses winding down from Kiyomizu-dera.45 min · FreeMap ↗
3Kodai-ji 高台寺Zen temple built by the widow of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with gardens and a bamboo grove.45 min–1 hr · Adult ¥600, junior/senior high ¥250; elementary and under free with a guardianMap ↗
4Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社Gion's big vermilion shrine, with a hall hung with lanterns; lively in the evening.30 min · FreeMap ↗
5Gion Hanamikoji 花見小路Main street of the Gion geisha district, lined with wooden teahouses.30 min · FreeMap ↗
A day there
- 7:30Leave south Osaka early; about 1 hr 10 min to Higashiyama
- 8:45Park, then walk up to Kiyomizu-dera before the crowds
- 10:30Wander down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
- 12:00Lunch in Higashiyama (yudofu or noodles)
- 13:30Kodai-ji, then on to Yasaka Shrine
- 15:30Walk Hanamikoji in Gion, then back to the car and home
What to eat
Yudofu (simmered tofu)Kiyomizu / Higashiyama and Nanzen-ji areas
Matcha sweets and yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice-flour sweets)Shops along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Kyoto pickles, skewers and snacksNishiki Market in central Kyoto
With kids
The walking is hilly with many steps, so bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair for the slopes. Children under junior-high age get in cheaply or free at most temples.
Good to know
- Rent a compact car if you can; Higashiyama's lanes are very narrow.
- Kiyomizu-dera takes cash only.
- Arrive by 9:00 on weekends; the roads and car parks near Kiyomizu fill quickly.