1-Day Higashiyama Itinerary: Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka & Gion

Last Updated on March 26, 2026 by Charlotte

A temple building at kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, with a decorative rock and bonsai tree

This itinerary explores the best of Southern Higashiyama: the ancient hilltop temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the historic cobblestone streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and the lantern-lit geisha district of Gion in just one day.

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Southern Higashiyama Itinerary Overview

This Southern Higashiyama itinerary naturally splits into two halves: the temple and historic streets in the afternoon, and Gion as the sun goes down. You can do all of these stops in one day or spread them over two days if you prefer.

Map of Southern Higashiyama Itinerary

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated temples, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Believe it or not, this temple is so old that it predates Kyoto as a capital city! Its name translates to “pure water,” a reference to the sacred Otowa waterfall on the grounds where visitors drink from three streams said to grant longevity, academic success, and love.

The broad wooden stage at Kiyomizu-dera surrounded by autumn foliage

The current buildings on site were rebuilt by the third Tokugawa shogun, and most surprisingly, the famous wooden stage was constructed without a single nail.

One of the pagodas at Kiyomizu-dera surrounded by crowds

I’ve visited Kiyomizu-dera twice: once close to closing time on a solo trip, and once in the morning with Travel Buddy before the crowds built up. I think that the temple itself is genuinely impressive and worth seeing at least once, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little overstimulated by the time I left, just because of the incredible number of people here.

Visiting Information

Admission: 500 yen
Hours: 6:00am–6:00pm (until 9:30pm during special night illumination periods)
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

From Kiyomizu-dera, make your way to Sannenzaka (三年坂) and Ninenzaka (二年坂), the nearby historic streets.

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Sannenzaka (三年坂) and Ninenzaka (二年坂) are the historic streets below Kiyomizu-dera, which you probably recognize from all the touristy photos online. The atmosphere here, with the stone-paved lanes, wooden machiya townhouses, and tea shops, makes it feel like you’ve stepped back several centuries, which makes this an especially fun spot to walk around in a Kimono Rental.

These streets are some of the most crowded in Kyoto. During both of my visits, it was always shoulder-to-shoulder with people.

Travel tip

If you hope to get a photo of the famous Yasaka Pagoda without any other people in it, you’ll have to try to show up as early as 4:30 am!

From Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Gion is about a 15–20 minute walk north, or a short walk and bus ride. If you plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera in the morning, it can make sense to go home and rest, and then to return to Gion at night.

Gion

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, a neighborhood of wooden ochaya (tea houses), narrow stone-paved lanes, and centuries-old tradition.

It’s where geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (their apprentices) still live and work today, making their way between engagements in full kimono as they have done for hundreds of years.

Gion by Night

My first visit to Gion was on a rainy and cold evening in early December, and it is one of the most magical memories from my first trip to Japan. This evening, the rain had driven almost everyone else inside, and the streets were barren but for the red paper lanterns lining the roofs, which cast a warm glow on the wet cobblestones.

Orchids along a storefront in Gion, the Geisha district

From the street, I could see the silhouettes of people on the wooden facades of the ochaya (tea houses) as they glowed softly from within.

And then, I caught the briefest glimpse of a geiko hurrying to an evening appointment. The embroidery on her long sleeves glimmered in the lantern light, and I heard the tap tap tap of her wooden sandals on the wet stone, before she turned a corner and vanished from sight.

Musoshin Ramen

Soon after, I found myself in front of Musoshin Gion (無双心), a popular ramen spot in Gion, and I dipped inside for a rich, creamy bowl of homemade ramen with thick and chewy noodles. I love that in Japan, you can sit at the bar to eat ramen so it doesn’t feel awkward to eat alone.

A black bowl filled to the brim with a thick porky soup stock, charsu, a ramen egg, and sliced green onions over fat ramen noodles

Even now, I still dream of this bowl of ramen. I left with a happy belly, and I even think it warmed up a little corner of my soul.

Gion Tips

Hanamikoji Street is the most famous geisha district street.
Shirakawa Canal is a quieter, more intimate part of Gion where lanterns reflect off the water and willow trees line the banks.
Geiko and maiko spotting: If you see one, admire from a respectful distance and do not chase, photograph without permission, or block their path.

Plan Your Visit to Southern Higashiyama

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own visit:

How to Get There

Kiyomizu-dera: Bus #100 or #206 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi (about 15 minutes), then a 10-minute uphill walk.
Gion: Bus #100 or #206 to the Gion stop, or a 15–20 minute walk from Sannenzaka. The Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station is also convenient if you’re coming from central Kyoto.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (late March–April) is stunning when the cherry blossoms frame Kiyomizu-dera’s stage and line the streets of Gion, but this is also the busiest time of year by far.
Autumn (October–November) brings vivid maple foliage around the temple and the surrounding hillside, but it is another peak season for crowds.
Early morning in any season is the best time for Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka.
Evening in any season is the best time for Gion, (the later the better).
Rainy days are secretly perfect for Gion!

What to Pack

Comfortable shoes: there are steep stone steps on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera and uneven cobblestones throughout.
Cash: Many smaller shops and restaurants in this area are cash only.
A light layer: Evenings in Gion can be cool even in summer, and cold in autumn and winter.

Where to Stay in Gion

If you can, stay in the Higashiyama or Gion area rather than near Kyoto Station. Waking up in this neighborhood is a completely different experience from commuting in.

It’s also the only way to experience Gion at night, the way it’s meant to be experienced: just stepping outside after dinner and wandering until you feel like going home.