Recommended Walking Course

Higashiyama Half-Day Walking Course

Home Recommended Courses Higashiyama Half-Day Walking Course

Explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights on foot, from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This half-day route takes you through Maruyama Park, Kodai-ji Temple, Ishibei-koji Lane, Ninen-zaka, and Sannen-zaka, combining historic temples, traditional streets, gardens, and classic Kyoto scenery.

Walking distance

Approx. 3.5 km

Duration

Approx. 4–5 hours

Recommended start

Around 9:00 a.m.

Walking conditions

Some slopes and steps

Arashiyama Course Map

Course Map

The numbered markers correspond to the order of the walking route.

Arashiyama Walking Route

Walking Route

Walk from Gion toward Kiyomizu-dera while discovering temples, gardens, and the historic streets of Higashiyama.

1
Yasaka Shrine

STOP 01

Yasaka Shrine

One of Kyoto’s best-known shrines and the head shrine of Yasaka shrines throughout Japan. It is also closely associated with the famous Gion Festival.

Suggested visit： About 30 min.
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About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
2
Maruyama Park

STOP 02

Maruyama Park

Kyoto’s oldest public park, located beside Yasaka Shrine. It is especially famous for its weeping cherry tree in spring.

Suggested visit： About 20 min.
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About an 8-minute walk to the next stop
3
Kodai-ji Temple

STOP 03

Kodai-ji Temple

Founded by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this temple is known for its elegant gardens, historic architecture, and bamboo grove.

Suggested visit： About 45–60 min.
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About a 3-minute walk to the next stop
4
Yasaka Koshindo Temple

STOP 04

Yasaka Koshindo Temple

Famous for its colorful Kukurizaru wish ornaments, Yasaka Koshindo is one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots. Visitors write their wishes on the hanging ornaments, creating a vibrant and unique atmosphere.

Suggested visit： About 20–30 min.
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About a 3-minute walk to the next stop
5
Ishibei-koji Lane

STOP 05

Ishibei-koji Lane

A quiet stone-paved lane lined with traditional buildings, offering one of Higashiyama’s most atmospheric streetscapes.

Suggested visit： About 15 min.
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About an 8-minute walk to the next stop
6
Ninen-zaka

STOP 06

Ninen-zaka

A historic slope lined with traditional townhouses, cafés, sweet shops, and souvenir stores.

Suggested visit： About 20–30 min.
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About a 3-minute walk to the next stop
7
Sannen-zaka

STOP 07

Sannen-zaka

A stone-paved historic slope leading toward Kiyomizu-dera, surrounded by beautifully preserved traditional architecture.

Suggested visit： About 20 min.
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About an 8-minute walk to the next stop
8
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

STOP 08

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of Kyoto’s most famous temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its wooden stage overlooking the city.

Suggested visit： About 60–90 min.
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Final stop

Route Highlights

  • A classic route ideal for first-time visitors to Kyoto
  • See shrines, temples, gardens, and traditional streets in one walk
  • Plenty of cafés, sweet shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores along the way
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because of the slopes and stone steps

Before You Start

Times shown are approximate. The total duration will vary depending on temple visits, breaks, and crowd levels. The area around Kiyomizu-dera can become especially busy, so starting early in the morning is recommended.

※The displayed distance is an approximate walking distance for the course. Actual routes and distances may vary depending on road access and local conditions.