Explore old world charm at Higashiyama

Kyoto has a lot of temples and shrines and while there is no doubt that exploring so many of them is like embarking on a beautiful architectural whirlwind, it can also be a nerve buckling adventure in so many ways. That’s where Higashiyama comes in, the well preserved traditional and historic district along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. Reserve an afternoon for yourself and get your walking shoes on – A stroll along through its narrow long maze of cobblestoned streets, shops and tea houses will take you in a world of nostalgia, giving you a much needed temple-circuit breather. Set out for a quaint, traffic-free leisure walk along the stone stepped sloping pathways of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. This patch of street is dotted with old merchant houses, arts and crafts, local specialty and souvenir shops along with restaurants, cafes, sweet shops and traditional tea-houses that are spattered all through the walk.
Besides the shops and the houses, the street is fascinating to do some people-watching too. Keep your eyes open for mysterious geishas and jolly tourists wearing traditional Kimonos walking along your side. Respectfully ask them for a photo – most of them are willing to pose for you – freezing a memorabilia that shall serve you a lifetime.