Kyoto Eastern Temples
City : Kyoto
Visitors with limited time in Kyoto would be well advised to head for the Higashiyama (lit. eastern mountains) district. An historic area east of the Kamo River, Higashiyama stretches from Gion towards the foothills which give it its name.
An area evoking the Japan of imagination; winding lanes and alleyways crisscross gentle slopes, and are crammed with boutiques and restaurants amid a high concentration of temples and Zen gardens. Temples are scattered across a wide area, extending roughly from Tofuku-ji in the south to Ginkaku-ji in the north. With so much to see careful planning is essential. Allow anything up to two full days for a thorough exploration of the area. It might be best to choose just 2 or 3 temples, or concentrate on the north or south section..
Good start points include the 【Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社】(see left photo) next to Maruyama Park; or Chawanzaka, a street lined with pottery and ceramic shops, which leads up to Kiyomizu-dera. The attractions are too numerous for detail here, but most guidebooks devote significant coverage to the area..
In spring and autumn, for about two weeks, many temples in the area display their important treasures which are behind closed door in other seasons and also special illuminations are used for the gardens and architectures.
Key places:
Kiyomizu-Dera 清水寺 : Kyoto’s most loved temple looks stunning perched on a hillside drenched in autumn splendour. Enjoy sweeping views across Kyoto from the balcony of the main hall. Nearby Toribeno cemetery is often overlooked, but is hard to beat for atmosphere.
Kodai-ji 高台寺 : Lovely temple set in extensive grounds, incl. tea house, ponds and gardens.
Tofuku-ji 東福寺 : Located further to the south, this is perhaps Kyoto's most stunning temple in autumn. A picturesque bridge spans a narrow gorge, where you can marvel at the cascading maples in autum. Within the complex are several sub temples with Zen gardens.
Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 : Spacious grounds with many sub temples, located to the north. Important Zen monastery and many peoples favourite.
Eikando 永観堂 : Beautiful temple, set into the hillside. Renowned for its fall foliage, this temple is also lit up during the fall season.
From here you might like to take the fabled path of philosophy on towards Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion)
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