Leaping Tiger Garden at Nanzen-ji Temple.

Northern Higashiyama

At the northern end of the Higashiyama Mountains, this area is packed with first-rate attractions and soothing greenery, making it one of the best parts of the city for relaxed sightseeing. The main area stretches from Nanzen-ji in the south to Ginkaku-ji in the north, two temples linked by the lovely Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi). Other attractions include Hōnen-in, a quiet temple overlooked by the crowds, the superb Eikan-dō temple with city views, and the museums around Okazaki-kōen.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Kyoto, Japan - November 22 2015: Eikando (View of Eternity Hall) Zenrinji (Temple of Forest of Zen), founded in 853, houses a famous Amida statue which a Japanese important Cultural Property 612760626 Kinki Region, Buddha, Shinto, Buddhism, Scenics, Journey, Spirituality, Famous Place, Architecture, Nature, Outdoors, Japan, Asia, Tree, Autumn, Season, Shrine, momiji, Eikando

    Eikan-dō

    Northern Higashiyama

    Perhaps Kyoto’s most famous (and most crowded) autumn-foliage destination, Eikan-dō is a superb temple just a short walk south of the famous Path of…

  • 500px Photo ID: 72932487 - Ginkaku-ji Temple or the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan..Three exposures blending into 32-bit HDR and processed in Lightroom

    Ginkaku-ji

    Northern Higashiyama

    Home to a sumptuous garden and elegant structures, Ginkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's premier sites. The temple started its life in 1482 as a retirement villa…

  • Leaping Tiger Garden at Nanzen-ji Temple.

    Nanzen-ji

    Northern Higashiyama

    This is one of the most rewarding temples in Kyoto, with its expansive grounds and numerous subtemples. At its entrance stands the massive San-mon. Steps…

  • Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)

    Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)

    Northern Higashiyama

    The Tetsugaku-no-Michi is one of the most pleasant walks in Kyoto. Lined with a great variety of flowering plants, bushes and trees, it is a corridor of…

  • Thatched gate at Kyoto's Honen-in Temple

    Hōnen-in

    Northern Higashiyama

    Founded in 1680 to honour the priest Hōnen, this is a lovely, secluded temple with carefully raked gardens set back in the woods. The temple buildings…

  • Heian-jingū

    Heian-jingū

    Northern Higashiyama

    One of Kyoto’s more popular sights, this shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city. The shrine buildings…

  • KYOTO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 22: Municipal Museum of Art in Kyoto, Japan on October 22, 2014. One of the oldest art museums, opened in 1928 as a commemoration of the Showa emperor's coronation ceremony; Shutterstock ID 245174173; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art

    Northern Higashiyama

    This fine museum holds several major exhibitions a year, as well as a variety of free shows. It’s always worth stopping by to see if something is on while…

  • Shūgaku-in Rikyū Imperial Villa

    Shūgaku-in Rikyū Imperial Villa

    Northern Higashiyama

    One of the highlights of northeast Kyoto, this superb imperial villa was designed as a lavish summer retreat for the imperial family. Its gardens, with…

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