Kyoto/Higashiyama

By train

Keihan Railway serves the entire area of Eastern Kyoto, offering easy access to every part of the area. It also connects the Eastern region to Northern Kyoto at Demachiyanagi Station, from which Shimogamo Shrine is in walking distance, or cross the street to Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station to go as far as Kurama. Keihan Railway travels south to Southern Kyoto, extending as far away as Hirakata and Osaka, and offering easy connections to Uji at Chushojima Station.

By subway

Travellers staying in Central Kyoto can easily reach the Higashiyama area using the municipal subway system's Tōzai Line. For tourists, the most convenient stops on this line are probably Higashiyama Station (north of Gion) and Keage Station (near Nanzen-ji). The subway is also convenient for those travelling onward to Otsu and Lake Biwa.

By bus

Numerous Kyoto City Bus routes traverse the neighborhood, particularly along the major north-south thoroughfare, Higashioji-dori. Route 100 is the most convenient for tourists: it runs from Kyoto Station to Ginkakuji, stopping only at major attractions. Useful local routes include #5, Kyoto Station – Shijo-Karasuma – Gion – Ginkakuji, and #206, Kyoto Station – Sanjusangendo – Gion – Chionji – Kitaoji (in northern Kyoto).

• //www.flickr.com/photos/hyougushi/

  Kiyomizu Temple

  phone: +81 75-551-123
  address: 1-chome, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku
  This temple complex, with its spectacular location overlooking the city, is a deservedly popular attraction, approached by either of two tourist-filled souvenir-shop-lined streets, Kiyomizu-zaka or Chawan-zaka. Highlights include:

• The main hall's wooden veranda, supported by hundreds of pillars and offering incredible views over the city.
• The love-themed Jishu Shrine sells countless charms to help you snag the one you love, and features two "love stones" positioned around 18m apart. The lovelorn must walk between them with their eyes closed to confirm their loved one's affection.
• Otowa-no-taki the temple's waterfall, which gives it its name (Kiyomizu literally means 'pure water'). Visitors stand beneath the waterfall and collect water to drink by holding out little tin cups.
• Mountain hike. If you're up for a mountain walk, steer to the right-hand pathway instead of taking the left toward the Jishu-jinja. The path leads through a gate and winds up onto the mountain. You can walk up for a good hour and not reach the end of the path. Has lovely forest and great scenery, and makes for a nice short excursion out of the city traffic.

Rokuharamitsu-ji

phone: +81 75-561-6980

address: 81-1 Rokuro-cho 2-chome, Matsubara-dori, Higashiyama-ku

While the temple may not seem so special, the trip is made worthwhile by the amazing Kamakura Period artwork housed in its museum. In particular, the statue of Kuya is quite a unique piece of artwork depicting Kuya Shonin reciting the nenbutsu. To depict the words, the artist Taira Kiyomori, sculpted six miniature figures of Kuya Shonin walking out of his open mouth. Each figure represents one syllable in the nenbutsu. This temple is also the 17th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

Sanjusangen-do

phone: +81 75-561-0467

address: 657 Sanjūsangendō Mawari Machi, Higashiyama-ku

Definitely worth a visit. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall.

Kyoto National Museum

phone: +81 75-541-1151

address: 527 Chayamachi, Higashiyama-ku

It is near Sanjusangen-do, and has a large collection of ancient Japanese sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, painting, and other artifacts. (It's quite similar to the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo/Ueno.) The Museum building is fairly grand, but the statue of Rodin's The Thinker out front is a bit out of place, as there's no Western art inside. It's seven minutes east of Shichijo Keihan.

Yogen-inThe original temple was built by one of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's concubines in honor of her father, but the temple was destroyed by a fire. When rebuilding the temple, the floorboards of Fushimi Castle in Southern Kyoto were used to construct the ceiling. Since Fushimi Castle was the site of quite a bloody battle, when you look at the ceiling, you can still see blood stains and body outlines from soldiers who committed seppuku. The artwork in the temple is also very famous, particularly the elephant paintings. Non-Japanese visitors have mixed success trying to enter the temple. You may be shown an English write-up that states that only those who understand Japanese are able to enter (because everyone who enters will be greeted by a guide who will walk you through the temple). It ends with something like, "This is why you are not allowed to enter the temple." Alternatively, the staff may refuse you entry and ask you to leave. Try not to let this deter you if you really want to enter but don't know Japanese. Simply agree to the tour, pay the fee, maybe lie about your Japanese ability, and then politely pay attention to your guide as they walk you through the temple.

Okazaki area

• Heian Shrine

  phone: +81 75-761-0221
  address: 97 Nishi Tennōchō, Okazaki, Sakyō-ku
  Built in 1895 in commemoration of the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto, the shrine was designed as a scaled-down replica of the original Imperial Palace. The Shin'en Garden encircling the backside of the shrine is one of the city's most beautiful gardens and a popular place for hanami, particularly for those who prefer pink blossoms.

• Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art

  phone: +81 75-771-4107
  address: Okazaki Park, Sakyō-ku
  This museum houses a wide variety of art with the permanent collections featuring artists that are from Kyoto. Special exhibits may feature Japanese art from other areas or foreign artwork.

• Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

  phone: +81 75-761-4111
  address: Okazaki Enshōji-chō, Sakyō-ku
  An interesting museum featuring works from famous, as well as up-and-coming modern artists. Exhibits change frequently, so its best to call or visit the website to see exactly what will featured during your visit. You may also want to make sure they will not be changing exhibitions, as they often close an entire floor of the museum during the transition.

• Yoshida Shrine

  phone: +81 75-771-3788
  address: 30 Kaguraoka-chō, Yoshida, Sakyō-ku
  Most famous as the site of the Setsubun Festival held in February, this small shrine was very highly revered during the Heian Period, and the court made offerings here.

• Kyoto City Zoo

  phone: +81 75-771-0210
  address: Okazaki Hōshōji-cho, Sakyō-ku
  Like most zoos, visitors will see lions, tigers, and monkeys. There is an aviary and reptile exhibit, as well. The zoo has some native Japanese animals, but there isn't much to set it apart from most other zoos in the world.

• Hosomi Art Museum

  phone: +81 75-752-5555
  address: 6-3 Okazaki, Saishōji-chō
  A museum that showcases Japanese religious art from all periods of history. Exhibits change each season but typically feature famous artwork from local temples and shrines.

Maruyama Park area

• Maruyama Park

  address: 625 Gion-machi, Kitagawa-ku
  One of the most popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, and can get extremely crowded at that time of year. The park's star attraction is a weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura), which offers an ethereal vision lit up in the night. Outside of the season, a nice spot to rest yourself during travelling around the Higashiyama area. Main entrance to the park is through Yasaka Shrine.

• Kōdai-ji Temple

  phone: +81 75-561-9966
  address: 526, Shimogawara-chō, Kōdai-ji, Higashiyama-ku
  This temple was built for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's widow by Tokugawa Ieyasu and is located right next to the Ryōzen Kannon temple on the Higashiyama mountain. If you really like temples this is a very nice one. It's got a nice bamboo grove that you walk through on the way out. It was established in 1605. The remaining buildings survived a fire in 1789.

• Chion-in

  phone: +81 75-531-2111
  The head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The Sanmon gate at the entrance to the temple is the largest of such gates in the nation. Visitors can walk freely around the complex and inside the buildings, except for those that house the temples "Seven Wonders".

• Shōren-in

  phone: +81 75-561-2345
  address: 69-1 Sanjōbō-chō
  Once associated with the head Tendai Buddhist sect temple, Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, Shōren-in is considered to be one of the top five Tendai sect temples. During the Tokugawa period, it served as temporary lodging for a retired emperor after the Imperial Palace burned down. Those who come during November may be able to practice a tea ceremony (See "Do" section of the guide).

• Higashi Ōtani MausoleumLocated in a cemetery, tourists typically visit this site accidentally however, because some of the ashes of Shinran, the founder of Jōdo-Shin Buddhism, are contained inside the mausoleum, it is a popular place for Buddhists to come to pay their respects.

• Ryōzen Kannon Statue

  phone: +81 75 561 2205
  address: Kōdai-ji Shimokawarachō, Higashiyama-ku
  A memorial to the unknown Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, with a 24-meter-tall statue of Kannon.

• Ryozen History Museum

  address: 1 Ryōzen-chō Seikan-ji
  A museum dedicated to displaying artifacts and information about the Meiji Period.

• Ryozen Gokoku Shrine

  address: 605 Seikan-ji Ryōzen-chō
  This shrine was built to house the souls of all those who died in the Pacific War, from the Meiji Restoration uprisings and the Russo-Japanese War to the end of World War II. It is the first shrine in the nation to be officially recognized as a shrine for war dead.

Gion district (祇園)

The flagstone-paved streets and traditional buildings of the Gion district, located to the north-west of Kiyomizu-dera, are where you're most likely to see geishas in Kyoto, scurrying between buildings or slipping into a taxi. The area just to the north of Shijō-dōri, to the west of Yasaka Shrine, is especially photogenic - particularly around Shinbashi-dōri and Hanami-kōji. Sannen-zaka ("three-year-slope") and Ninen-zaka ("two-year-slope"), two stepped streets leading off from Kiyomizu-zaka, are also very picturesque - but watch your step, slipping over on these streets brings three or two years' bad luck respectively.

• Yasaka Shrine

  phone: +81 75-561-6155
  address: 625 Gion-machi, Kitagawa-ku
  At the eastern end of Shijō-dōri, at the edge of Gion, is the shrine responsible for Kyoto's main festival - the Gion Matsuri, which takes place in July. The shrine is small in comparison with many in Kyoto, but it boasts an impressive display of lanterns.

• Kenninji Temple

  phone: +81 75-561-0190
  address: 584 Komatsu-chō, Higashiyama-ku
  Japan's oldest Zen temple, has handsome halls and sand and moss gardens, and is of particular interest to art lovers. Sōtatsu's famed Edo-period screens of the Wind and Thunder Gods are on display. And on the high ceiling of the Hatto Dharma Hall writhe Koizumi Junsaku's splendid Twin Dragons, painted and installed in 2002.

Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path runs from Ginkakuji down to Eikando, with many travellers choosing to end their journey at Nanzenji (or begin, should you choose to walk towards Ginkakuji). The sites are listed in the order you will pass them if you start from Ginkakuji.

• Ginkakuji

  phone: +81 75-771-5725
  address: Ginkakuji-chō
  This temple, known as the Silver Pavilion and restored between 2008 and 2010, is at the northern end of the Philosopher's Walk. Much like its golden counterpart Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond. Unlike its counterpart, however, the Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver; only the name had been applied before the plans fell apart. Be sure not to miss the display of Very Important Mosses!

• Hōnen-in

  phone: +81 75-771-2420
  A quiet temple with some interesting raised sand designs. It was built in honor of Hōnen, the founder of the Jōdo sect.

• Anraku-ji

  phone: +81 75-771-5360
  address: 21 Shishigatani
  A temple built to console the souls of Anraku and some concubines who were killed by order of the Imperial Court who did not approve of their Buddhist sect.

• Kōun-jiA temple designed around the borrowed scenery of the surrounding mountains, it was once owned by Empress Go-mizunoo.

• Nyakuoji Shrine

  address: 2 Nishioji Sakyo-ku
  Established in 1160, a nice shrine to visit in the autumn when the leaves are changing. It's a worthwhile stop for those travelling along the Philosopher's Path, but probably not worth making the trip just to see this shrine.

• Eikandō Temple

  address: 48 Eikandō-chō, Sakyō-ku
  A large temple said to have been constructed by Priest Kūkai. The temple features a unique statue of Amida Buddha, Mikaeri Amida, that looks to the right rather than facing forward; there's a charming legend attached to it. The temple grounds also feature a Tahōtō pagoda and a lake. The temple is particularly pleasant in the autumn when the leaves are changing (and the admission fee jumps to ¥1000; also, during the peak leaf season, the grounds close at 16:00 and reopen at 17:00 for an additional viewing session (¥900) where the trees, buildings and paths are illuminated by hundreds of lights). Matcha sets under the trees, on the benches set off the main path, ¥500.

• Nanzenji Temple

  address: Fukuchi-cho, Nanzenji, Sakyo-ku
  with its distinctive two-story entrance gate (sanmon) and aqueduct, is another popular temple in Kyoto, but its larger size means that it doesn't seem as crowded as many of the others. Nearest bus stop: Nanzenji, Eikando-michi. Nearest subway station: Keage. Open daily, 08:30-17:00. Walking around the temple complex is free, including the unusual Meiji-era aqueduct that wouldn't look out of place in Italy. There are three regions of Nanzenji that you can pay to enter: Sanmon - the two-story main gate to Nanzenji Temple charges ¥500 for admission, and offers pleasant views over the surrounding area of the city. Nanzen-in Zen Temple - a small, but relaxing temple and moss garden behind the aqueduct, dating back to the 13th century, charges ¥300 for admission, and is probably only worth it if you have a particular interest in Zen Buddhism. Hōjō - the abbot's quarters, is a more interesting building, with a small raked gravel garden and some impressive paintings on the sliding doors of the buildings.

During warmer months, Japanese and foreigners alike gather on the banks of the Kamo River to drink and make merry. The area around the Sanjo Bridge is the most popular. It's a friendly, welcoming scene. In summer months, on Fridays and Saturdays, a group of fire dancers and drum players occasionally hold free performances.

• Walk the Philosopher's PathThe 2-km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto, along which a philosophy professor, Kitarō Nishida, used to frequently walk. It is a surprisingly pleasant and relaxing walk even today, though you will undoubtedly share it with more tourists than Kitaro did. The walk runs south from Ginkakuji beside an aqueduct to Nyakuōji Shrine, many guidebooks suggest that the walk continues further south from there to Nanzenji, but this southerly section of the walk is less consistently signposted. The route passes several temples en route, notably Honen-in, a beautiful secluded temple with a thatched gate. The best time to walk the trail is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, as the path is lined with cherry trees, or in the fall when the leaves are changing. Of course, these are also the most crowded times of year.

• Ride in a RickshawUnlike the days of old when rickshaw pullers were looked down upon, the men pulling them today are quite highly regarded (and highly attractive). Some of the most popular pullers may even have their own patrons. These men do not simply transport you; they also act as guides, sharing information about the area and attractions. For those who can understand Japanese, it can be as informative as it is fun. The rickshaws are particularly popular with couples, as it can be quite romantic, especially in the evenings. The drivers are very friendly and will gladly take a picture of you sitting in it to remember the experience. Although they do have some set routes, you can also request to be taken to a specific attraction (within a reasonable distance, of course). Rickshaws can be found throughout the area from outside Maruyama Park to Kiyomizu-dera.

• Tea Ceremony at Shoren-inThe ceremony is held in the former study of retired Emperor Gosakuramachi known as the Kōbun-tei, typically not open to visitors. The room was rebuilt in the 1990s after a fire burned down the original, but it is still an interesting place nonetheless, and the tea ceremony is an interesting experience.

• Riraku Spa

  address: Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel, 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku
  Seemingly expensive. Takayama provides a luxurious yet affordable spa experience (¥10,000)

• Camellia, Tea Ceremony

  phone: +81 75 525 3238
  address: 349 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 6050826
  You can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a beautiful 100-year-old traditional Geisha house just five minutes from Kiyomizu Temple. Instruction, demonstration, a bowl of tea and a sweet are included. Each session starts every hour on the hour, between 10:00 and 17:00. Cash and credit card accepted.

Geisha and Maiko

• Geisha Walking LectureIf you're interested in the world of the geisha, you shouldn't miss the walking lecture by Peter MacIntosh. The walk will have you tour the Gion district where Peter will give you an insider's view into the past, present and future of this unique and exotic world. If you're lucky you might see a Geisha walking by to one of her appointments. Reservation is to be made by phone: +81 090-5169-1654

• Photo session as Maiko/Geiko

  phone: +81 75-661-0858
  address: 4F Ouka Bldg., 576 Gion-cho Minamigawa Shijo-tori Hanamikoji Nishi-iru Higashiyama-ku
  If you are interested in having a photo session dressed up as a Maiko or Geiko (geisha) or, for men, as a samurai, several studios in Kyoto provide this service at affordable price. The session includes full make up and dress in a kimono and normally lasts for 1½–2 hours. Options include indoor or outdoor shots (strolling in Gion dressed up as a geisha!), plus at Yumekoubou they will take a few photos with your own camera while they dress you up, for free. It is recommended to select a plan and make reservation online - in some studios they speak very limited English. More links: ,

• Rakushisha Paper Crafts

  address: 549-2 Nishinomon-cho
  A great souvenir shop with some more original and less tacky souvenirs. In particular, for those looking to purchase nice paintings or copies of famous Japanese paintings, this shop offers a variety of paintings on paper that are attractive and more sophistocated-looking than those that you will find along Shijo, near Kiyomizu-dera, and other high-traffic tourist areas. There are also authentic Kyoto-made paper fans. Many of the items in this store are difficult to find elsewhere, so if you're interested, it's best to buy them here.

• Honke Nishio YatsuhashiThe best store to buy raw yatsuhashi, it offers the largest variety of flavors, including seasonal varieties.

Budget

• Kick-up Bar is a tiki-themed bar & grill outside the Keage Tozai line subway station (nearest Exit 1) and on the opposite side of the street from the Westin Miyako Hotel. They have the best meatball sandwich in Japan for ¥800 and loaded pizza made from homemade dough (medium for ¥1500). It's a small place, but the food is good, and the owner and his son are American and speak English.

• TorikizokuTorikizoku is the most popular yakitori chain in Kansai. There are several locations in Kyoto - most convenient for travellers is in Kawaramachi/Shijo, just before the bridge, or between sanjo and shijo, on kiyachou-dori. The yakitori is delicious, comes in generous serves and is very cheap. It's very popular with both locals and expats, and is always busy. Try to come before 19:30 to secure seats. Look for the Japanese characters on the distinctive yellow and red sign.

Mid-range

• Il PappalardoOne of Kyoto's best Italian restaurants. Dishes tend to be pricey, but the food tastes delicious. Pizzas are sold at more affordable prices.

• Saryou Tsuriji

  address: 573-3 Minami-gawa, Gion-cho
  Famous for its matcha (grean tea) parfait, this restaurant is quite popular among Japanese tourists. It is not uncommon to wait 30 minutes just to get inside. Mainly ice cream is served, and most of it is grean tea flavored, as it is a Kyoto specialty. It's a nice experience for those who like to make eating part of their travel experience, but for those on a budget, there are plenty of vendors selling cheap macha ice cream cones. A branch is also at Kodaiji in Higashiyama and other regions in Kyoto.

• Sweets Paradise

  address: 392 Komeya-cho, Chukyo-ku (Koto Cross Hankyu Kawaramachi, 6th Floor)
  Sweets Paradise is the famed all-you-can-eat cake and dessert restaurant. While they do offer some main dishes, no one comes here for anything but the sweets! After you pay, you can eat as much as you want for 90 minutes.

Splurge

• TACkitchen

  phone: +81 75-531-0970
  address: 京都市東山区八坂新地末吉町８８−１
  Not the cheapest, but really great Italian food in a very hospitable environment, with friendly staff, nice music and great dessert.

• Kikunoi (main restaurant)

  phone: +81 75-561-0015
  address: 459 Shimokawara-cho, Yasakatoriimae-sagaru, Shimokawara-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi
  One of Japan's most famous ryotei, serving kaiseki using the finest regional seasonal ingredients. Very expensive for dinner, but lunches are much more reasonable. Bookings essential well in advance. Staff don't speak much English, but the restaurant does publish English books with descriptions of some of their dishes.

• Pig & Whistle: a stylish whiskey bar and a drinks bar. This is a popular spot, located right above the Sanjo Keihan subway station. If you hear live music, go on up; though it probably won't be great music, it will draw a crowd. Food here is also mediocre.

• Gion Kappa Restaurant

  phone: +81 75-531-1112
  address: Higashiyama-ku, Sueyoshichō, 八坂新地末吉町77
  An izakaya (Japanese-style pub) where you can see them preparing the food in front of you, popular with both international tourists and Japanese customers. Try the sweet plum liquor. English menu available.

The small size and historic preservation of this district leave little room for hotels – most people will stay in Central Kyoto instead. There are a few exceptions:

Budget

• Tanakaya

  phone: +81 75-708-2341
  address: 5-352-8 Miyagawa-suji, Higashiyama-ku
  A small, family-run minshuku in the Gion area. Shared bath. Free wifi, coffee, tea. Owners are highly rated. The same people run Hanakiya.

• Hanakiya

  phone: +81 75-551-1397
  address: 583-101 Higashi roku-chome, Gojobashi, Higashiyama-ku
  Small family-run minshuku with a nearby annex building. Tatami rooms. Shared bath. Free towels, tea, coffee, wifi. Minimum stay: 2 nights. No meals. No curfew. The same people run Tanakaya.

• Kiyomizu HouseA self-catering two-bedroom house just off the Chawan-zaka lane near Kiyomizu Temple. One tatami bedroom, one western bedroom, each can sleep one or two. Kitchen and dining room, laundry, shared toilet and bath, parking space. The same owners run the Kaguraya B&B in the North district.

• Yonbanchi

  address: 4, Shinnyo-cho
  A two-bedroom bed and breakfast steps from Shinnyo-do temple. Bedrooms are tatami with futons. Shared bath. Free Wi-fi.

Hostels

• bAKpAK Kyoto Hostel

  address: 1-234 Miyagawa Suji, Higashiyama-ku

• Gojo Guest House

  address: 3-396-2 Gojobashi-higashi, Higashiyama-Ku
  A Japanese style hostel with a cozy cafe located in the Higashiyama area.

• Guest House - The Earth Ship

  address: 33-15 Naka-Adaticho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku
  Friendly shared living room.

• Higashiyama Youth Hostel

  address: 112 Goken-machi Shirakawabashi
  Between sites around Maruyama Park and the Okazaki area.. Reservations can be made at the website.

Mid-range

• Kyoto Travelers Inn

  address: 91 Enshojicho, Okazaki, Sakyoku
  One of the few hotels in eastern Kyoto, near the giant concrete torii of the Heian-jingu shrine. The building is divided into two sections, with Japanese-style and Western-style rooms; the former are often booked solid by groups during the school year, but are preferable if you're OK with a futon instead of actual bed. Free Wi-Fi in the lobby.

• B&B Juno

  address: Jodo-ji, Nishida-cho, Sakyo-ku
  A traditional Japanese house with three tatami rooms, each sleeping 1–2 guests. Shared bath. Western breakfast. Free wifi throughout the building. A family residence. No curfew.

• Hana-Touro Stay Miyagawa-cho Residence

  phone: +81 75 532 4080
  address: Miyagawasuji 3-291-5
  A modern apartment building in a convenient location between Gion and the center of the city, with quiet spacious (for Japan) en-suite rooms, including kitchenettes with utensils, perfect for self-catering. In a bit of a compromise, you get actual beds and linens, but they are really low off the floor. English spoken. There's no key; just punch in code (the last 4 digits of your phone number, if you gave it at reservation - and you should) into the pad by your door. The rooms facing the river come with a beautiful view but also with the (muted) traffic noise from the street. The proprietors close the front desk and go home at 18:00; if you are planning on a late arrival, e-mail them and they'll send you your room number and the access code to enter the building.

Splurge

• Iori Townhouse

  phone: +81 75 352 0211
  address: Shinmonzen-dori
  Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their experience in Kyoto with ultra-traditional accommodations. You can make reservations on the website. Each machiya house can accommodate 2–10 people. Best for a small number of friends or families.

• Hyatt Regency Kyoto

  address: 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku
  5 star hotel with contemporary interior design. All its restaurants feature show kitchens, which is a first in Kyoto.

• Ryokan Tamahan

  address: 477 Gion, Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku
  Traditional Ryokan in quaint Gion district. It's worth the experience for at least one night. The price includes Japanese dinner and a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast. There is free wifi access. Staff are friendly but speak limited English.

• Westin Miyako Kyoto

  address: Keage, Sanjo, Higashiyama-ku
  Established in 1890, this is the oldest Western-style hotel in Kyoto. It has over 400 rooms, starting at ¥33,000 for twins. (If you make a reservation through a travel agency, you may get a lower price.) It has about 30,000 m², and a few Japanese gardens, one of which, Aoiden Park (葵殿庭園) was built by Jihei Ogawa (小川治兵衛). The gardens can be visited by non-guests. It's near Keage Station (subway - Tozai Line, T09), or you can take a shuttle bus from JR Kyoto Station.

• Central Kyoto
• Arashiyama (Western Kyoto)
• North Kyoto
• South Kyoto