Higashiyama is Kyoto’s historic eastern district, defined by preserved wooden merchant houses and stone-paved lanes. Visitors walk up the iconic sloped streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to reach the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Along the way, the area offers traditional street food like mochi and yudofu, alongside restored traditional townhouses and modern luxury hotels. This area serves as a central hub for experiencing classic Kyoto architecture, tranquil morning walks, and historic garden shrines.
Eating Strawberry Mochi at Mochi Mochi
The creator Foodie Nomo visits the Mochi mochi shop located at 2 Chome-208-14 Kiyomizu in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward. This street food video showcases the preparation and serving of a glutinous rice mochi topped with a fresh strawberry. The treat is purchased for ¥1,000, which is approximately USD 6.58.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Mochi mochi
- 💡 Best for: Sweet Tooth Travelers, Street Food Fans
Inside a Renovation of a 1929 Kyoto Machiya
Host Shu Matsuo Post tours a fully renovated traditional townhouse built in 1929 in historic Higashiyama. Palm Springs residents Adrienne and Zealous purchased this 88-square-meter fixer-upper through AkiyaHub for approximately $80,000 USD. The video documents their 1.5-year renovation journey to restore the historic property into a modern vacation home. The final design blends traditional architectural elements with modern updates. The property sits conveniently located just one train station away from Kyoto Station.
- 📍 Featured Spot: AkiyaHub Renovated Machiya
- 💡 Best for: Architecture Lovers, Real Estate Investors
Spring Dawn Walk along the Shirakawa River to Nanzenji
This early morning walking video takes viewers through Gion and along the Shirakawa River to capture cherry blossoms starting to bloom. The creator visits the weeping cherry tree inside Yasaka Shrine before climbing the stone steps to Chionin Temple, where Buddhist monks are chanting their morning prayers. The route continues past the massive torii gate of Heian Shrine, ascends the historic Keage Slope boat ramp, and concludes at the Nanzenji aqueduct.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Shirakawa River and Yasaka Shrine
- 💡 Best for: Early Birds, Nature Lovers
Tasting Yudofu and Cloud Cakes at Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Shizuka from Japan by Food explores the street food options along the historic slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka on her way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. She first stops at Okutan to try traditional yudofu, or hot tofu, comparing handmade and modern versions. Next, she visits Nesshinya to sample a double wagyu triple cheese rice burger. She then heads to Kumonocha to order the Aoi Kumo set, which features a dessert shaped like a blue cloud. Finally, she finishes her food tour at Tamago Parlor with a sweet melon soda float.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
- 💡 Best for: Foodies, First-Time Travelers
Luxury Lodging and Soba Shops with Jin
The creator Jin documents a three-day solo trip spent wandering through Higashiyama and Central Kyoto. The itinerary features a stay at the luxury Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto and meals at high-end dining spots including Tempura Endo Yasaka and Higashiyama Ogata. Jin browses local design shops like Taiga Takahashi, OAO HAUS, and COIL Vintage. For casual meals, the video shows stops at Soba Roujina and local tea stores like Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store. The trip concludes with a visit to Kyoto Kyukyodo to look at traditional incense and paper goods.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
- 💡 Best for: Luxury Travelers, Solo Explorers
Exploring Kinkakuji and the Streets of Kiyomizudera
Creator donroLAndo films a cold, sunny day exploring the major cultural landmarks of Kyoto. The journey begins with a walk around Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, to view the main structure and its surrounding gardens. From there, the video transitions to the Higashiyama district to revisit the historic Kiyomizudera Temple. The creator then walks down the busy traditional shopping streets leading away from the temple. The tour ends with a stroll through the nearby Gion District to observe the historic wooden buildings.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kiyomizudera Temple
- 💡 Best for: Sightseers, First-Time Travelers
Running and Drinking Coffee in Higashiyama
This video from Crew Journey documents a relaxed, slow-paced stay in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. The creator films a morning jog through the quiet streets of the historic district before exploring the local neighborhood. The vlog highlights visits to several local cafes to enjoy coffee in a quiet, low-energy environment. Visuals focus on the traditional architecture and the peaceful streets during the off-peak hours of the day. The video finishes with scenes of the creator walking through the neighborhood paths as the sun begins to set.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Various spots in Higashiyama
- 💡 Best for: Slow Travelers, Joggers
Walking Tour of Kiyomizu-dera and Maruyama Park
This walking tour filmed by Prowalk Tours begins on Matsubara Street and heads up toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The creator guides viewers through the temple grounds before walking down the historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka steps. The route continues through Kodaiji Park, along Nene-no-michi, past Otani Sobyo Temple, and finishes at the cherry blossom trees in Maruyama Park.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 💡 Best for: Walking Enthusiasts, Sightseers
Tasting Mitarashi Dango and Visiting Ghibli Stores
Traveler Wanderlust Wellman explores Higashiyama right after Japan reopened to international travel. The vlog features stops at Kiyomizudera, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, where the creator drinks coffee at a Starbucks built inside a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse. Along the street, they try local snacks including mitarashi dango, green tea buns, sweet potatoes, and matcha. They also browse two different Studio Ghibli souvenir stores located in the neighborhood to look at anime merchandise. The day ends with a 100% vegan dinner of curry udon and karaage, followed by a night walk through the lantern-lit Ponto-cho Alley.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Starbucks Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
- 💡 Best for: Pop Culture Fans, Vegans
Wandering from Sanneizaka to Kifune Shrine
Creator Strolls with Lora documents a relaxed, slow-paced day wandering through Kyoto in late autumn. The walk begins along the stone steps of Sanneizaka and Nineizaka in the Higashiyama district to view the historic storefronts and autumn foliage. From there, the creator travels north to visit the forested grounds of Kifune Shrine. Returning to central Kyoto, the video covers a walk through Nakagyo Ward along the Takase River and the Kamo River. The trip wraps up with a visit to Pontocho and a local cat café.
- 📍 Featured Spot: Sanneizaka and Nineizaka
- 💡 Best for: Slow Travelers, Animal Lovers
