Gion, Yasaka Pagoda and the Lanes of Higashiyama

Our October 2025 visit to Gion, Yasaka Pagoda and the Lanes of Higashiyama, with current visitor information and practical planning tips.

Our visit

After Nishiki Market we continued to Gion and Higashiyama, walking through traditional streets, stopping at a candy shop where sweets were made in front of visitors and reaching Yasaka Pagoda.

The route through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka was especially attractive toward evening. Despite the beauty, these remain active residential neighborhoods rather than a tourist stage.

What to know

Gion is a historic district associated with teahouses and geiko and maiko culture. Hokan-ji, widely called Yasaka Pagoda, is a defining landmark of the Higashiyama skyline.

Planning the visit

Avoid intrusive photography and respect private lanes and posted restrictions. The streets are paved and sloped, making comfortable shoes more useful than a perfect photograph.

For a wider route beyond the cities, compare transport and car-rental options in advance and decide what the itinerary actually requires.