Yasaka street, leading up to Kiyomizu Temple is a great place if you love photography.
21.05.25
Blog
On the east side of Kyoto, there are several scenic vistas, but one of the most beautiful is along Yasaka street. If you want to go to Kiyomizu Temple, you should take the road. We start on Higashi-oji street. At the end of the gentle slope, you will see the five-story pagoda with the Higashiyama mountains beyond.
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If you were to ask me, "Where can I see a scenery which captures the true spirit of Kyoto?" This road would be my first choice. On weekends and holidays, the street is crowded with people, but on weekday mornings, there are few and you can enjoy the scenery in peace.
On the way up the hill, there are stores selling Japanese crafted shoes, restaurants, a popular coffee shop, and a selection of shops that sell traditional local goods.
Since it opened in 2014,"%Arabica Kyoto Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama" has become one of the most popular venues in the city and there is always a group of enthusiastic coffee lovers waiting to get a good cup of brew.
Arabica Kyoto is also famous for its wonderful latte art. The espresso made with carefully selected beans goes well with milk. Original items are also sold in the shop. The % logo on the cup is also stylish.
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%Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama
Open hours 8am-6pm
The view from the street with its cluster of traditional shops and the picturesque pagoda in the background is just made for tourist photos. Walking further up the hill and you will arrive at Yasaka Koshindo. This temple was built in the 10th century and has its origins in Chinese Taoism, and its official name is Kongouji Temple. Since a few years ago, the temple has become more popular among young people and women.
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This is because people prepare a good luck charm which contains a prayer to heaven to grant their wishes. These colorful charms which look like monkeys are called "kukuri monkey" and are attached to a shrine in the temple.
It is said that if you write your wish on it and hang it up, your wish will come true. First, pay a visit to the main hall and then take your favorite photo. Do not forget to hang your monkey on the shrine in the temple
When you get to this point, take a very close look at Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda).
The Yasaka Pagoda is in the precincts of Hokanji Temple and is said to have been built in the 6th century. The present pagoda was rebuilt in the 15th century. It has been famous as a landmark since the early Edo period in the 17th century and even today it often appears on the cover of guidebooks introducing Kyoto.
This is also one of the most famous places for viewing the sunset in Kyoto. When you see the Five-story pagoda with the sun setting behind it. You will want to stop and snap the shutter. It is a sight you must see when you come to Kyoto.