Southern Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera – Yasaka Pagoda

This neighborhood oozes traditional luxury. Here is where you will find a lot of the city’s most iconic sights. It is a beautiful area, but also a very crowded and expensive part of town. There are many fancy five-star ryokans and high-end kaiseki restaurants. The stone-paved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are lined with traditional craft shops and glittering ceramic displays. Some highlights of this neighborhood: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji, Yasaka Pagoda, Maruyama Park, and the historic preservation district.

Gion: Geisha District – Shijo-dori

The area around Gion is one of the busiest, most famous areas of Kyoto, home to the world-renowned geisha culture. Heading east from the Kamo River, you find Hanami-koji, the epicenter of tea house life. This was the center of entertainment in old Kyoto. Aside from geisha-spotting, Gion is a cultural destination, home to the Kennin-ji Zen temple and the majestic Yasaka Shrine. This is a neighborhood where afternoon people-watching from a teahouse or seeing a traditional performance are key parts of the daily fabric.

Downtown: Kawaramachi – Nishiki Market

Kawaramachi is considered to be the “center” of modern Kyoto, and most of the city’s famous shopping and department stores are within walking distance. The area is a winding maze of multi-faceted streets and covered arcades that beg to be explored. It bursts with quaint boutiques, historic department stores, and the famous “Kyoto’s Kitchen” food market. Around each corner, you’ll discover little gems of culinary delight, from 400-year-old knife shops to trendy cafes. The nightlife around Pontocho Alley can be loud and vibrant well into the early morning.

Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove – Togetsukyo Bridge

This neighborhood is home to the city’s most famous natural symbol, the Bamboo Grove. Many visitors assume it is central; in actuality, it is fairly far away on the western edge, so you will be doing some commuting if you stay here. The area is home to Tenryu-ji Temple and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will also find plenty of fine riverside restaurants and tofu specialty shops where tourists brush shoulders with locals who come to see this postcard-perfect scenery, especially during autumn colors.

Northern Higashiyama: Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path

The Temple Quarter is situated along the base of the eastern mountains and is considered one of the most serene areas of Kyoto. This neighborhood contains the “Silver Pavilion” and the northern part of the historic temple district. It is a stylish, lively area filled with student-friendly cafes and bookstores near Kyoto University. The narrow, winding streets follow a canal lined with cherry trees and small museums. It is known for its quiet, intellectual vibe and the beautiful “Path of Philosophy” walking trail.

Kyoto Station: Shimogyo-ku – Transport Hub

The area around Kyoto Station contains the city’s main railway hub and the futuristic glass-and-steel station building. Built in the 1990s, this station is one of the busiest in Japan and gives access to the Shinkansen. It is located close to the Higashi Hongan-ji temple and the Kyoto Tower. This neighborhood is home to many different nationalities and offers the most convenient hotels for day trips to Nara or Osaka. The southern part of this area is gentrifying quickly with trendy hostels and international dining.

Nishijin: Textile District – Kamigyo-ku

This neighborhood is characterized as a working-class area specializing in traditional weaving. You won’t find many neon lights here, but you will get an authentic vibe of the way Kyoto artisans live—a neighborhood without the massive crowds! It is up and coming for hip new renovations of “Machiya” townhouses into cafes. Due to its history, it is a very quiet and traditional part of town, which is the reason you’ll find some of the city’s most authentic public baths (Sento) and hidden shrine gardens.