6 Must-See Kyoto Neighborhoods and How to Visit

From food to palaces, these neighborhoods are where you'll find the best of Kyoto.

Jun 13, 2019

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By Lydia Schrandt

Hi, I'm Lydia!

Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.

Kyoto, the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan, is a city of magnificent temples, Zen gardens, traditional teahouses, and plenty of culinary gems. From historic Gion to temple-filled Fushimi, these eclectic Kyoto neighborhoods are well worth exploring. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss.

Central Kyoto

Top attractions and great food.

In the heart of Kyoto, this bustling neighborhood is home to two of the city’s most popular attractions: Nijo-jo Castle and the Imperial Palace. Foodies won’t want to miss the Nishiki Market, nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for its array of culinary delights and local products. While you're there, you can also indulge in some retail therapy along Sanjo-dori or get a taste of the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene.

Arashiyama

Buddhist temples and macaque monkeys.

This neighborhood on the western edge of Kyoto centers on the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, a popular spot for viewing fall foliage. Visitors to Arashiyama can explore Buddhist temples and shrines (including Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site); spot Japanese macaques at Iwatayama Monkey Park; feast on traditional Buddhist-temple fare; or stroll through a magnificent bamboo grove.

Explore bamboo groves in Arashiyama. Photo: Andrew Faulk / Viator

Higashiyama

Temples and museums.

Higashiyama sets the scene for temple hopping in Kyoto, with several historic structures within walking distance of each other. The northern portion of the neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top art museums, including the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, National Museum of Modern Art, and the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts.

Gion

Geishas and tea ceremonies.

If you’re hoping to spot one of Kyoto’s elusive geishas, Gion is the place to do so. Geishas in their characteristic wooden geta (sandals) often hurry along Pontocho Alley in the evening hours. Gion is also one of the best spots in town to partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or feast on a multicourse kaiseki ryori dinner.

Expect to see geishas in the Gion neighborhood. Photo: Yelena Sophia / Viator

Nishijin

Traditional textiles and souvenirs.

Kyoto’s famed weaving district, Nishijin, sits just northwest of the city center. Machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) line the streets, many selling kimono fabrics and obi sashes. Visit the Nishijin Textile Center to learn more about how these traditional garments are made or relax in the warm waters of Funaoka Onsen.

Fushimi

Famous shrines and fantastic food.

You’ll find one of Kyoto’s top attractions, the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its vermilion torii gates, in this neighborhood in southeast Kyoto. Stop at one of the neighborhood food stalls to sample some kitsune noodles with fried tofu, sip sake from one of many local breweries, or head to Tofukuji Temple—one of Kyoto’s most impressive—to soak up the views.