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Kyoto Neighborhoods

Discover Kyoto's distinct districts, from traditional geisha quarters to bamboo forests and modern shopping hubs.

Gion

Traditional Geisha District

10 min from Kyoto Station by bus

Kyoto's most famous geisha district with preserved machiya houses, traditional tea houses, and evening entertainment.

Key Attractions
  • Yasaka Shrine
  • Hanami-koji Street
  • Traditional tea houses
  • Evening geisha sightings
Perfect For
Cultural immersion, evening strolls
Explore Gion

Higashiyama

Historic Hillside District

15 min from Kyoto Station by bus

Atmospheric streets lined with wooden buildings, temples, shops, and stunning city views from hilltop temples.

Key Attractions
  • Kiyomizu-dera
  • Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
  • Traditional shops
  • Panoramic views
Perfect For
Temple visits, traditional shopping
Explore Higashiyama

Arashiyama

Bamboo Grove & Natural Beauty

15 min from Kyoto Station by JR

Western Kyoto's scenic district famous for bamboo groves, river views, and mountain temples.

Key Attractions
  • Bamboo Grove
  • Tenryu-ji Temple
  • Togetsukyo Bridge
  • Monkey Park
Perfect For
Nature lovers, photography
Explore Arashiyama

Kyoto Station Area

Modern Hub & Gateway

Central location

Central transportation hub with modern architecture, shopping, dining, and easy access to all attractions.

Key Attractions
  • Kyoto Station
  • Kyoto Tower
  • Shopping malls
  • Restaurant district
Perfect For
Convenience, first-time visitors
Explore Kyoto Station Area

Kawaramachi

Shopping & Entertainment

10 min from Kyoto Station by subway

Downtown Kyoto's bustling shopping and entertainment district with modern stores and traditional markets.

Key Attractions
  • Nishiki Market
  • Shopping arcades
  • Restaurants
  • Nightlife
Perfect For
Shopping, dining, modern Kyoto
Explore Kawaramachi

Northern Kyoto

Golden Temple & Zen Gardens

40 min from Kyoto Station by bus

Home to iconic Kinkaku-ji, peaceful Ryoan-ji, and traditional residential neighborhoods.

Key Attractions
  • Kinkaku-ji
  • Ryoan-ji
  • Daitoku-ji
  • Quiet temples
Perfect For
Temple enthusiasts, quieter experience
Explore Northern Kyoto

Where Should You Stay?

First-Time Visitors

Stay near Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi for easy access to transportation and major attractions.

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Traditional Experience

Choose Gion or Higashiyama for authentic atmosphere, ryokans, and evening ambiance.

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Nature Lovers

Base yourself in Arashiyama for bamboo forests, riverside views, and mountain temples.

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Find Your Perfect Neighborhood

Compare hotels and ryokans across all Kyoto neighborhoods.

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