Districts in Kyoto
Where the city changes character, block by block
4 districts in Kyoto, and what changes when you cross from one into the next.
WHERE TO START
Which part of Kyoto is your day in?
Kyoto is walkable in pieces, not as a whole. Pick the piece that matches the time you have.
Only one day?
HigashiyamaThe eastern hills hold the most in the least walking, and Kiyomizu-dera opens at six, which is the single most effective thing you can do about the crowds.
Start in HigashiyamaWant it quiet?
Arashiyama, earlyThe bamboo path is short and fenced, but Tenryu-ji and Okochi Sanso either side of it are better and nearly empty before about eight.
Go to ArashiyamaHere to eat?
Downtown and NishikiThe market is a covered street of stalls and the blocks around it hold most of the city's counters that publish their hours and their prices.
Eat downtown
The rest of Kyoto
Every other collection in the city guide, with what is in it.