Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺?), officially named Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺?) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto.

• Start at Kiyomizudera Temple. Go early in the day, if possible, as it tends to be less crowded in the mornings.
• Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station by bus number 100 or 206 (15 minutes, 230 yen). Get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, from where it is a ten minute uphill walk to the temple.
• The walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo to the temple is uphill so wear comfortable shoes.
• The temple itself is interesting and has great views back over the rest of town.
• Bring your camera and relax as you take in one of the most impressive travel sights you're likely to see.

The Higashiyama District along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto

• There are lots to see and do within the Higashiyama Area.
• Upon exiting Kiyomizudera, walk down the temple approach while exploring the shops along the way.
• Turn right just before the fork in the road and head down the Sannenzaka stairs onto the somewhat quieter shopping streets.
• There are couple of restaurants within the area which are crowded with students. If you are tired from walking, make a short pit stop in a restaurant specializing in ice cream puff.

Kōdai-ji, formally identified as Buzan Kōdai-ji, is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan—the largest sun temple of the Kennin-ji branch.

• From Higashiyama District, continue past the Ninenzaka steps to reach Kodaiji.
• There is a very well- marked trail going through the grounds that takes you through many of the various temple buildings that most places do not allow you to access.
• You can walk up into a bamboo forest behind the grounds, go into a living quarters with tatami mats, walk on them without your shoes of course, go inside a temple, and more.
• You can also see a lot of japanese girls wearing kimonos. This temple is like a lucky charm for young couples and girls looking for love.

Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and is the headquarters of the Kenninji sub-sect of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. Kenninji Temple features the panel painting, 'Fu-jin Rai-jin zu' (Wind & Thunder Gods).

• Head through the historic neighborhoods of Higashiyama, past the Yasaka Pagoda, to Kenninji Temple.
• It might not be high on everyone's must see list for Kyoto temples, but this temple in Gion is worth stopping into for its more quiet approach to prayer.
• Sit and sip tea overlooking the moss covered rock garden, walk on the nightingale floors and explore the gravel gardens.
• View the temple grounds and continue to Gion.

Gion (祇園?, ぎおん) is a district of Kyoto, Japan, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine.

• The smaller/quieter alley type streets is where you will see the geiko/maikos walking quickly down the streets hiding away to avoid tourists.
• If you come out of Sanjo station, and head over the bridge and stay on the right side of the bridge where you'll see a Starbucks - take the first right alley (careful, you may be quick to walk past it without realising!)
• Great street in the afternoon to see all the restaurants and bars which will be open in the eve too.