Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

is one of the eleven Wards in the City of Kyoto , in Kyoto Prefecture , Japan . Its name literally means 'Eastern Mountain District'. It contains several of the most famous Buddhist Temples in Japan, and is one of the nation's centers of history, traditional culture, and religion.

Separated from much of the city by the Kamo River , Higashiyama traditionally lay outside the official boundaries of the city of Kyoto for much of its history. The area was spared from most of the fires which, over the course of history, ravaged the city, and retained much of its original rustic, traditional character.

In addition to the numerous temples and shrines, some tucked away in the forested mountainside, the area also features a great number of shops, inns and restaurants of a traditional bent, along with a multitude of art galleries. The streets of Higashiyama nearly all have a peaceful, traditional feel to them, and the stone-paved roads Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka in particular are packed with shops selling traditional crafts, foods, and goods.

TEMPLES AND LANDMARKS

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The Philosopher's Walk , a Cherry-tree -lined path along a canal, runs along the base of the Eastern Mountain, and connects many of the area's major sights, which include:

Eikando Zenrinji , a spacious temple complex, originally built in the 9th century.

Ginkaku-ji , the Silver Pavilion, was the mountain retreat of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa , and was the center of the Higashiyama Culture which he inspired and encouraged.

Kodai-ji , a Rinzai Zen temple with connections to One (or Nene or Kita no Mandokoro), first wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Kyoto National Museum

Nanzenji , once the head of Kyoto's five great Zen temples, has been referred to as the quintessential Zen temple. Also on the grounds is a massive 19th-century Western-style acqueduct.

Sanjusangendo , a temple with 1001 statues of Kannon

Tofuku-ji , a Rinzai Zen temple

Yasaka Shrine , a Shinto shrine

REFERENCES

"DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: JAPAN." London: DK Publishing Inc., 2002.

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Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto