Japan Guide
Kyoto
East Kyoto
If you only have one day in Kyoto, it's best to concentrate on the wealth of temples and museums lining the eastern hills. Not only does this district include many of Kyoto's more rewarding sights, but it's also fairly compact and contains areas of attractive lanes and traditional houses set against the wooded slopes behind. If you're pushed for time head straight for Kiyomizu-dera, with its distinctive wooden terrace, and then follow cobbled Sannen-zaka north. Gion, the famous entertainment district traditionally associated with geisha and teahouses, has retained a surprising number of wooden facades and photogenic corners, though its seductive charms are best savoured after dark.