[Higashiyama] Introducing recommended sightseeing spots where you can rent a kimono and visit as a couple

We are truly grateful for the increasing number of customers who have been uploading photos with #KimonoExperience on Instagram.

Thank you very much for your continuous support. Seeing the happy smiles of customers who wore kimono for the first time at our rental shop brings joy to all of our staff members.

Moreover, when we see Instagram posts of customers we assisted with dressing in kimono, we can’t help but want to introduce them to places that are perfect for kimono photos.

So, in this article, we would like to introduce some recommended photo spots around the Higashiyama area that are perfect for kimono photos when you have experienced kimono rental in Kyoto.

Kyoto Higashiyama ① Hanamikoji

Hanamikoji Street facing our Nishikawa Gion store. It is the most visited place by tourists in Kyoto, with many cafes, confectionery shops, and delicious restaurants for lunch or dinner.

As you can see in the photos, most of Hanamikoji Street is cobblestone-paved, and the streetscape is dominated by traditional machiya buildings. It is a perfect Instagram-worthy spot in the Higashiyama area where you can take picturesque photos from any angle.

It’s not uncommon to spot professional photographers taking pre-wedding photos of couples in kimono, making it one of Kyoto’s top photo spots where you can capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Hanamikoji Street is just about 100 meters west of our Nishikawa Gion store, and you will find scenic spots like Gion Shira-kawa across the street and the approach to Kennin-ji Temple, separated by Gion Street. You’ll want to take not only commemorative photos in kimono but also landscape photos, for sure.

Kyoto Higashiyama ② Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, located east of Hanamikoji Street, offer picturesque Kyoto scenery. Kyoto’s iconic Yasaka Pagoda is visible from anywhere along the streets, making it perfect for selfies, commemorative photos, and scenic shots.

As you cross Higashioji-dori from the southern gate of Kennin-ji Temple and walk east along Yasaka-dori, you’ll gradually catch sight of Yasaka Pagoda at the end of the slope. It’s a fantastic spot for photography.

Moreover, as you ascend Ninen-zaka, if you look back along the slope, you’ll see Yasaka Pagoda beyond the traditional townhouses. It’s the kind of scenery you’ll recognize from posters and commercials, and taking lively photos here will be great fun.

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are also home to over 100 shops and inns each. It’s an ideal place to find souvenirs and take a break for lunch or coffee. One of our current recommendations is “Dandelion Chocolate,” a shop that recently opened on Ichinen-zaka in Higashiyama.

It’s a stylish chocolate shop, and what’s unique is that they’ve converted an old machiya (traditional townhouse) in Higashiyama into their store. The chocolates they offer, guided by the concierge, are all exquisite, and they have a wide variety of cute sweets that will make you want to take photos.

Kyoto Higashiyama ③ Kiyomizu-dera Temple

“Kiyomizu-dera Temple,” founded by Nene, the legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for his soul after his death, is known for its luxurious gardens, palace-like architecture, cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and illuminations.

Especially during the spring and autumn tourist seasons, many people visit, and from early summer to summer, various parts of the temple grounds are surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for kimono photography year-round.

When you think of bamboo groves in Kyoto, Arashiyama comes to mind, but there’s also a small bamboo grove here at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Even if you don’t have time to go to Arashiyama, you can take beautiful photos with a bamboo grove backdrop here at Kiyomizu-dera.

Kyoto Higashiyama ④ Jinrikisha Ebisuya

Ebisuya, a rickshaw service located just outside Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is a popular choice among customers at Nishikawa Gion, as well as a well-known rickshaw service in Asakusa.

While taking photos in a taxi in kimono might lack charm, rickshaws are a perfect match.

The rickshaw pullers are all young and robust, and they have a handsome, sun-kissed look. Every puller is happy to assist with photos and even says, “Cheese,” while taking your picture.

They can also provide sightseeing information, and if you see a place you like and say, “Is there a place like this?” they’ll gladly stop and help. Be sure to give them a try.

Kyoto Higashiyama ⑩ Ishibei-koji and Higashiyama Hanatouro

Ishibei-koji (Stone Wall Lane) is one of Kyoto’s quietest spots.

Despite being in the heart of the bustling Higashiyama area, it remains relatively unknown to tourists due to its narrow, car-inaccessible streets and somewhat concealed entrances, making it primarily frequented by locals.

During the day, you may encounter maiko and geiko (geisha) heading to their lessons, providing a glimpse of traditional Kyoto charm. However, it’s in the evening when lanterns illuminate the path that Ishibei-koji truly transforms into a magical wonderland.

Especially in the summer, the flickering flames of the lanterns reflecting on the water-dampened cobblestones create a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

Ishibei-koji is conveniently located near Yasaka Shrine and just steps away from Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and traditional teahouses. Consider visiting before or after dinner to fully appreciate its charm.

How did you find these suggestions? Just exploring the Higashiyama area in Kyoto, especially these spots, could easily fill up an entire day. The charm of Kyoto is truly encapsulated in the Higashiyama district, making it a perfect destination to experience the essence of Kyoto.

All the places we’ve mentioned in this article are within walking distance of Nishikawa Gion store. We hope you enjoy the landscapes and cuisine of Higashiyama while dressed in a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental.