Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) | Review by wendy

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Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

An iconic Yasaka Pagoda towers over the streets at this famed Kyoto temple in the Higashiyama district.

12 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, you definitely shouldn’t miss this iconic landmark—the Yasaka Pagoda. The historic Hokan-ji Temple stands quietly among the streets of Higashiyama. With the towering Yasaka Pagoda surrounded by streetscapes full of Kyoto charm, walking around here really makes you feel as if you’re in the ancient capital.

This time, I specifically chose to visit during cherry blossom season, and the cherry blossoms along the way added a touch of romance. Even though it was a weekday, it was still extremely crowded, with a constant stream of tourists. It was really difficult to take a photo without anyone in it. Still, the combination of cherry blossoms and the scenery of the ancient capital made me want to keep pressing the shutter and capture beautiful memories of spring in Kyoto.

Other Reviews by wendy

Hanamikoji-dori Street

Hanami-koji Street is a main street crossing Gion north to south from Sanjo to Kenninji Temple. It is “koji” (small alley), but the street is wide and lively with lots of stores hosting many tourists. The Teahouse district still maintains the traditional ambience in the district from Shijo-dori to the south. The original teahouses were on Shijo-dori and to the north of it, which were gathered to the current southern district in Meiji and Taisho Periods.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Famous Places
12 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Gion in Kyoto, you definitely shouldn’t miss Hanamikoji Street, which is full of the old capital’s charm. This lovely street runs north to south through the heart of Gion and is lined with historic buildings that preserve Kyoto’s traditional character. Many of the old buildings have been renovated into restaurants, teahouses, and unique little shops.

You don’t need any special plans when strolling down the street. Just walking slowly and admiring the machiya townhouses on both sides is enough to experience the distinct atmosphere of Kyoto. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Hanamikoji Street is the possibility of an unexpected encounter. If you’re lucky, you may spot a geisha or maiko dressed in a kimono and walking gracefully, adding even more classical charm to the Kyoto streetscape.
Yasaka Shrine

The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Shrines & Temples
12 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is always a classic spot well worth seeing. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it has stood here since before the capital was moved to Kyoto and is also the shrine where the Gion Festival originated. The ancient shrine buildings and strong Kyoto atmosphere make you feel the depth of its history as soon as you step inside.

This time, I happened to visit during cherry blossom season. Pale pink blossoms were in full bloom around the shrine, and the combination of the red gate, traditional buildings, and cherry blossoms felt so distinctly Kyoto and was truly beautiful. In spring, Yasaka Shrine has an added sense of romance and gentleness. You can enjoy the scenery as you walk, and every photo turns out beautiful. No wonder it’s considered one of Kyoto’s must-visit cherry blossom spots.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

The oldest park in Kyoto, built on land once owned by temples and shrines. It is located across the Shijo Ohashi Bridge from Kawaramachi and straight down the Gion shopping street on Shijo Dori Street. From the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, pass the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and continue along the shopping street, and you will see Yasaka Shrine in front of you.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Parks & Gardens
12 Sep 2026 See More

Maruyama Park, one of Kyoto’s famous cherry blossom viewing spots, is so beautiful during cherry blossom season that you won’t want to leave! The highlight of the park is the century-old “Gion Weeping Cherry Tree” standing beside the pond. When it’s in full bloom, its cascading blossoms form a vast pink waterfall. It’s one of Kyoto’s classic cherry blossom views and a famous photo spot for many visitors to the city.

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, their soft pink reflections appear on the pond, and together with Kyoto’s distinctive historic atmosphere, every photo captures the romance of spring. Maruyama Park gets quite crowded during cherry blossom season, but seeing the weeping cherry tree in full bloom in person is still well worth it.

If you come to Kyoto for the cherry blossoms, you really shouldn’t miss this place!