GOD ROAD JAPAN

Where to stay in Gion and Higashiyama

Planning an early visit to Kiyomizu-dera? Its published opening time is 6:00. Below are three hotels in Higashiyama, with walking-time estimates to the temple where we have checked them.

At a glance

Walking times are map-route estimates between the listed addresses. Rates and availability change, so none are listed here.

The three hotels

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

Who it may suit
Travellers who want to walk to Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji rather than take a bus.
Type
Hotel, operated by Mitsui Fudosan's Celestine Hotels brand
Address
Komatsu-cho 572, Yasaka-dori Higashioji Nishi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
On this route
A map-route estimate puts Kiyomizu-dera about 17 minutes away on foot. We have not measured the walk to the other two stops.
Booking
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion official site

SOWAKA

Who it may suit
Travellers who prefer a small property over a large hotel.
Type
Small hotel in a converted former ryotei building
Address
Kiyoi-cho 480, Shimogawara-dori Yasaka-toriimae Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
On this route
A map-route estimate puts Kiyomizu-dera about 16 minutes away on foot. We have not measured the walk to the other two stops.
Booking
SOWAKA official site

Kyoto Granbell Hotel

Who it may suit
Travellers who want to be close to Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
Type
City hotel
Address
Yamato-cho 27, Yamato-oji-dori Shijo Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
On this route
We have not measured the walking route from here to any of the three stops.
Booking
Kyoto Granbell Hotel official site

The booking links above go to each hotel's own website. We earn nothing from them.

Getting to the area

Times as published by each site. Kyoto City Official Travel Guide — Yasaka Shrine

Sources

Kiyomizu-dera hours and accessKiyomizu-dera — visiting and access
Kodai-ji accessKodai-ji — access
Yasaka Shrine accessKyoto City Official Travel Guide — Yasaka Shrine

Information checked: September 3, 2026.