8 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Kyoto to Explore

Kyoto is a city of contrasts. Once the capital of Japan, it combines the old and the new in unexpected ways. Here, ancient temples stand beside modern cafés, and neon signs glow near centuries-old woodwork. Every corner has a story, and every neighbourhood offers something new.

In this guide, we'll cover eight neighbourhoods in Kyoto worth exploring.

Downtown Kyoto is the city’s central shopping and entertainment hub. It’s where locals meet friends, grab drinks and shop for the latest trends.

The atmosphere is energetic and modern, with a mix of boutiques, arcades and shrines tucked between storefronts. While it’s not a major sightseeing spot, there’s still plenty worth exploring.

Start at Teramachi and Shinkyogoku arcades for covered shopping streets full of variety. Wander Nishiki Market for matcha sweets, pickled vegetables and local street food. As evening sets in, head to Sanjo Street for jazz bars, riverside cafés or a bowl of late-night ramen.

The neighbourhood around Kyoto Station just south of the city centre is sleek, fast-paced and packed with style. Considered Kyoto’s fashion district, it offers shops for every kind of traveller, from local designers to luxury brands.

Kyoto Station itself is a landmark, an architectuM41 - Paragraph - Kyoto StationTitleKyoto StationTitleContentContentThe neighbourhood around Kyoto Station just south of the city centre is sleek, fast-paced and packed with style. Considered Kyoto’s fashion district, it offers shops for every kind of traveller, from local designers to luxury brands.Kyoto Station itself is a landmark, an architectural mix of glass, steel and bold geometry. Inside, you’ll find Kyoto Isetan, The Cube and Porta, all offering multi-level fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores. Nearby, Aeon Mall and Avanti add more variety, from basics to trendy streetwear.With direct access to JR, subway and regional lines, this area is one of the best Kyoto neighbourhoods to stay in. Use the station as your base to get around the city or take day trips to places like Nara, Osaka and Uji.ral mix of glass, steel and bold geometry. Inside, you’ll find Kyoto Isetan, The Cube and Porta, all offering multi-level fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores. Nearby, Aeon Mall and Avanti add more variety, from basics to trendy streetwear.

With direct access to JR, subway and regional lines, this area is one of the best Kyoto neighbourhoods to stay in. Use the station as your base to get around the city or take day trips to places like Nara, Osaka and Uji.

On the east side of the Kamo River is Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It stretches along Shijo Avenue, from Yasaka Shrine to the riverbanks, and is known for its historic teahouses.

The atmosphere here is refined and timeless. Narrow alleys wind between machiya—traditional townhouses that functioned as both a residence and a place of business. Wooden facades, paper lanterns and tiled roofs give the area a cinematic quality, especially after sunset.

Stroll along Hanamikoji Street and look out for maiko and geiko on their way to evening engagements. Dine in a restored machiya for Kyoto-style kaiseki, or browse traditional shops for sweets, pickles and handicrafts.

Arashiyama offers nature and nostalgia on the city’s edge, with bamboo groves, monkey parks and a scenic riverside that make it feel like a getaway. Located in the city’s western hills, it’s where locals go to slow down and take in the view.

Quiet streets, forested paths and riverside trails give the area a timeless quality. Here, you'll find wooden bridges, temples and traditional shops nestled into the landscape, perfect for slow afternoons.

Walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall green stalks sway softly overhead. Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views and a few curious macaques. Spend the afternoon by the river, with a boat ride, coffee or just the sound of flowing water.

Travellers can find tradition with a scenic twist in Higashiyama, a hillside neighbourhood on Kyoto’s eastern edge. Known for its temples, teahouses and preserved wooden streets, it’s one of the best places to feel connected to the city’s past without leaving the present behind.

The lanes around Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are especially photogenic, with wooden shopfronts, tiled roofs and stone steps that wind gently downhill. As evening falls, soft lighting brings out the texture of the streets and the quiet rhythm of daily life.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for sweeping views over the city, or wander the pedestrian lanes to browse handmade ceramics, washi paper and local sweets. Pause at a teahouse and take your time to bask in the historical atmosphere.

South of central Kyoto, Fushimi is a neighbourhood known for two things: sake and shrines. It’s home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the famous hillside shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates, and one of Japan’s top sake-producing districts.

The atmosphere shifts as you move through this neighbourhood. Near the shrine, it’s lively with food stalls and souvenir shops. Closer to the canals and breweries, it slows down. Take in the quaint streets, tiled rooftops and white-walled kura storehouses that reflect Fushimi’s deep history.

For a quieter walk, trek the forested trails of Fushimi Inari. Then, explore the Fushimi Sake District along the willow-lined Horikawa River, where you can tour old breweries, sample local labels and learn about Kyoto’s brewing heritage. End your visit with a peaceful stroll along the canal that once linked this neighbourhood to Osaka.

Nakagyo is Kyoto’s cultural core, where creativity and tradition share the same streets. Located between Kyoto Station and the Kamogawa River, it is home to castles, theatres and galleries.

The pace here is more relaxed compared to Downtown Kyoto, but the neighbourhood offers plenty to explore. Historic buildings house craft studios, sake bars and small museums. Art galleries add to the creative feel of the streets, giving the area a quiet energy that draws you in.

Tour the grounds of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ornate interiors and nightingale floors. Visit the Kyoto Art Centre, set in a former school building, or stop by local shops selling incense, textiles and handmade stationery. Like much of Kyoto, Nakagyo is a neighbourhood best explored without a set plan.

Pontocho is an alleyway running along the banks of the Kamo River. Lined with restaurants and Japanese-style pubs called izakaya, it is one of the best places to eat in Kyoto.

From May through November, many riverfront restaurants in Pontocho build temporary outdoor terraces that overlook the water. Menus range from grilled yakitori (chicken skewers) to elaborate kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), and the riverside setting makes the experience truly unique.

Pontocho was once a lively geisha district, though performances today are rare. What remains is a strong tradition of late-night entertainment and dining, ideal for travellers seeking a memorable evening in the heart of the city.

After a day of exploring neighbourhoods in Kyoto, return to Dhawa Yura Kyoto and unwind in comfort and style. A charming boutique hotel where East meets West, it’s the perfect place to stay in the city, whether you’re travelling solo or with family.

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