The Northern Higashiyama area runs along the foothills of Mount Higashiyama (Northern Mountains) from Sanjo-dori in the south to Shugakuin in the north. The western boundary of the district is the Kamo-gawa River. The area at the foot of the mountain is essentially a long strip of temples, while the central area, known as Okazaki-koen, is the city's museum district. This area has the following popular attractions:

Nanzen-ji Temple – Northern Higashiyama One of the most beautiful temples in Northern Higashiyama prefecture, Nanzen-ji Temple is a vast Zen paradise surrounded by verdant hills. It is one of the open temples. gives you a magical feeling of how a Japanese temple gives. All the elements are there: the impressive San-Mon gate, the delicate karesansui ("Zen" dry gravel) garden, the large main hall, and the spacious inviting walkways. The main complex is surrounded by small but wonderful side structures, each worth a visit. These include Konchi-in, Nanzen-in and Tenju-an. Unique to Nanzen-ji is Nanzen Oku-no-in, a secret cave with a waterfall about 200 meters high in the hills behind the temple. To get there, walk under a brick bridge and turn left and follow a small stream to a set of steps that lead to Oku-no-in. Above the waterfall is a small cave hidden in a giant rock that contains some mysterious Buddhist images.

The Kyoto International Community House – Northern Higashiyama The Kyoto International Community House has a lot to offer short-term visitors, including a library with international newspapers and magazines, free internet and wifi. For most Most foreigners open shops in Kyoto, Kyoto International Community House is their first stop because there is a huge bulletin board listing jobs, apartments for rent, goods for sale and even even personal ads for singles who are in love. There is also free Wi-Fi and several internet hotspots, as well as a library with magazines and newspapers from around the world. As if that wasn't enough, they even offer free Japanese lessons and even free legal advice. There's even a cafe where you can relax and enjoy the view of the wonderful garden, and the TV often plays CNN or BBC. A very short walk from Nanzen-ji Temple, it is the perfect place to stop and relax after a ceremony.

Murin-an Villa This perfectly walled garden located just down the hill from Nanzen-ji Temple is a great place to escape the crowds that flood Higashiyama's famous sitesThis is a famous statesman's mansion Famous during the Meiji period was Yamagata Aritomo, who played an important role in the Russo-Japanese War. Villa Murin-an is the last of the secret gardens. Hidden behind simple walls, this place often goes unnoticed by tourists. But those who enter the narrow gateway at the southern end of the complex will discover a tranquil garden set in the middle of a beautiful lake. The two main buildings are perfect examples of the changes Japan went through at the time of the villa's construction: One is in a traditional Japanese style, the other is built with Western lines. and included Western-style seating (here, important meetings were held to discuss Japanese military actions against Russia). The villa is at its best in the fall, when many of the maples turn into a vibrant array of reds, oranges and yellows.

Heian-jingu Shrine Heian-jungu Shrine is one of the most important and impressive Shinto shrines in Kyoto. It's well worth a visit, especially during Shinto festival days Kyoto City Museum of Art

Kyoto City Museum of Art is the best museum in Kyoto

National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto's National Museum of Modern Art is a rather interesting museum, occasionally hosting particularly worthwhile exhibitions Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts.

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts This is a small free museum that showcases the main traditional crafts of Kyoto and can be an option for great rainy day experiences.

Kyoto City Zoo If you're bringing children, the Kyoto City Zoo can be a great gift for them. Reopening in 2015 after a major renovation, the Kyoto City Zoo is a great way to keep kids entertained for a few hours. Located on the east side of the Okazaki Museum District, in North Higashiyama, Kyoto Zoo is not far from attractions such as Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian-jingu Shrine, and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, so you can easily connect Match it with a visit to these places. The zoo's collection contains all the "big animals" such as lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, hippos, and giraffes. Animals of Japanese descent include Japanese monkeys and bears. There is also a small but interesting reptile house. There's even a mini zoo and regularly scheduled events where kids can interact with animals like guinea pigs. The animal enclosures are well laid out and the whole zoo is spacious and easy to explore. In addition to the animals on display, there is also a fun little amusement park with games that kids love (buy cards for the games from the vending machine in the middle of the amusement park). The Ferris wheel here gives you a great view of the North Higashiyama area. Finally, there's a proper sit-down restaurant above the main entrance, as well as a snack bar and rest area with a huge collection of Japanese-language animal books. And on the opposite side of the zoo, there's a snack bar with an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy ice creams on a hot summer day.

Eikan-do Temple One of Kyoto's most popular fall foliage spots, Eikan-do Shrine is a vast complex of gardens and halls worth visiting outside of fall foliage season

Konchi-in Shrine Konchi-in Shrine is one of the most beautiful small shrines in the Northern Higashiyama Sightseeing district.

The Philosopher 's Path The Philosopher's Path is easily one of the most fascinating sights in Kyoto - the riverside path is lined with blooming trees and stunning trees.

Reikan-ji Temple Open only for two short periods a year, Reikan-ji Temple is a must-see if you're lucky enough to make it to town when the gates are open

Anraku-ji Temple Another little charm of a temple off the Philosopher's Path, Anraku-ji is highly recommended if you're in town when it's open

Honen-in Temple Honen- in is our favorite all over Kyoto and that says a lot in a city of over 1600 temples

Ginkaku-ji Temple Ginkaku-ji Temple, the famous "Silver Temple", features splendid halls and gardens. This temple is said to be usually crowded so it is most visited during off-peak hours

Shinyo-do Shrine Shinyo-do Shrine is a beautiful shrine located atop the hill of Yoshida-yama. The main hall here is gorgeous and the ground is dotted with cherry and maple trees.

Konkaikomyo-ji Temple (Kurodani) Konkaikomyo-ji Temple, also known as Kurodani, is an amazing and rarely visited temple on Yoshida-yama Hill.

Enko-ji Temple This small temple in the far North of Higashiyama has a great power: It has two incredible gardens, some beautiful Buddhist art, and even a small reminiscent bamboo grove. to the famous temple in Arashiyama.

Manshu-in Temple A little gem of a temple just north of a busy road, Manshu-in rewards visitors with a beautiful garden, vibrant architecture, and wonderful decorations

Shisen-do Shrine Another northern shrine far from the beaten path, Shisen-do Shrine is the perfect choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds plunging into more popular sites

Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa is the most spacious and in some ways the prettiest of the four imperial estates of Kyoto

Bishamon-do Shrine Bishamon-do Shrine is a beautiful shrine located right up in the Higashiyama Mountains from Kyoto on the outskirts of Yamashina. It can be reached by train and subway, or by hiking from Nanzen-ji Temple.

Robert Yellin Gallery Located a short walk from Ginkaku-ji Temple, Robert Yellin Gallery is a carefully curated gallery of Japanese pottery in a beautiful traditional house in Kyoto.