The best neighborhoods in Kyoto : Visit Kyoto

For a total change of scenery and typically Japanese surroundings, head to Gion!
Just as Tokyo is divided into several neighborhoods such as Shibuya, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Ginza, Kyoto is also divided into neighborhoods , each with its own specific tourist characteristics. Superprof invites you to discover the most interesting of the best neighborhoods in Kyoto !

Arashiyama, nature west of the city: The best neighborhoods in Kyoto : Visit Kyoto

Arashiyama, which is part of Sagano, is a neighborhood that focuses on natural environments and Zen. There are many temples and gardens, but its bamboo forest is especially famous, as well as Mount Iwata, which is home to the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Although it is quite far from the city center, the  world heritage of the Arashiyama neighborhood is such that it is a good idea to dedicate an entire day of your stay in Japan. It is also a place where you can take great photos of Japan, thanks to the historical monuments that Arashiyama is home to!

Gion, the essential neighborhood: The best neighborhoods in Kyoto : Visit Kyoto

When it comes to discovering Japanese culture,  Gion  is probably the neighborhood that most conveys the image of traditional Japan that we all have in mind. With its Japanese architecture, its typically Japanese alleys and the geishas that walk there, you will immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese atmosphere.

Here is a list of  activities  you can do in this neighborhood:

Visit the Yasaka shrine.
Take a walk in Maruyama Park.
Stroll through alleys like Pontocho.
Eat sushi, gyozas, or okonomiyakis at restaurants.
Visit the Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-jinja shrines.
Gion is a concentration of traditional Japanese culture. Although it may seem  cliché , it is mandatory to pass this temporary ellipse in the center of Kyoto, which attracts more tourists each year.

The historic center and hypercenter of Kyoto

Surrounding the impressive Kyoto Imperial Palace are UNESCO World Heritage monuments that stand alongside modern buildings and infrastructure. The  central Kyoto  is a blend of traditional landscapes and modern cities in Japan.
From Kyoto Station to Gion, there are many  temples  like Higashi-Honganji and Nishi-Honganji, important places of Buddhism in the city. After eating at the Nishiki Fish Market, you can stroll through gardens like the Shosei-en, and then go shopping in the downtown malls!