Higashiyama is the eastern slope of central Kyoto, running from Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park in the north down through Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka to Kiyomizu-dera in the south. The district holds the densest concentration of preserved Edo-period streetscape in the city — wooden machiya, lantern-lit stone lanes, narrow alleys, small temples, and a continuous succession of tea houses, sweet shops, and craft workshops along the slopes.
A single half-day on foot, starting at Kiyomizu in the early morning and walking down through the lanes to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park, is the canonical first day in Kyoto. Many visitors come back at dusk for the lanterns. The district can become extremely crowded; come at first light or at sunset for the photographs.