Hokanji Temple Yasaka Pagoda

Hokanji Temple, more commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda [八坂の塔], is one of Kyoto’s most enduring landmarks and a beloved feature of the Higashiyama skyline. Standing gracefully among the sloping lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, the five-story pagoda rises above a sea of tiled rooftops, its silhouette instantly evoking the quiet elegance of Japan’s classical capital. The temple’s origins date back to the late 6th century, though it has been rebuilt several times due to fire, with the current structure dating to the 15th century.

Unlike most pagodas in Japan, Yasaka Pagoda welcomes visitors inside, allowing them to climb to the second floor. From here, you can admire close-up views of its intricate wooden beams, centuries-old joinery, and guardian statues that embody the refined artistry of the Muromachi period. Few places in Kyoto offer such an intimate encounter with a pagoda’s interior, making this a rare cultural experience.

The exterior, with its deep, weathered tones and layered eaves, changes character with the seasons, cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, crimson koyo [紅葉, fall foliage] in autumn, and a dusting of snow in winter. In the late afternoon, when the sun dips low and the light turns golden, the scene becomes almost painterly. Framed by traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow flagstone streets, this is widely regarded as one of the most iconic photo spots in Japan, drawing photographers from around the world. The exact location of the photo spot is here.

Around the temple, the Higashiyama district unfolds like an open-air museum of Kyoto’s past. Tea houses serve fragrant matcha, artisans sell handmade crafts, and the air carries the scent of freshly grilled rice crackers. Wandering these streets before or after a visit to Hokanji Temple feels like stepping into a living postcard, where every corner whispers of centuries-old traditions.