Area Attractions

Kōdai-ji Temple, officially known as Kōdaiji-jushozenji, dates back to the 17th century and was established by Kita-no-Mandokoro, also known as Nene, in memory of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's "great unifiers." Its magnificent structures and superb walking gardens––maintained exclusively by master zen gardener Yasuo Kitayama, who also landscapes Park Hyatt Kyoto’s gardens—delivers an architectural wonder mere steps from the hotel. Walk up the hill past its elegant buildings, tea houses and bamboo grove for excellent views of the city.

Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera Temple, also known as Kiyomizu Temple, is a Buddhist temple over 1200 years old. Its name, derived from the Otowa Waterfall, refers to the purity of water. Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Hills, on Mt.Otowa peak, Kiyomizu-dera is visited by guests who pay respect to Kannon, a diety of mercy and compassion. Surrounded by blessed nature and composed of several shrines and temples, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, Ninen-zaka’s charming pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare represents Japan’s rich, historic past. The narrow lanes and alleyways leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple takes visitors through a nostalgic and dreamy scene of classic houses with kawara roofs, small merchant shops, specialty boutiques, teahouses and cafés that date back to its origins in the 9th century.

Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, boasts bustling shopping street Shijō-dōri at its center, and stretches between Yasaka Shrine to the east and the Kamo River to the west. As the city’s traditional entertainment quarter since the 17th century, Gion is now home to countless boutiques and restaurants, as well as traditional tea houses. Guests may also visit Minami-za, Japan’s oldest kabuki theater founded in 1610.