Eastern Kyoto

East of the Kamogawa River, in the neighborhoods known as Higashiyama (literally, Eastern Mountain) and Okazaki, are some of Kyoto's most dazzling shrines and temples, stretching from solemn Sanjusangen-do in the south to the elegant Ginkaku-ji in the north. The cobbled streets of the Gion district are mysterious during the day, and even more so at night. Just west of the river, taverns on the Ponto-cho Alley and bars and restaurants on Kiyamachi are the city's most happening neighborhoods after dark.