All Reviews of Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

Around Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, you’re almost certain to see Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) while strolling along the bustling streets. The tall five-story pagoda really stands out among the streets and is one of Kyoto’s classic city views.

Walking near Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, you can see Yasaka Pagoda in the distance, rising above the traditional machiya townhouses. Together with the historic streets, it really feels like Kyoto. While exploring the area around Kiyomizu-dera, I couldn’t help stopping to take a few photos.

I didn’t specifically plan to go inside this time, but just seeing Yasaka Pagoda from the street felt very characteristic of Kyoto.

In Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, seeing Hokan-ji Temple’s Yasaka Pagoda really makes you feel like you’re in Kyoto! The five-story pagoda towers above the streets, and together with the surrounding traditional Japanese machiya townhouses, the whole scene has the charm of the ancient capital.

Walking along the stone-paved streets near Yasaka Pagoda, you’ll find old buildings full of Kyoto character on both sides, and when you look up, you can see the pagoda. No matter which angle you take photos from, it has the feel of a traditional Japanese streetscape.

It is said to have been founded by Prince Shōtoku during the Asuka period, while the existing pagoda was rebuilt during the Muromachi period. Standing about 40 meters tall, this five-story pagoda is one of the few ancient pagodas still preserved within Kyoto's city streets. Viewed from Yasaka-dori, the traditional machiya townhouses and the five-story pagoda form a classic Kyoto scene. It is especially charming when the afternoon sunlight falls on the wooden structure; toward evening, as the streetlights gradually come on, it takes on a different kind of tranquil beauty. For many people, this is also one of the streetscapes that feels most distinctly like Kyoto.

When visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, you definitely shouldn’t miss this iconic landmark—the Yasaka Pagoda. The historic Hokan-ji Temple stands quietly among the streets of Higashiyama. With the towering Yasaka Pagoda surrounded by streetscapes full of Kyoto charm, walking around here really makes you feel as if you’re in the ancient capital.

This time, I specifically chose to visit during cherry blossom season, and the cherry blossoms along the way added a touch of romance. Even though it was a weekday, it was still extremely crowded, with a constant stream of tourists. It was really difficult to take a photo without anyone in it. Still, the combination of cherry blossoms and the scenery of the ancient capital made me want to keep pressing the shutter and capture beautiful memories of spring in Kyoto.

The most memorable feature of this ancient temple with deep historical roots is Hokan-ji's five-story pagoda, commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda. Built in the Asuka period, it stands over 30 meters tall. Although you can't freely climb the pagoda, simply walking along the slopes of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, or Yasaka-dori and capturing the old-fashioned streetscape with Yasaka Pagoda in the background creates a classic postcard scene that everyone visiting Kyoto should have on their phone.
It's especially worth visiting early in the morning when there are fewer tourists. With the old streets, warm wooden machiya townhouses, and the five-story pagoda in the distance, you can almost hear echoes of history in the air. At dusk, when the setting sun casts its glow across the stone-paved streets, the atmosphere becomes incredibly romantic.
I highly recommend combining Hokan-ji with a walking route through the surrounding Higashiyama area when visiting Kyoto. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll in a kimono or simply want to experience the most authentic charm of Kyoto's old streets, this is an iconic landmark you'll never tire of visiting!

While strolling along Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda suddenly came into view. The old-fashioned streetscape is a must-shot scene for every visitor, and no matter the angle, this five-story pagoda gives off the classic charm of Kyoto’s ancient capital.

The classic view of the five-story pagoda standing alongside traditional wooden houses on the stone-paved slope is amazing. It feels like stepping into a parallel time and landing in the Edo period!
Even though there are always crowds, this is absolutely one of the best spots to soak up Kyoto’s atmosphere.

Yasaka Pagoda is truly an icon of Kyoto—perfect for photos. It looks even more beautiful at night when it’s lit up. The nearby stone-paved streets and traditional buildings make it a great spot for Instagram shots.