From Nene-no-Michi Path to Maruyama Park, Yasaka-jinja Shrine, and Gion

After visiting the garden and teahouses of Kodai-ji Temple, walk north along the stone-paved Nene-no-Michi Path to Maruyama Park. This route takes you to Yasaka-jinja Shrine and then through Shijo-dori Street to the geisha district along Hanamikoji-dori Street. The five locations span a straight-line distance of just over 1 kilometer, allowing you to walk continuously through the temple at the foot of Higashiyama, the park, and the townscape of Gion.

History and Local Charm

The name of Nene-no-Michi Path comes from Kodai-ji Temple's connection to Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After Hideyoshi's death, Nene founded Kodai-ji Temple and spent 19 years here until she passed away at the age of 77.

Maruyama Park, spreading north of the path, opened in 1886 and is the oldest park in Kyoto City, bordering Yasaka-jinja Shrine to the west. Yasaka-jinja Shrine, affectionately called "Gion-san," is enshrined at the eastern end of Shijo-dori Street and has long been revered as a shrine warding off epidemics in the capital. In the Edo period, Shijo-dori Street developed townscapes as an approach to Yasaka-jinja Shrine, extending from the Kamo River all the way to the shrine. The geisha district of Gion also originated as the town in front of the gates of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.

Key Highlights

• ​Kodai-ji Temple​​: The Otamaya, which enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Kita-no-Mandokoro, is adorned with lavish lacquerware known as Kodai-ji makie. There is also a pond garden said to have been created by Kobori Enshu, as well as the Karakasa-tei Teahouse and Shigure-tei Teahouse, which are regarded as remnants of Fushimi Castle.
• ​Nene-no-Michi Path​​: A path paved with granite stones and lined with retro-style streetlamps. With power lines buried underground, it offers clear views; along the way lies Ishibe-koji, an alley lined with tall stone walls.
• ​Maruyama Park​​: The "Gion Weeping Cherry Tree" standing in the center of the park is a second-generation tree planted in 1949 and attracts many people during the blossom season. The park also features a garden created by Ogawa Jihei VII that flows into a gourd-shaped pond, as well as statues of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro.
• ​Yasaka-jinja Shrine​​: Built in the Gion-zukuri style where the main hall and the worship hall are covered under a single roof, the main hall is designated as a National Treasure. The vermilion Nishi-romon Gate facing Shijo-dori Street was rebuilt in 1497 and is the oldest surviving structure within the grounds. Lanterns donated by teahouses and businesses of the geisha districts hang from the Buden Hall.
• ​Hanamikoji-dori Street​​: The area south of Shijo-dori Street is the geisha district of Gion Kobu. Along the stone-paved street free of utility poles, teahouse townhomes create a calm, historic atmosphere. Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, the theater for the Miyako Odori dance performances, is also located here.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is around 3 hours. To reach Kodai-ji Temple, it takes about a 7-minute walk from the Higashiyama Yasui city bus stop. After touring Kodai-ji Temple, walk down Daidokoro-zaka slope to Nene-no-Michi Path, then head north for about 390 meters to reach Maruyama Park. Maruyama Park is on the east side of Yasaka-jinja Shrine; walking west for about 300 meters brings you into the grounds of Yasaka-jinja Shrine. After paying your respects, exit through the Nishi-romon Gate onto Shijo-dori Street, and walk northwest for about 370 meters to arrive at Hanamikoji-dori Street. Hanamikoji-dori Street is a neighborhood where local people live, and vehicular traffic also passes through. Please do not stop geiko or maiko or photograph them without permission, and do not enter private properties such as storefronts. On your way back, it is about an 8-minute walk from Gion Kobu Kaburenjo to Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Railway. During cherry blossom season, many visitors come to Maruyama Park specifically for the Gion Weeping Cherry Tree.

Experience Summary

A temple tied to Nene, stone-paved streets, a park renowned for cherry blossoms, the vermilion gate of Gion-san, and the geisha district lined with traditional teahouses. Enjoy a half-day stroll following a route cherished by the people of Kyoto, from the foot of Higashiyama into the heart of Gion.