Encountering Yasaka-no-to in a Kyoto alley

While strolling along the Higashiyama walking path in Kyoto, you’ll naturally be drawn to a striking pagoda. This is Hokanji Temple, commonly referred to as Yasaka-no-to. As you descend from Kiyomizu-dera and walk through narrow alleys, you might suddenly look up to find a breathtaking scene—a five-story pagoda elegantly rising into the sky, reminiscent of a movie scene. For me, this moment was the most memorable part of my trip. Yasaka-no-to is an ancient temple that has stood in this spot since the 7th century. However, the current structure was rebuilt in the 15th century. Despite the passage of hundreds of years, the pagoda still stands proudly, guarding Kyoto.