Yasaka Pagoda & Donguri Republic, Kyoto
Kyoto is a city where history and imagination often meet in
the most unexpected ways. In the Higashiyama district, the
sight of five-story Yasaka Pagoda rising between narrow
streets and wooden machiya houses feels timeless. Just a shot walk away, a giant Totoro waits by the window of a Ghibli store, quietly reminding visitors that Kyoto is as much about its stories as it shrines. Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hōkan-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s oldest wooden pagodas and a landmark often seen in postcards.
Originally built in the 6th century, it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, with its current form dating back to the 15th century. Standing beautifully against the skyline, it reflects the quiet elegance of Japan’s temple architecture. Local says the best view of the Pagoda is from Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two historic lanes where tiled rooftops frame perfectly between traditional teahouses and small boutiques.
The walk through these streets feels nostalgic. Every turn show something that captures Kyoto’s balance between tradition and daily life. You’ll hear the soft chatter of visitors, the clink of ceramic teacups, and the smell of freshly grilled yuba snacks. Shops selling handmade crafts and postcards line the street, and occasionally, you might spot a local artist sketching the pagoda from a nearby bench. The pace here invites you to slow down and look closer.
Just a few steps from this old-world charm, the Donguri Republic adds a completely different kind of magic. Dedicated to Studio Ghibli, this shop feels like stepping into an animated dream. Plush toys of Totoro, Catbus, and Kiki fill the shelves, surrounded by postcards, accessories, and delicate figurines inspired by beloved Ghibli films. The atmosphere is playful yet oddly comforting, making it a perfect stop after wandering through Kyoto’s traditional lanes.
Inside, the décor blends Japanese aesthetics with the warmth of childhood nostalgia. The displays are so detailed that even adults linger longer than expected while taking photos or simply
smiling at familiar characters. For Ghibli fans, it’s more than a shop; it’s a small tribute to creativity and imagination that pairs beautifully with Kyoto’s cultural backdrop. Walking from Yasaka Pagoda to Donguri Republic captures two sides of Kyoto in a single afternoon. One reflects centuries of devotion, craftsmanship, and quiet spirituality, while the other celebrates the joy of storytelling and art that continues to inspire people around the world. Together, they show that Kyoto isn’t just a city preserved in time but one that
continues to breathe, evolve, and welcome new stories alongside its ancient ones.
Fun Fact: The five-story Yasaka Pagoda stands at 46 meters tall and is one of the few pagodas in Japan that visitors can actually enter. From the upper level, you can see the traditional rooftops of Higashiyama stretching out toward the city, a view that perfectly captures Kyoto’s blend of old and new.
All photos were photographed by NNT MODE
