Providing a whole new perspective of the culturally rich city of Kyoto, Gion is famed as being a key place where travellers can spot geishas. Of course, this charming part of the city offers much more to discover and here’s what you need to know before your first visit.
Preparing for Your Visit
This area is easy to reach from the top hotels in Kyoto, though it’s best to choose one located on Oike Street for easy access to this locale and other top attractions. Such properties, like Park Hotel Kyoto, also make an ideal base from which to experience the famous summer festival called Gion Matsuri in July. Apart from using a taxi, you can catch bus #206 from Kyoto Station to Gion or take a train to the Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line).
What You Can Expect
You will feel like going on a journey back in time as you wander the streets of Gion, home to traditional teahouses (ochaya) and merchant houses (machiya) as well as various restaurants and shops. Of course, one of its main allures is that you have a chance to see geishas (or geiko) or their apprentices (called maiko) attired in kimonos, walking to their next engagement in the evenings.
Hanami-koji Street
This part of Gion is very popular amongst tourists, and you should definitely look to spend time here, immersing yourself in the laid-back atmosphere. As you walk along Hanami-koji Street and the adjoining side alleys, you will find machiya houses that have been converted into restaurants serving Japanese haute cuisine called kaiseki ryori, a traditional multi-course dinner.
Other Highlights of Gion
Don’t miss Gion Corner, a theatre that hosts daily shows in which you can witness traditional performances, including dances by maiko as well as a traditional tea ceremony. Make time to also shop as well as sample yummy sweets along Shijo Avenue, walk beneath the willow and cherry trees in the Shirakawa area and visit the revered Yasaka Shrine. Take your time and just soak it all in.
