History / Culture / Tour Spots in Around Gion Area

  • Kodai-ji Zen Temple
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    4.5
    1499 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Shimogawara-machi 526
    This temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City was founded in 1606 to pray for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's happiness in the next life by his wife, Nene. Along with a mausoleum for the both of them, you can also visit the front gate of former Fushimi castle, the Kasatei teahouse, the Shiguretei teahouse, the Kaisando hall which holds favorite mementos of the two, and the Mizukidai pavilion (all of which are Important Cultural Properties of Japan). The fine gold lacquer work on the Buddha dais and miniature shrine within the mausoleum are masterpieces of Momoyama-period artwork and known as Kodai-ji Temple Makie. The garden on site surrounding a small pond is not to be missed and has been nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty as well as a Historic Site. It is lit up during the sakura cherry blossom season in spring, at night in summer, during the gorgeous foliage season in fall, and on New Year's Eve.

    This is a smaller but beautiful temple in the heart of Kyoto. There are nice walking trails through the complex.

  • Kenninji Temple
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    4.5
    1004 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato Daicho Route Shijo Shimo Le Komatsu Town
    A Rinzai Sect Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture and the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Erected thanks to funds donated by the Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie in 1202, the temple was founded by the priest Eisai and was modeled after Song China’s holy Mt. Bozhang. The temple is famous for its Image of Raijin and Fujin, a National Treasure created by famed painter Tawaraya Sotatsu, as well as its numerous other sliding screen paintings and treasures designated Important Cultural Properties. The temple is also well known for the beauty of its Japanese gardens, including a dry landscape garden containing a delicate arrangement of white sand, moss, and boulders. The imperial envoy gate contains arrow marks and is built with a gabled roof. The abbot’s chamber, moved here from the Ankoku-ji Temple in old Aki Province, and the Image of Paired Dragons, 108 tatami mats in size and painted on ceiling of the lecture hall in 2002, are both must-sees.

    It seems this lovely temple is managing to avoid the hordes. We arrived at 10am on opening, removed our shoes and wandered the beautiful buildings, tatami mats, artworks and incredible roof painting...

  • Chion-in temple
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    4.0
    717 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Rinkachou 400
    This Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City is the head temple of the Jodo Pure-land Buddhist Sect. It was founded on the grounds where Pure-land Sect founder Honen built a thatched hut and passed away. After his death the Tokugawa family expanded the grounds and began construction of what would be the large-scale temple. National Treasures of Japan on the ground include the Miedo Hall and the three main gates before the temple while the Karamon gate and the great bellower have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. A definite point to see are the three two-story wooden gates before the temple, which are the largest in Japan. * The Miedo Hall is closed for repair until 2020.

    We stumbled upon this active temple while walking through the area. We were able to witness a Buddhist prayer session and the temple was beautiful too.

  • Shoren-in Temple
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    4.5
    776 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Awataguchisanjoubouchou 69-1
    Together with the Sanzen-in Temple and Myoho-in Temple, the Shoren-in Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple. Because it served as a temporary Imperial palace in the Edo period, it is also called the “Old Kurita Imperial Palace.” This highly formal temple is deeply tied to the Imperial household—since ancient times, the temple’s head priest was a member of the Imperial household or a line of Imperial regents and advisors. The entire spacious approximately 33,000 square meter grounds are a nationally designated Historic Site. The highlights of the grounds are the temple’s two gardens which give visitors the chance to enjoy beautiful, seasonal scenery. One is a traditional circular strolling garden with a central pond created by Soami in the Muromachi period. The other, the Kirhishima-no-niwa, was created by Kobori Enshu (formally, Masakazu). Each year in spring and autumn, the gardens are lit up at night by approximately 1,000 lights large and small, creating magical sights.

    This temple looks more like a traditional Japanese home with tatami mats and open walls into garden. This is a must do if you want a glimpse into historical Japan.

  • Yasaka Hall Gion Corner
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    3.0
    522 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachiminamigawa 570-2 Inside the Yakinikan
    Here you can enjoy seven of Japan's traditional arts in the space of about an hour including Kyomai traditional Kyoto dance, Kyogen comedy theater, Gagaku traditional court music, Bunraku puppet theater, koto music, tea ceremony, and ikebana flower arranging. It is located inside the Yasaka Hall in Gion, Kyoto City, nearby the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater. In the lobby you'll find pictures of annual festivals held in ''Kyoto Gokagai (five districts)'' (Gion Kobu, Miyagawa-cho, Ponto-cho, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi) as well as a Maiko gallery showing the ornamental flower pins worn by the Maiko, their hairstyles, and other small items. This is a famous place for seeing the character of Japan and is popular amongst students on school trips and foreign visitors. It is a five-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

    This is supposed to be an assortment of Japanese cultural presentations or acts. Frankly watching the tea ceremony from afar and watching someone arrange flowers for 5+ minutes (all with no...

  • Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
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    4.0
    283 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Shimobentenchou 70
    A Shinto shrine located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City popularly known as Yasui no Konpira-san. Fujiwara no Kamatari established the shrine during the reign of Emperor Tenchi. He planted purple wisterias and named it Fuji-dera (the Temple of Wisteria) in prayer for the prosperity of his clan and the perpetuation of his descendants. The shrine is principally dedicated to Emperor Sutoku, who excised all desire from himself and became a monk in the Konpiragu in the former Sanuki Province; accordingly, the temple has attracted faithful seeking to excise all bad attachments and make good ones since ancient times. It is believed that spouses and couples who have a good relationship and come here will not see their relationships ended but rather find them growing deeper.

    良縁を結び、悪縁を断ち切ることで有名な神社です。有名な神社ではありますが、境内は広くなく、周遊するだけであれば30分程度で済みます。しかも周囲はマンションに囲まれており、住宅街に埋没しているような佇まいで、意識してアクセスしようとしなければ通り過ぎてしまうかもしれません。 札・お守り・絵馬の購入や授与、祈祷受付は営業時間が設けられていますが(9時-17時30分)、神社そのものは夜間でも開いており...

  • Yasaka-jinja Shrine (Gion Shrine)
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachikitagawa 625
    Popularly known as Gion Shrine, this Shinto shrine is the head shrine of all 3,000 some Gion shrines in Japan. The main shrine building, a designated Important Cultural Property, is actually comprised of the separate shrine sanctuary and worship hall combined under one roof in an architectural style called Gion-zukuri. The shrine’s famed Gion Matsuri festival in summer got its start as a ceremony to pray for the end of a great plague in 869. From New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day, the shrine is visited by a great many worshippers come to perform the “okera-mairi” ceremony. The ceremony involves lighting a lucky rope from sacred fire of burning “okera” (Atractylodes japonica) roots to bring the fire home and start one’s first home fire of the new year, thus bringing good luck for the rest of the year. The Ota-sha Shrahige-jinja Shrine located on the grounds of Yasaka Shrine is believed to provide grant divine favor to those seeking to improve in the performing arts and, as such, the shrine is visited by Gion geisha and maiko.
  • Entoku-in Temple
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    4.0
    181 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Kodai-ji Shimogawara-cho, 530
    Located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, this is one of the sub temples of the Kodai-ji, Rinzai Kennin-ji Buddhist temple. Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s legal wife, Kitanomandokoro (known as Nene), spent the last 19 years of her life here. The temple’s North Garden is comprised of the Kesho palace and garden at Fushimi Castle, places where Nene spent much time with Hideyoshi, which were moved here by Nene and prepared by Kobori Enshu (Masakazu). The garden is in the Momoyama period style and is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple also possesses numerous Important Cultural Properties, including screen paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku (1539–1610). On the third day of each month, the temple makes its principle object of worship, Sanmen Daikokuten (a three-faced figure of Mahakala) which ensured Hideyoshi’s success in life, open to the public. Visitors can make a prayer by writing a wish on a gourd-shaped slip of paper.

    This temple is part of Kodajis temple and usually the admission is sold as a package deal. However one can choose to see this single temple. It is a small temple that offers tea services and...

  • Ryozen-Kannon
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    4.0
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Shimogawara-machi 526-2
    This kannon statue is located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. This kannon was erected in 1955 as a memorial to the victims of war after World War II. The eleven-faced kannon is enshrined beneath this kannon image. In addition to memorial and internment services, the temple hosts workshops to experience zazen, and hannya shingyo heart sutra transcription events.

    Ryozen Kwan-on is a magnificent 24 m high monument of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Godess of Mercy). The monument was erected in 1955 to honor all soldiers who died during World War II. Regardless...

  • Ebisu-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Yamatoojishijou South
    Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine is one of the three great Ebisus of Japan. Known by the nickname “Ebessan,” the place is believed to help promote business success. The 10th of January is said to be Ebisu’s birthday, so every year on this day there is held the Toka Ebisu festival.

    Small shrine near Gion - nice place - takes a few minutes to view. Very peaceful and quiet - didnt see too many tourists there

  • Rokudochinnoji Temple
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamato-shi Shinjoji Shimojo Le 4 - chome Komatsu cho 595
    A sub-temple of the Kennin-ji Temple popularly known as the Rokudo-san (“Rokudo Temple”). Because of its location, once the entranceway to Toribeno, the burial ground of ancient Kyoto, the temple was viewed as the “intersection between the six realms”—the connection point between this world and the world of the dead. There is a well on the grounds which legend has it early Heian period noble, scholar, and poet Ono no Takamura used to travel to and from the world of the dead, and the temple’s Enma-do hall contains figures of Takamura in addition to King Yama, judge of the afterlife. Each year from August 7 to 10, the Rokudo-mairi ceremony is conducted, and many people come to the temple to ring the “Welcoming Bell” which ushers in spirits from the world beyond.

    冥界の入口、葬送の道に建っているお寺です。 小野篁の縁で有名ですね。 入った途端に不思議な気が満ち満ちています。 たまたま六道参りの最中にお邪魔したせいか、いつもの参詣とはまるで違う雰囲気に飲み込まれそうになりました(^^)

  • Japan Kanji Museum and Library
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    4.0
    48 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachiminamigawa 551
    This hands-on experiential museum is full of surprise and discovery with exhibits that, beyond just looking at kanji (Chinese characters), let you touch, learn about, and have fun with them. It's divided into a graphic exhibit and theater on the first-floor and a theme park-like exhibit area and library on the second-floor. Wherever you go it's designed to have fun while learning, and both kids and adults love it. They also hold various courses and lectures.

    We could learn the history and the origin of Kanji. My 5&8 years old daughters were so excited to stamp their name and the country’s name in Kanji. The 2nd floor is lots of fun, too. There are some...

  • Choraku-ji Temple
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    4.0
    50 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Yasakatorimae Eastern Eruyama Town 626
    Choraku-ji Temple is a temple related to the Tale of the Heike and located in Maruyama Park. As a place to enjoy the beauty of the passing seasons, it has been featured in numerous works of literature including Tale of the Heike, Konjaku Monogatarishu and Sankashu. The autumn changing leaves are a particular highlight. Inside the park one can also receive matcha tea.

    Chorakuji is located behind Maruyama Park. It is not on an usual touristic itinerary, not many people come to visit this temple. However, there is a grave of Rai Sanyo. A small museum of the temple’s...

  • Awata Shrine
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    3.5
    32 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Awataguchikajichou 1
    A historic Shinto shrine believed to have been founded in 876. Dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, the shrine is said to provide protection from calamity and safe travels. The Awata Matsuri festival held each October is comprised of the Oide Matsuri held two days before Sports Day, the Yowatari ceremony held the day before, the Shinkosai festival and Kankosai festival held the day of, and the Reidaisai festival held on the 15th.

    This is a pleasant little neighborhood shrine near in the Westin Hotel on Sanjo. In a city with at least 1200 temples and shrines this one is not remarkable. It is most famous for its festival held...

  • Ryosokuin Temple
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    4.0
    41 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Yamatoojishijou Shimuru Komatsu cho 591
    Ryosokuin Temple is a sub temple of Kenniji Temple. The Buddhist image of Bishamonten (Vaisravana) that Kuroda Kanbee’s grandson Kuroda Nagamasa carried at Sekigahara was donated here and is said to help with fortune and victory. Early summer is the best time to see the beautiful Chinese lizards tails that spring up at the garden’s waterside. It is possible to try seated zen meditation from an hour.

    ^_^대박 너무 격조있고 평상시 개방하지 않아 궁금했었는데 마침 임시 개방하여 배관하였다 ㅡ 일단 품위 그 자체 격조이ㅛ는 정원과 분위기는 압도적이었으나 현대조소작가의 조각상을 군데군데 비치 해 놓아서 완전 꽝 이었다 완전 어울리지 않아 정원을 바라보는데 오히려 방해요소가 ㅠㅠ 요즘 교토에 현대 미술가들의 작품이라고 여기저기 해 놓는데 정말...

  • Chugen-ji Temple (Meyami Jizo)
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    3.5
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku 4 Jodori Yamatooji Higashi Iru Gionmachiminamigawa 585
    "This Buddhist temple, nicknamed the Meyami Jizo (""Eye Illness Jizo""), is located in the center of bustling Gion. The Kamo River once flooded whenever it rained, and, because the people prayed to Jizo (Kshitigarbha) via the temple for the rain to stop, the temple was originally known as the ""Ameyami Jizo"" (""Rain-Stopping Jizo""). It is said that over time, ""Ameyami (rain-stopping)"" transformed into ""Meyami (eye illness),"" and it came to be believed that the temple had the power to heal illnesses of the eyes. In this day and age when we use and abuse our eyes extensively, many parents come here with their children to pray for eye health."

    A nice, if brief, stop while on the edge of Gion. You’ll likely walk by it and why not stop in? The temple is for children and those with eye problems - or so they told us. It’s a typical Shinto...

  • Bigozensha-jinja Shrine
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    3.5
    22 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachikitagawa 625 within Yasaka Shrine
    Bigozensha-jinja Shrine is located on the grounds of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, and it is said to have arisen from the sword of the god Susa-no-o-no-Mikoto. Three goddesses are enshrined here. On the grounds there is a spring with water that is supposed to beautify one's skin, so many women who are interested in improving their looks make pilgrimages to this shrine. Every year in November, barbers and hairdressers come to this shrine to pray for better skills and prosperity at the Barbers' and Hairdressers' Thanksgiving Festival.

    八坂神社の境内に数多くある小さな神社のひとつ。その名の通り、美を象徴する三柱の女神が祀られている。朱塗りの社殿も可愛らしい。

  • Kodaiji Sho Museum
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    3.5
    34 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Takadai Terashita Kawaracho 530
    This museum is on Neneno-michi street, on the west side of Kodai-ji temple. Its exhibits center around treasures of Kodai-ji, which was built at the behest of Kita no Mandokoro Nene to honor her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and its related temples. This museum also holds the statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi seen so often in textbooks and on TV, as well as other items connected to Hideyoshi and Nene, like the Famed Men and Flowered Land standing screen, or the Kechimyaku Bako box. It conveys the quiet world of faith left behind by Kita no Mandokoro, and offers a sense of deep peace and relaxation. There is a combined ticket that allows you to tour both the museum and the connected Kodai-ji temple.

    高台寺の近くにある掌美術館には高台寺にまつわる資料が展示されています。一部屋だけの小さな美術館ですが、ねねについてなど理解を深められます。

  • Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art
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    3.5
    32 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachikitagawa 271
    A three-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and a five-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. This art museum is located just east of the intersection of Hanamikoji-dori Street and Shijo-dori Street. The museum has exhibition spaces on floors B1 through 5. Focusing on works by Kagaku Murakami, Kaoru Yamaguchi, and Rosanjin and has exhibition spaces dedicated to collections of pieces by each of these artists. In addition, the museum has numerous other modern paintings, calligraphy pieces, photographs, and other works of art and holds several special exhibitions throughout the year which make use of the entire museum excluding the Rosanjin exhibit. There's also a museum shop.

    This is a 10-minute visit museum not worth your time or money. Would have written more if there was what to write about

  • Zenkyoan Temple
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    3.5
    26 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamatooji Dori 4-jo Sagaru 4 Komatsucho 146

    If visiting the area east of Gion coming from the temples in the foothills you may trip on this one. I found it a different experience from the usual temples seen in Kyoto. this one is devoted to...

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