Gion

Gion is often considered the birthplace of Japan’s Geisha culture, and one of very few remaining districts where these mystical entertainers can still be seen frequently walking on the streets, usually in the early afternoon on their way to their engagements in the evening.

Gion

Geisha (or Geiko, as they are often called in Kyoto) are entertainers that whose duties includes singing, dancing, and playing games, as well as pouring drinks for their clientele. The word Geisha consists of the kanji “gei” meaning “art” and “sha” that means “person” or “doer”. Westerners often mix them up with Maiko, who are essentially younger girls (usually below 22), who are apprentice geisha. They can often usually be distinguished by their hair, with Geisha usually wearing a somewhat understated wig, whereas Maiko tend to have their own hair elaborately styled. Also, Maiko commonly only paint one of their lips red, as opposed to Geisha who paint both.

If you bump into a Geisha or Maiko on the street, remember to treat them with respect. While most of them are used to creating quite a stir when they leave their taxi or come out of a tea house, remember that they are in fact working professionals and should be treated as such, rather than just subjects for photos or part of the décor of this neighborhood.

Hermes.

But Gion is more than just geishas, it’s a very pleasant preserved neighborhood full of Machiya or Japanese townhouses, some of which date back to the 17th century. A good place to start exploring Gion is at Hanami-Koji, a street located in the middle of the district, where you will find many restaurants as well as few as shops belonging to high-end brands like Leica and Hermes. While Gion is worth visiting all day long, it becomes most atmospheric and picturesque at dusk with most shops lit up by lanterns on the outside, and when the worst of the throngs of selfie stick wielding tourists have returned to their hotels.

north of Shijo-dori

Another part of Gion that you shouldn’t miss is north of Shijo-dori, along Shirakawa Dori street.
Here, a small river intersected with narrow bridges runs next the street, lined by many lush trees, making it one of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto. While you’re around, we highly recommend that you check out “Pass the Baton”, a lifestyle boutique selling everything from recycled clothes to interior goods. They also have a very cozy bar where the window seats provide an attractive view of the river and the crowds outside.

Gion

Gion is located in the eastern part of Kyoto, between the Kamogawa river in the west and the Higashiyama area further to the east. It stretches a few blocks north and south of Shijo Dori, one of the biggest roads running through the city centre. The nearest train station is Gion-Shijo on the Keihan Line, but Kawaramachi station on the Hankyu Line is just a few blocks further to
the west. If you’re coming from Kyoto station, take bus line 100 or 206 and get off at the Gion
bus stop.

Gion

Gionshijo

Kyoto

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