2025 Gion Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#Kyoto Sakura #GionShirakawa is a famous place for leisure in Kyoto. In spring, pink cherry blossoms and green willows accompany traditional teahouse buildings. On the cobblestone roads, kimono-wearing maiko and tourists walk back and forth, and pink petals float on the river. After sunset, the lights light up Gion Shirakawa, making the narrow streets gorgeous and romantic, with a very Kyoto style. During the cherry blossom season, Gion Shirakawa and Tatsumi Bridge will be lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the night cherry blossoms. The leisurely old streets and strong Japanese style make Gion Shirakawa quite charming at night and well worth a visit. #Kyoto #GionShirakawa

＼ Sake 🍶 pairing lunch in Kyoto ／ I found a really delicious lunch course ☺️ 📍 Gion Shizusuka Seasonal dishes paired with sake (I was served non-alcoholic ☺️) Located about a five-minute walk from Gion-Shijo, the streetscape is stylish and exciting ❕ The meal is Sake pairing course ￥9900 (lunch) ◾︎Seasonal hassun ◾︎Chawanmushi ◾︎Sashimi ◾︎Sakura trout hand-rolled sushi ◾︎Sea bream rice ◾︎Dessert The theme is pairing with sake You can enjoy the food and drinks perfectly!! ! If you like alcohol, this is a place where you can enjoy a drink from lunchtime♩ ━━━━━Store Information━━━━━━ 📍Gion Shizusui 📮371-2 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 🗓Closed on Mondays ☎075-746-2442 🅿️Paid parking available nearby 🚃Five minutes walk from Gion-Shijo #GionDinner #KyotoLunch #KyotoDinner #kyotofood #kyototrip #0yenTrip

A Kyoto French restaurant in the Gion area of ​​Higashiyama, Kyoto 🍽️ "Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925" I've always wanted to go to this restaurant 🥰 It was an elegant space renovated from the mansion of a long-established Kyoto company that has been in business for 250 years ✨ It was crowded with people, so unfortunately I couldn't take many photos other than the food 😢 The food was very delicious and it was a blissful moment 💕 It was a luxurious dinner to celebrate the trip, so they wrote a message and gave us a plate as a service ☺️ On the way back, Yasaka Shrine was nearby, so we stopped by to pray ⛩️ There were many people praying even late at night! Please use this as a reference for your trip to Kyoto 💖 #0 yen trip #Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama #Yasaka Shrine #Gion #Kyoto gourmet

🍴Gion 245 📍Gion, Kyoto (7 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station) This time, I ordered the ・Dinner course (15,000 yen)️📝 A hidden restaurant in the back alleys of Gion that requires reservations. Dinner is served only as an omakase course, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the food being carefully prepared in the open kitchen🙌 Colorful dishes, heart-shaped plates, cups, etc. The visuals are also wonderful💗 No matter how you look at it, it was a "beautiful" course✨ [Course contents (8 dishes in total)] ・Roast beef ・Caprese with Amera tomatoes and mozzarella cheese ・Italian-style chawanmushi ・Tomato risotto ・Japanese black beef fillet ・Charbroiled fatty tuna ・Fresh pasta with tomato sauce ・White strawberry sorbet The roast beef appetizer was aitchbone with just the right amount of fat. It was soft and accompanied by a refreshing bowl of urui✨️ The caprese was made with fresh cream x honey x mozzarella with lemon oil, and finished with pepper and coarse salt. I was surprised by the combinations, and enjoyed the change in flavor with anchovy sauce and white miso👀 The chawanmushi is a fusion of Italian and Japanese with tomato and pecorino romano, and the red snapper and kumquat🙆♀️ A different flavor spreads every time you put it in your mouth💕 The risotto is full of vegetables, including tomato, lotus root, yam, and mountain yam. The balance of texture and flavor is exquisite, and the heart-shaped plate is very cute💗 The Japanese black beef fillet is moist and juicy. The rich yolk soy sauce was well mixed and it was exquisite. The micro herbs were also beautiful, and the dish was very well-made! The charcoal-grilled fatty tuna was served in two styles. Rock salt x olive oil and onion x ponzu, each with its own unique characteristics, both of which were delicious✨ The fresh pasta had a strong tomato flavor. It was packed with the deliciousness of vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, and yamabushitake mushrooms. 💕 For dessert, we had white strawberry sorbet topped with Amaou strawberries. It was refreshing and delicious, right down to the mint tea at the end. Every dish had a new combination and surprises that kept me excited. ☺️ The explanations were also very thorough. It was the perfect space for celebrations. ✍️There are 8 counter seats and semi-private table seats. Recommended for trips to Kyoto or special days 💗 Reservations are required, so be careful when you go ✨ . . . . 📌 245-1 Nakanocho, Chion-in Shinmonzen Yamatooji Higashiiru 2-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture ⏱17:00-23:00 🗓Irregular holidays . . . . #Kyoto dinner #Gion Shijo gourmet #Gion Shijo dinner #Gion Shijo Italian #Kyoto date #Gion Shijo date #Kyoto gourmet #Gion dinner #Kyoto trip #Kyoto sightseeing #0 yen trip

🍵ZEN CAFE🍵 🌼Location: 570-210 Minami-gawa Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 🌼Access: 158m from Gion-Shijo Station 🌼Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 When you think of Kyoto, you think of Japanese sweets🍡 You can enjoy Japanese sweets in a stylish atmosphere☺️ I ordered a high-grade fresh confection (800 yen) and a seasonal juice (1000 yen)✨ The seasonal fruit is dekopon🍊 They squeeze it after you order, so it's very fresh and juicy🤤💕 You can't make a reservation, but you can wait your turn on the touch panel at the entrance! They call you when it's your turn, so I was happy to be able to wait while sightseeing nearby😆✨ #Kyoto #KyotoCafe #KyotoSweets #KansaiCafe #ZENCAFE #0YenTrip

Gion, Kyoto’s iconic geisha district, is a captivating blend of traditional teahouses, wooden machiya houses, and timeless culture. As a living neighborhood where geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentices) still work, respecting local customs is essential. Here’s how to enjoy Gion mindfully: **What to Watch Out For** 1. **Respect Geiko and Maiko**: Spotting these artists is thrilling, but never chase or block them for photos. They’re often heading to appointments—flash photography or crowding is intrusive. Observe quietly from a distance. 2. **Private Spaces**: Many teahouses (ochaya) are exclusive venues requiring invitations. Don’t enter restricted areas; admire historic streets like Hanami-koji from public pathways. 3. **Photography Rules**: Avoid taking photos where prohibited (e.g., alleys with “No Photography” signs). Tripods often require permits. Be discreet to preserve the area’s tranquility. 4. **Crowds and Narrow Streets**: Gion’s charm lies in its intimate lanes. Avoid lingering in busy areas like Shijo-dori, and step aside if stopping to admire scenery. **What to Obey** 1. **Dress and Decorum**: Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees, especially near temples. Remove shoes when entering traditional establishments (look for genkan entryways). 2. **Quiet Demeanor**: Keep conversations hushed in alleys like Pontocho. Loud behavior disrupts the serene atmosphere and local residents. 3. **Follow Local Rules**: Adhere to signage (e.g., no-entry zones). Dispose of trash properly—public bins are scarce, so carry a bag. Smoking is prohibited while walking. 4. **Tipping and Gratitude**: Tipping isn’t customary. Instead, express thanks with a polite “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you). **Final Tips** Visit during early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds. Consider a guided tour to gain cultural insights respectfully. Remember, Gion isn’t a theme park—it’s a community where mindfulness preserves tradition. By embracing local etiquette, you’ll contribute to safeguarding this UNESCO treasure while enjoying its magic responsibly. Immerse yourself in Gion’s beauty with humility, and let its history unfold gracefully around you.

As the only remaining Geisha district in Japan today, visitors can easily admire the vividly and exquisitely recreated scenes of ancient Japan in Gion Old Town. Here, you can see elegant Geishas gracefully strolling around famous tea houses. Visiting Gion Old Town allows you to explore the unique, simple, and ancient charm of Kyoto, the former capital. Don't forget to add Gion to your bucket list!

5 days 4 nights in Osaka and Kyoto, only choose "hidden gem" places to go, although far but so beautiful, fresh air, perfect 💯 points 🤍

-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 🇯🇵 Kyoto, Gion "Kyoto Tempura Tennomeshi Gion Main Branch" Ebi Ten Toji Donburi prepared right before your eyes -:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 　　 A 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line. A tempura restaurant where you can enjoy a special time filled with smiles with hot, freshly fried tempura and freshly cooked domestically produced hagama rice. 　　 You can enjoy a variety of seasonal ingredients, such as Japanese beef and ingredients unique to Kyoto. The specialty "Ebi Ten Toji Donburi" prepared right before your eyes by a hospitality master is a must-see. 　　 ▼ Tendon Ten no Meshi 3,080 yen ・Seafood tempura ・Shrimp tempura ・Conger eel tempura ・Seasonal vegetable tempura ・Black maitake mushroom tempura ・Salmon roe 　　 The homemade sauce is the key to this tempura bowl of shrimp bound with egg. The tempura is completed right in front of you by pouring on the salmon roe, and you can enjoy the freshly fried tempura and freshly cooked rice. 　　 The seafood tempura and shrimp tempura are crispy and have an exquisitely plump texture. The juiciness of the conger eel tempura and the rich flavor of the seasonal vegetable tempura are highlighted. 　　 The black maitake mushroom tempura is rich in flavor, and the saltiness of the salmon roe tightens the whole dish. The freshly fried tempura and freshly cooked rice are exquisitely intertwined, and I enjoyed a luxurious moment. It was a very satisfying bowl. 　　 The tempura was cooked right in front of me, and I was able to enjoy it fresh, just like "the ultimate tempura entertainment." 　　 ───────────── ▼ Kyoto Tempura Ten no Meshi Gion Main Branch 255 Gioncho Kitagawa, Shijo-dori Yamato-oji Higashiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Reservations accepted: 075-744-6102 Business hours: 12:00-23:00 Closed: Irregularly Access: 3 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line ───────────── #0 Yen Travel November #Kyoto Tempura Ten no Meshi Gion Main Branch #Gion Gourmet #Gion Lunch #Gion Tempura #Kyoto Gourmet #Kyoto Lunch #Kyoto Sightseeing #Kyoto Trip

-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 🇯🇵Gion, Kyoto "Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai" Taste featured in Michelin for two consecutive years -:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 　　 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway. Featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, [Tempura & Wine Ashiya Iwai] can now be enjoyed in Kyoto. Enjoy world-renowned tempura and Edomae sushi. 　　 Sushi, tempura, and other exquisite dishes made with plenty of seasonal ingredients allow you to fully experience the four seasons. In particular, the tempura, which cherishes the best moment for the ingredients and wraps their original flavor and appeal in batter, is noteworthy. ▼Special Kaiseki Course 17,800 yen ・Appetizer Iwai Sandwich: Medium Fatty Tuna Tempura ・4 types of appetizers Simmered Spanish mackerel with plum: Sendai parsley, Wakayama plum Sesame tofu: Hokkaido sea urchin, wasabi Persimmon and spinach with white vinegar Three types of mushrooms mixed with grated shaved ice Panasicaria arbutifolia, Maitake mushroom, Yamaenoki mushroom Grated daikon radish and salmon roe ・Sashimi: Wakayama-flying bonito ・4 types of tempura Shrimp, Manganji pepper, Inca awakening, Tachiuo Karasumi salt, Wasabi salt, Natural salt ・Seasonal vegetables Specialty Four kinds of autumn vegetables, salmon terrine Plum paste and white miso sauce Seasonal tempura Yellowtail, grouper: Matsutake mushroom broth, caviar 3 pieces of sushi Mutsu from Nagasaki Bigfin reef squid: Sudachi and salt Gizzard shad from Amakusa, Kumamoto Shrimp hotdog: Shrimp tempura, sea urchin Steamed dishes Burdock, chrysanthemum greens and cloud roe chawanmushi 3 pieces of sushi Bluefin tuna fatty tuna from Shiogama, Miyagi Yellowtail from Rausu Pickled red meat: Yuzu peel flavored Roll: Dried gourd roll Egg Soup: Nameko red soup Dessert: Pear mizu yokan Sushi, tempura and other dishes made with seasonal ingredients are a luxurious experience that allows you to enjoy the bounty of the seasons. The sushi, which brings out the flavor of fresh seafood, is perfectly balanced with the rice, and the tempura is crispy and envelops the flavor of the ingredients. The colorful presentation is beautiful and a feast for the eyes. It was a time when we savored the flavors of the seasons and left our hearts feeling fulfilled.　　 ───────────── ▼ Sushi and Tempura Gion Iwai 266 Izawa Building, Kitagawa, Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Prefecture, 3rd floor Business hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-23:00/Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11:30-14:00, 16:00-23:00 Closed: Irregularly Access: 3 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Keihan Electric Railway ───────────── #0 yen travel November #Ashiya Iwai #Michelin Guide #Gion gourmet #Gion dinner #Gion Shijo gourmet #Gion sushi #Gion sushi #Kyoto gourmet #Kyoto sightseeing #Kyoto trip

#0yentripnovember [Kiyosanpo] 🕰️Business hours: 1000~ 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 3-318-2 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 605-0862 💰Price per person: 600~ 💞Reason for recommendation: I found an interesting place while walking down a back alley🤣 The name is a little different from Kiyosanpo, but the matcha shake was delicious♪ It's perfect for the hot summer🫶🏻 It's a cafe that feels like an old Kyoto house, and I enjoyed the Japanese atmosphere♪ #0yentripnovember

When I visited Gion at night, I was drawn in by the smell of eel and entered the stylish townhouse of "Unagi Yondaime Kikugawa". The specialty here is "single eel". A whole eel is skewered on three iron skewers, and the craftsman, who can be seen through the glass from the counter, carefully reapplies sauce many times and grills it on the charcoal grill in front of me. When it arrived, it was a rectangular ceramic rice cooker, and the eel was not hidden, so the tail was completely visible. There were many foreigners in the restaurant, and I was impressed, "You must be quite an expert to choose eel!" #KyotoGourmet #GionGourmet #0YenTripAutumn 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-14:00 17:00-21:00 💰Price per person: 5,000 yen to 6,000 yen

There is a meat restaurant called Ansan in Gion, Kyoto. I had been wanting to go there because the comedian Diane had previously introduced the restaurant on location, and it turns out that Kimutaku also came to the restaurant after appearing on stage for a movie. This restaurant does not have a menu. The hospitality starts the moment you sit down. The carefully selected fresh raw meat is delicious, but the stewed oxtail, which has been added to continuously since the restaurant opened, speaks to the history of Gion. #KyotoGourmet #GionGourmet #MeatGourmet #0YenAutumnTravel

Gion, Kyoto, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and serene beauty, making it a must-visit destination. Places to Visit: Hanami-koji Street is a picturesque area with traditional tea houses, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Yasaka Shrine stands out with its vibrant festivals and stunning architecture, while Gion Corner offers a taste of traditional Japanese arts, from tea ceremonies to Kyoto-style dance. The Shirakawa Area, with its charming canal lined with cherry trees and stone bridges, provides a tranquil setting. Maruyama Park is another serene spot, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Things to Do: Engage in an authentic tea ceremony for a unique cultural experience, or watch a traditional performance by maikos (apprentice geishas) or geikos (geishas). Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane filled with restaurants and bars, offers a blend of traditional and modern dining. If you visit in July, the Gion Matsuri festival, with its grand parades and cultural events, is not to be missed. Don’t forget to savor Kyoto’s local cuisine, including kaiseki (multi-course meals), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha sweets. Tips: Gion is especially enchanting in the evening when the streets are lit by lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Be respectful of local customs, especially if you encounter geishas or maikos. While photography is popular, always be mindful and avoid being intrusive. In summary, Gion is a place where history and tradition are beautifully preserved, offering visitors a serene and enriching experience.

#0 yen trip [Yakiniku Ichicho] in Gion 🐂 When I was on a trip to Kyoto and wanted to go for a drink again, this place happened to be the only one that was open until the early hours, so I popped in around 10pm 😋 The tables are big and partitioned, so it's great ✨ It's a very clean restaurant that just opened this year! Since it was the second place I went to, I couldn't order much food, but the meat and sauce were delicious when grilled over charcoal 👏 I wanted ramen as a final dish, so I had beef bone soup ramen and cold noodles, both of which were excellent ❤️ And, although it's a yakiniku restaurant, it has a Korean food feel, so I'm happy that they have a wide variety of chamisul 🇰🇷 The staff are also nice and helpful ✨ 🐃--------------------------------- 📍 149 Tokiwacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 🚉 Nearest station Gion-Shijo

#Overseas travel Sharing tips for getting a free taxi ride worth 15,000 yen for your Japan trip💕 🚕: @uber #uberjapan Uber is giving out a lot of coupons that can be used by overseas tourists. You can comfortably travel to places that are about 2-3 subway stops away while enjoying the night view using Uber! Even if you use a "Google account" instead of a "phone transfer" when signing up, you can re-sign up without limit! 🔥When the phone number registration page appears, sign up by saying "This is not the account registered with this number"🔥 Then, I will share with you how to use Uber as of the 19th #Preparing for a Japan trip #Save on Japanese transportation costs ❌Coupons cannot be used in conjunction. You cannot use a 50% discount and a 2,000 yen coupon together. ❌Pre-installation is not possible in Korea ➡️Uber apps installed in Korea are now automatically set to "Korean registered users" and cannot receive additional June promotions. ❌Pickup point setting where stop/entrance confirmation is ambiguous ➡️NO to Namba Don Quijote, Umeda Station Exit 11-b! ✅Pickup point should be a hotel, platform, or parking lot if possible! ➡️Takashiyama Department Store taxi stand, Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel, Kiyomizu-dera parking lot ✅ Depending on road conditions, an additional 500 yen may be charged compared to the expected amount ✅ Say "U-ba- desu" when boarding! July discount code will be brought to Reels in early July! Follow and wait until then🤍 #uberpromo #ubercode #uberjapan #japantaxi #discoveryjapan #visitjapan #osakauber #kansaiuber #kyotouber

🥄Gion Sakai Western Confectionery (@gion_sakai) 📍Gion, Kyoto (5 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station) This time I ordered ・Red shiso and plum wine shaved ice (1980 yen) ・Earl Grey Assam (1045 yen) ️📝 Red shiso shaved ice is perfect for the upcoming hot season! The beautiful color of hydrangea makes it seem like early summer💕 The colorful oiri that you can top yourself are also very cute💗 The syrup of green plums and red shiso is topped with Joyo Shuzo's legendary plum wine that is not available on the general market. The ice is fluffy💭 The softly fragrant shiso is also good and you can eat it until the end without getting bored. The sweetness is only from the condensed milk, so it was very refreshing. I tried pouring some plum wine over it halfway through, and it was a perfect match💕 It was a slightly more mature shaved ice, with the sweetness and sourness of the plum wine really coming through💗 It was so delicious!! . . . . The atmosphere of the shop was great and it was really comfortable✨️ The cafe was on the second floor, with counter and table seating. There are only a few seats, so you might have to wait! The nice thing is that you can take a numbered ticket and walk around the area until it's your turn. The staff at the shop were very polite, kind and lovely💗 Next time I want to try the paper balloons and water balloon cakes too🎈 . . . . 📌 570-122 Minamigawa Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City ⏱ Cafe 12:00-17:00 🗓 Irregular holidays . . . . #Western sweets Gion Sakai #Gion Sakai #Shaved ice #Shaved ice tour #Kyoto gourmet #Kyoto cafe #Cafe tour #Kyoto outing #Kyoto sightseeing #Kyoto trip #Me and travel #I started Moments

-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 🇯🇵 Kyoto Gion-Shijo "Colorado Gion" A traditional, homey coffee shop -:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: A 6-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station. A retro coffee shop located near Yasaka Shrine and right next to Yoshimoto Gion Kagetsu. ▼Beef Tendon Curry Set 1,200 yen A spicy curry that will make you sweat, with chunks of meltingly soft beef tendons. The sweet and rich curry roux has a strong umami flavor. The bitter, rich, and sharp iced coffee that comes with a drink helps to reduce the spiciness of the curry. 　　 The restaurant is spacious and you can enjoy your meal at your leisure. Smoking is also permitted inside the restaurant. It seems that there is a discount if you show your Yoshimoto Gion Kagetsu ticket. 　　 ───────────── ▼ Colorado Gion Store 323 Gion-cho Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Opening hours: 11:00-19:00 Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays Access: 6 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station ───────────── #Gourmet #Gion Cafe #Gion Gourmet #Kyoto Yasaka Shrine #Yoshimoto Gion Kagetsu #Gion Shijo Cafe #Gion Shijo Gourmet #Kyoto Sightseeing #Kyoto Trip #Kyoto Gourmet #Kyoto Cafe

-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 🇯🇵Gion, Kyoto "Nishibuchi Restaurant" Japanese and Chinese Kyoto-style Chinese cuisine -:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+:-+:-+: 　　 8 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway. A Chinese restaurant in an old house in a back alley in Higashiyama. Enjoy Kyoto-style Chinese cuisine that combines Japanese and Chinese cuisine in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese restaurant. 　　 ・Chawanmushi with superior clam soup ・Tachiuchi tempura with mouthwatering chicken sauce ・Fried chicken wings with char siu and bird's nest ・Grilled shark fin in superior soup sauce ・Roast beef with shrimp potato and onion ・Sweet sea bream in superior soup sauce ・Shrimp and chili cauliflower sauce ・Mapo tofu ・Premium soup ramen ・Whole Sanbokan almond tofu 　　 A variety of unique dishes made with delicate flavors and cooking methods that bring out the texture and flavor of the ingredients. A light and simple taste that makes the most of the umami of the ingredients. It was Chinese food that fully stimulated all five senses, both for the eyes and the tongue. I will visit again. 　　 ───────────── ▼ Nishibuchi Restaurant 444-2 Kamibentencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Business hours: 18:00-21:00 Closed: Sundays and public holidays Access: 8 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway ───────────── #Sakura2024 #GionGourmet #GionShijoGourmet #GionDinner #KyotoSightseeing #KyotoTrip #KyotoGourmet #ChineseFood

If you are in Kyoto, be sure to go check out your favourite spots after sunset. The crowds disburse, the lanterns light up, and the streets turn into something more magical #japan #kyoto

Gion is located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. It is filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain. The style of buildings, restaurants, and store fronts transport you back in time. Seeing so many people dressed in kimono is gorgeous and fun. There’s always something to do and somewhere to go. There’s tons of shopping to do, great restaurants to try, and a lot of temples, shrines, and historic things to go see. It’s very easy to get lost in the winding streets and hilly roads. It can get EXTREMELY busy so if you’re looking for historic sights, go early. If not, expect large amounts of crowds. In 2024, I want to try wearing kimono again. #2024wish

Gion Kyoto old town on an early winter morning in early 2024. Very beautiful and ancient. If you go a little later after 10am, it will be very crowded with tourists and you will not feel the ancient beauty anymore. I came in the evening and early morning to feel 2 different beauties of this town.