Gion District

The Gion district is a historic neighborhood located in central Kyoto that is famous for its well preserved traditional architecture, narrow streets, and the presence of geisha and maiko, who are highly skilled entertainers that are trained in traditional arts such as music, dance, and tea ceremony.

Gion has a rich history dating back to the Edo period, when it was a bustling entertainment district for the samurai class. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture. The main street of Gion, Hanamikoji-dori, is lined with shops, restaurants, and tea houses. Many of the buildings in the area are constructed in the traditional style with wooden facades and tiled roofs. Visitors can also see traditional machiya houses, which are narrow townhouses that were commonly found in old Kyoto. One of the most popular attractions in Gion is the chance to see geisha and maiko walking through the streets on their way to appointments. Visitors can also attend performances or book private dinners with geisha and maiko at some of the traditional tea houses in the area.

The Gion district is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Yasaka Shrine, which is known for its annual Gion Festival, one of the largest festivals in Japan. Other notable attractions include the Kennin-ji Temple, which is one of the oldest Zen temples in Kyoto, and the Gion Corner, a cultural center where visitors can learn about traditional arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and puppet theater.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Geisha Cultural Experience

Get a rare peek into the world of Kyoto’s mysterious geisha districts, also known as ‘the flower and willow world’, and enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner. You will see a maiko perform dances to live music played by a senior geisha shamisen player. You will also get the chance to partake in a traditional geisha game, ask questions, and listen to their stories. Your translator is an expert in Kyoto geisha culture and will help you every step of the way. This is a unique chance to experience this refined form of entertainment, a mysterious world that even most Japanese find impenetrable.

Gion District

Activities

Geisha Cultural Experience

Map

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