Gion Tours
Looking for a trip to Gion? Gion, located around Shijo Avenue, is the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Gion is a traditional entertainment district filled with townhouses, shops, restaurants and teahouses serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, along with temples and shrines. The townhouses of Kyoto, known as machiya, line the streets of Gion, most having been transformed into restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The temples and shrines in Gion include Kennin-ji and Yasaka Shrine.
What to See in Gion
Among the restaurants are many teahouses where guests are entertained by geiko. Geishas are professional entertainers who are trained in a variety of traditional Japanese arts such as music and dance. They are divided by their level of seniority, including geiko and maiko, with maiko ranging ages around 15 to 20 usually fully made-up in white, lavish kimono and dangling pins. A few years after maiko they will become geiko, where they typically wear wigs in a less ornate style and with a simpler kimono with shorter sleeves. Their task is to engage in conversation with guest, drinking games, and give dance performances.
Hanami-Koji Street
The most popular street in Gion is Hanami-Koji Street, the best place to see geisha. It is a nice place to dine, with preserved teahouses lining the street and side alleys. Ichiriki Chaya is the most famous and oldest teahouse at about 300 years old in Hanami-Koji street with the famous red walls. It is an expensive, invite-only place of entertainment. The Shirakawa Area runs along the Shirakawa Canal, lined by willow trees and high-class restaurants and teahouses. As it is located off the beaten path, the Shirakawa Area is quieter than Hanami-koji Street providing views of buildings and a pleasurable stroll along the street.
Opening Hours: Whole day
Entrance Ticket: Free
Address: 605-1, Chikamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Duration: 2 hours
Looking for a trip to Gion? Gion, located around Shijo Avenue, is the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Gion is a traditional entertainment district filled with townhouses, shops, restaurants and teahouses serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, along with temples and shrines. The townhouses of Kyoto, known as machiya, line the streets of Gion, most having been transformed into restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The temples and shrines in Gion include Kennin-ji and Yasaka Shrine.
What to See in Gion
Among the restaurants are many teahouses where guests are entertained by geiko. Geishas are professional entertainers who are trained in a variety of traditional Japanese arts such as music and dance. They are divided by their level of seniority, including geiko and maiko, with maiko ranging ages around 15 to 20 usually fully made-up in white, lavish kimono and dangling pins. A few years after maiko they will become geiko, where they typically wear wigs in a less ornate style and with a simpler kimono with shorter sleeves. Their task is to engage in conversation with guest, drinking games, and give dance performances.
Hanami-Koji Street
The most popular street in Gion is Hanami-Koji Street, the best place to see geisha. It is a nice place to dine, with preserved teahouses lining the street and side alleys. Ichiriki Chaya is the most famous and oldest teahouse at about 300 years old in Hanami-Koji street with the famous red walls. It is an expensive, invite-only place of entertainment. The Shirakawa Area runs along the Shirakawa Canal, lined by willow trees and high-class restaurants and teahouses. As it is located off the beaten path, the Shirakawa Area is quieter than Hanami-koji Street providing views of buildings and a pleasurable stroll along the street.
Opening Hours: Whole day
Entrance Ticket: Free
Address: 605-1, Chikamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Duration: 2 hours
Gion Geisha Tours
As a reliable Japan tour operator, we provide private transfers and tours to Gion in Kyoto for travelers. Whether you are looking for a short geisha tour or a private chauffeur, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan group tours and Kyoto Private Chauffeurs.Related Articles You May Like
Most Frequently Asked Questions
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How to get to Gion with public transportation?Take the Keihan Electric Railway, get off at the Gion-Shijo Station, and destination will be in 1 minute walk.
Take the JR to Kyoto Station. Then take a bus ride to Gion. There are many bus lines options in Kyoto Station. -
What are the open hours of Gion? How much is the ticket?Gion is open all day long without admission fee.
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Is there any kimono rental store near Gion?There are many kimono rental stores on the Shijo Avenue, Hanamikoji Dori, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. However, advance appointment is required.
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What are other places to see near Gion?Gion is the district from Yasaka Shrine and Kamo River to Higashioji-dori Ave. Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Dori, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Kamo River, and Kiyomizu-dera are all found in the area.
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Where can I see a geisha performance in Gion?Here are many places offer geisha performance in Gion, and here is a recommendation:
http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/.
The performance is twice a day at 18:00 and 19:00. Jul 16, Aug 16, Dec 29-Jan 3 are closed.
During Dec to Mar, performances are only hosted on Friday to Sunday during the second week of the months and on holidays. -
When is the Kyoto Gion Matsuri? Do I need to purchase a ticket?The festival usually starts July 1 every year and last throughout the whole month. For details, please see the official website: https://kyoto-design.jp/special/gionmatsuri/schedule. You do not need a ticket to see the festival parade. However, you can also reserve a seat. Tickets are sold early June (around Jun 4) at any Lawson, JTB, 711 stores. You will get an assigned seat with a pamphlet. There is an additional 108 yen if purchase at a 711 store.
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Do you provide any half-day or full day trip to Gion?We do provide half-day or full day trip. However, due to the high demand on tour guides during high season, the price is expensive. Instead, we recommend booking a private transfer service, and we can arrange a driver speaking simple English.
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What are some recommended hotels near Gion?There are many hotels with different level of rating. For hotels with quality and reasonable prices, you can consider:
Gion Ryokan Karaku (About 191m from Gion)
The Hotel Kiyomizu Gion (About 817m from Gion)
Guest House Moncheri Gion (About 369m from Gion)
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