Gion
District · Higashiyama, Kyoto

Gion

Photo: 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Kyoto's best-known geisha district, with wooden teahouses, lantern-lit lanes and the stone-paved Shirakawa canal area. Hanamikoji Street is the main spine, and Yasaka Shrine sits at its eastern end. It is a lived-in neighbourhood, so treat it quietly and respectfully.

On day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

Good to know

Time to spend
1–2 hours
Tickets
Free, open at all hours. Private alleys off Hanamikoji are off-limits
Best time
Early evening, when lanterns come on
Getting there
Keihan Gion-Shijo or Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi, 5 min walk

Itineraries with Gion

Day 5 of Kyoto in 5 days

The Philosopher's Path into Gion

How Gion fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Ginkaku-jiSakyō
  2. 10:00Philosopher's PathSakyō
  3. 12:00Nanzen-jiSakyō
  4. 17:00Gion and Hanami-koji at duskGion
See all 5 days
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Gion questions

Can you take photos in Gion?

On public streets, yes, but entering or photographing designated private alleys off Hanamikoji is banned and can be fined.

Can I photograph geiko and maiko in Gion?

Don't take photos without permission. Local rules and signs prohibit it, and chasing or blocking them is not tolerated.

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