10 Best Things to do in Gion
What is Gion Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Gion district of Kyoto revolve round the area’s rich history that can still be seen and experienced to this day. Built around the Yasaka Shrine to provide entertainment and refreshment for visitors, it’s still a major travel destination to this day. Particularly for its continued association with geisha, known as ‘geiko’ locally.
As a national historical preservation district, the traditional buildings have been protected and restored, leaving Gion a vision of the past. But whether you’re interested in history and culture, beautiful scenery or shopping to your heart’s content, Gion has something for you.
1. Yasaka Shrine
The illuminated heart of Gion
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Originally built in 656, the Yasaka Shrine still stands today and is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Every evening hundreds of lanterns illuminate this beautiful location, adding a touch of wonder to your visit. With free entry, it’s the ideal spot to take in some of the local history and culture, even if you’re on a budget.
The shrine is also host to the famous Gion Matsuri festival every July. Over a thousand years old, the festival is a hive of activity with street food available and a procession of traditional floats featuring elaborate tapestries to enjoy. The sights and sounds are bound to be a spectacle to remember.
Posizione: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0073, Japan
Orario di apertura: 24/7
Telefono: +81 (0)75-561-6155
Yasaka Shrine
2. Hanamikoji Street
A glimpse of traditional Japan
Ideale per: Storia, Acquisti
The cobbled Hanamikoji Street runs just over a kilometre long and with no cars and so many traditional teahouses, walking down its southern end is like stepping back in time. Though most of the teahouses are only open for residents, it’s the sights most people come for. A hub for the local geisha, or geiko, it’s not unusual to see them hurrying about their business. Visitors are asked to please be polite and not interrupt them.
While photography is banned in the street itself, there are any number of souvenir shops available to commemorate your visit, and it’s sure to be an experience you never forget.
Posizione: Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto 600-8340, Japan
Orario di apertura: 24/7
Hanamikoji Street
3. Gion Shirakawa District
An old-fashioned haven
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The historic Gion Shirakawa District is a picturesque haven of cherry trees, weeping willows and beautiful old buildings. Famously featured in the book “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the Tatsumi-bashi bridge is a must-see sight in not just Gion, but the whole of Kyoto.
If you’re looking for the perfect picture for your socials, or to remember your trip, then there’s no better place to be. The cherry trees are at their finest in late April, but even when the blossoming is over, the elegance and charm of this district are unmissable.
Gion Shirakawa District
4. Maiko Experience
The life of a geisha
Ideale per: Storia, Viaggi alternativi
The glamour of the geisha and the maiko lives in Gion, and you can experience it for yourself. With everything from formal tea ceremonies to the ability to have a geisha makeover of your own, a maiko experience will provide you with a window into their lives.
The geiko (the local term for geisha) makeovers and photoshoots are a fascinating chance to really step into someone else’s shoes. But if they’re not for you, a range of other experiences are available to visitors, from walking tours of the area and a museum to shows, dinners and tea ceremonies. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Maiko Experience
5. Kenninji Temple
Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto
Ideale per: Storia, Coppie, Famiglie
Built in 1202, Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in the city. Rebuilt following several fires and wars, the historic temple structure with its traditional, iconic roofs still stands and is considered 1 of the 5 most important Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto.
While the majority of the grounds are free to visit, there is a fee to enter the main buildings and grounds, but the gorgeous paintings of dragons and gods, not to mention the serene moss gardens are well worth a look.
Posizione: 〒605-0811 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsucho ５８４番地, Japan
Orario di apertura: March–October: 10 am to 5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm), November–February: 10 am to 4:30pm (last entry at 4 pm) (closed December 28–31)
Telefono: +81(0)75-561-6363
Kenninji Temple
6. Maruyama Park
Picture-perfect cherry blossom
Ideale per: Foto, Budget
If you’ve visiting Gion, the idyllic peace of the Maruyama Park is the perfect place to embrace the natural beauties of Japan. Designated a Place of Scenic Beauty, it’s the perfect place for pictures, relaxation, and a day out. Stroll down the meandering pathways and enjoy the sound of the streams you pass along the way.
In March, the lantern festival is a magical experience, while in early April, the trees are full of cherry blossoms and the park is full of people. But at any time of year, Maruyama Park is always great for a picnic. Or, if you’d prefer to eat in, there are plenty of restaurants nearby serving all kinds of cuisine.
Posizione: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
Orario di apertura: 24/7
Telefono: +81(0)75-561-1778
Maruyama Park
7. Minamiza Theater
Traditional Kabuki Period Theatre Performances
Ideale per: Storia, Vita notturna, Coppie
Dating back to the Edo period in the 17th century, Minamiza Theatre is older than most. While the current theatre was built in 1929 and refurbished in 1991, it still puts on traditional Kabuki shows with their unique staging. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese artform, blending music, dance, and mime with elaborate staging and costuming.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a show, sit back and let the spectacle wow you. Often performers come from a long line of Kabuki actors and the techniques have been passed down through generations. There are restaurants within the theatre but make a reservation if you’d like to eat there during the interval. There are also plenty of souvenirs for sale as well.
Posizione: 〒605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 四条 大橋東詰 中之町198, Japan
Telefono: +81(0)75-561-1155
Minamiza Theater
8. Gion Corner
Traditional performances of Japanese culture
Ideale per: Vita notturna, Storia
For a well-rounded look at Japanese culture, head to Gion Corner. With 7 different types of traditional Japanese performing arts to be seen in one place, it’s an essential stop for anyone interested in exploring Japan more deeply and thoughtfully. Talented performers bring to life things you might otherwise only hear about.
Authentic puppetry, music and dancing are just some of the incredible artistry on display. Immerse yourself in lavish demonstrations that will give you a glimpse into the soul of the country and its beauty. If you’re worried about understanding, you can upgrade to a premium seat with a digital tablet to translate and explain what’s going on.
Posizione: 570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Orario di apertura: Shows start at 6 pm and 7 pm
Telefono: +81 (0)75-561-1119
Gion Corner
9. Shinmonzen-dori
Antiques and authentic souvenirs for sale
Ideale per: Acquisti, Storia
No shopping trip in Gion is complete without walking down Shinmonzen-dori. This particular street is known for its antiques and traditional Japanese crafts, making it an awesome place to go for souvenirs, gifts or just some fun window shopping. Stroll along this narrow street and stop in at one of the shops that huddle around it.
Discover finely painted ceramics, including traditional tea-sets, breath-taking art and authentic antique furniture as you wander. Take your time to really admire all the things on sale before maybe stopping to purchase one or two items yourself. There are also eateries and bars for you when you want to take the weight off your feet.
Shinmonzen-dori
10. Yojiya Gion Head Store
Home of Yojiya Cosmetics
Ideale per: Acquisti, Coppie
Yojiya Gion Head Store is the flag ship store of one of Japan’s foremost cosmetic brands. Founded in 1904, it has been heavily influenced by Japanese cosmetic traditions, known for their bold and refined products. The tasteful products are popular with the local geisha as well as everyday people. They follow in the footsteps of Kyoto’s artistic traditions and will please any makeup artist, professional or amateur. They also have a popular range of skin care products.
The main Yojiya store is clean, and the bright interior makes shopping a pleasure. It includes a café, so if you’re feeling hungry after all that shopping, you don’t have to look far to get a bite to eat.
Posizione: 1 Chome-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0018, Japan
Orario di apertura: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm (restaurants until 11 pm)
Telefono: +81(0)92-282-2525
Yojiya Gion Head Store
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