Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • About this site
    • About my photography
    • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
    • Visual Archive
    • Regional Italian Recipes
  • Books
    • The Cool Side of Summer
    • Manu’s Christmas Menus
    • MsM’s Mobile App
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliate Sign-Up
    • Featured On
  • Out & About
    • Africa
      • South Africa 2019
    • Americas
      • Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
      • CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2018
    • Asia
      • India
      • Japan 2015
      • Japan 2017
      • Japan 2018
      • Singapore
    • Europe
      • Slovenia and Croatia 2019
      • Italy 2019
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti) 2017
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti)
      • New Caledonia
      • New Zealand
      • South Island – New Zealand Guide
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Platform
    • Web Hosting
    • Technology Tips
    • Food Photography
    • Increasing Traffic to your Blog
    • Links
      • MsM in Your Kitchen
      • Events
        • 150 years of the Unification of Italy
        • Olio, Erbe e Fantasia – LILT
  • Tips
    • Techniques
      • Pasta and Gnocchi
      • Pizza and Other Doughs
      • Sauces and Other Basics
      • Decorations
    • Cake and Cookie decoration
      • Cake & Marshmallow Pops
        • Flowery Cake Pops
        • Hello Kitty Cake Pops
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake Pops
        • Christmas Tree Cake Pops
        • Sea Marshmallow Pops
      • Fondant Cakes
        • Moo Cake
        • South Pole Cake
        • Lola Cake
        • Hello Kitty Yogurt Cake
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Yogurt Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Fondant Cake
        • Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
        • Peppa Pig Cake
        • Tinkerbell Cake
        • Miffy Cake
        • Olaf Yogurt Cake
        • Frozen Cake
      • Sugar Cookies
        • Heart Sugar Cookies
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Sugar Cookies
        • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
      • Eggless Sugar Cookies
        • Chinese New Year Cookies
        • St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
      • Shortbread Cookies
        • Shortbread and Chocolate Hearts
        • Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies
        • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
      • Easy Chocolate Cookies
    • Conversion Tables
    • Gift Ideas
      • Christmas 2010
      • Christmas 2011
      • Christmas 2012
      • Christmas 2013
      • Christmas 2014
      • Christmas 2015
    • Ingredients
    • Where I Shop for Italian Food in Sydney
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Japanese / Gion and Geisha in Kyoto – Japan Guide

Gion and Geisha in Kyoto – Japan Guide

July 25, 2019 By Manu 2 Comments

Gion and Geisha in Kyoto

During our latest trip to Japan, we stayed in Kyoto for 11 nights. Besides using it as the base for various day trips in the area, we also visited the city. I hope you enjoy my Gion and Geisha in Kyoto Guide!

We absolutely ADORE Kyoto. So, every time we go to Japan, we spend at least a week in town. Yes, there is so much to see and do! So, if you can, try and spend a few extra days in this amazing city!

We took lots of pictures during our stay, so I have decided to split up my Kyoto posts by theme. Today I will take you around Gion.

SIGHTSEEING

Gion is the main entertainment district in Kyoto. It was founded during the 17th century as a shrine town of Yasaka Shrine.

One of the most common questions I get is: “where exactly is Gion?” Strictly speaking, Gion is divided into 4 zones created by an imaginary cross between Shijo-dori and Hanamikojidori.

The area north of Shijo-dori and west of Hanamikojidori (around Shirakawaminami-dori) is known as Gion-Higashi.

The south-end of Gion is Yasaka-dori, while the western end is the Kamo River and the eastern end is Higashioji-dori. From north to south, Hanamikojidori runs in the centre of Gion.

As I said, the north-east zone is called “Gion-Higashi” and the three other zones are called “Gion-Kobu”. Each zone has a different Geisha and Maiko group.

There are many old Japanese restaurants and tea houses in this district. This is where the Geisha and Maiko entertain their clients by singing and dancing.

Geisha only entertain regular guests and the guests that get introduced by them.

However, if you walk around Hanamikojidori around 5 pm, you may be lucky enough to spot them on their way to work. Please, be respectful and do not touch them or block their way. Remember they are normal women on their way to work!

If you want to watch a performance by Geisha and Maiko, you can visit the Gion Corner. It is a cultural centre where, besides seeing Geisha performances, you can learn about the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Japanese harp, Bunraku (Japanese puppet show) and Gagaku (Japanese ancient court music).

If you are lucky enough to be in town at the “right” time, you may be able to see a Geisha performance for free! We saw the one at Yasaka Jinja during Setsubun in February 2017 (3rd and 4th) and it was amazing. Check it out here.

Apparently, there is also the Heian Jingu Reisai Festival on April 15th and 16th where Geisha and Maiko perform. Just saying.

Also, don’t be fooled by “fake geisha”. If they stop to take a photo, they are definitely not the real deal!

The area south of Yasaka Jinja, west of Higashioji-dori, and just north of Kiyomizudera is not technically considered part of Gion, but it is nonetheless my favourite area of town. That’s where we usually stay.

It is here that you can find some of the most photographed sights of Kyoto, like the Yasaka Pagoda of Hokanji Temple.

Just there, you can also find the colourful Yasaka Koshin-do Temple (also known as Kongoji). Here worshippers write their wish on colourful balls called “kukurizaru” and hang them at the site. It is believed that if you give up something you like, one of your love wishes will come true. This temple is very popular with young couples.

You can also wander around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka, beautiful ancient streets lined with small cafes and shops.

My daughters really liked the hair accessory ones.

If you go a little further on Nene-no-Michi, towards Kodaiji Temple, you will stumble upon Ishibeikoji Alley.

Keep looking around for the small Buddhist statues you can touch, like this Marishi-ten. This deity was revered by samurai and it is believed that if you gently stroke it with your right hand (or with both hands) you will get better in contests of wit and skill!

This is also an area of beautiful temples and sights like the famous Kodaiji and its Nene and Hideyoshi statute and the lesser-known Ryozen Kannon statue. Read more about these here.

If you keep walking on Nene-no-Michi, you will also find Daiunin Temple.

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in a rental house (Kiyomizu Machiya Inn) in Kyoto, check it out here.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN KYOTO

Bus

We found that the best way to get around Kyoto is by bus (or on foot) as the bus network connects most major sights in the city.

The tourist offices provide a useful English network map for the Kyoto City Buses, which makes it quite easy for foreign visitors to access tourist attractions by bus. We also had maps provided in our house.

We had heard that buses tend to be slow, but we never had a problem. They can get quite crowded in peak hours, but not more than in any other big city around the world.

Buses are entered through the back door and left through the front door. The fare has to be paid when leaving the bus.

Subway

There are two subway lines in Kyoto, the Karasuma Line which runs from south to north along Karasuma-dori and stops at JR Kyoto Station, and the Tozai Line which runs from east to west and crosses the Karasuma Line at the intersection of Karasuma-dori and Oike-dori. But we never used the subway.

Japan Railways

All JR lines including the Tokaido Shinkansen pass through or commence at JR Kyoto Station. JR trains are a good option for accessing the Arashiyama area (Sagano Line) and some attractions in southern Kyoto along the JR Nara Line, like Fushimi Inari.

Other Railways

Keifuku Railways (also known as Randen) operates two tram-like train lines in north-western Kyoto. For train lovers, a ride on these trains is a small attraction by itself, both because the cars are really nice and for the beautiful panorama that you get to see, especially around Ryoanji.

Ticket Options

Kyoto Sightseeing Card – Unlimited use of Kyoto’s two subway lines and of Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in central Kyoto and outskirts, including Arashiyama, Takao and Ohara.

Kyoto One Day Bus Card – Unlimited use of Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in central Kyoto and Arashiyama on one calendar day. Unlike the Kyoto Sightseeing Card (see above), the one-day bus card does not cover other outlying areas such as Takao and Ohara.  This is what we used. You validate it with the machine only the first time you ride the bus, to print the date on it and then you show it to the driver every time you get down the bus. Easy.

Kyoto Subway One Day Card – Unlimited use of Kyoto’s two subway lines on one calendar day.

Prepaid cards like SUICA (or ICOCA) don’t give you any discounts, but they make the process of taking trains and buses easier, as you do not always need to buy a new ticket for each ride.

RESOURCES ON MSM

RECIPES:

Tsukune

Yakitori

Gyoza

Salmon Nigiri

Matcha Ice Cream

Beef Korokke

Matcha Nama Chocolates

Chicken Karaage

Cheese Korokke

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu Sandwich

Sakura Panna Cotta

Onigiri

Japanese Pickled Ginger

TRAVEL IN JAPAN:

Japan Diary 2015

Japan Diary 2017

Japan Diary 2018

Tokyo – Asakusa guide

Miyajima guide – Japan

Hiroshima guide – Japan

Osaka guide – Japan

Koyasan guide – Japan

Nara & Fushimi Inari guide – Japan

Kyoto guide – Japan

Kanazawa guide – Japan

Takayama guide – Japan

Tokyo – Ueno guide

Tokyo – Shinjuku guide

Japan Guide – Geisha

Tsukiji Market – Japan Guide

Nishiki Market – Japan Guide

Haru Cooking Class Kyoto – Japan Guide

Tokyo Off the Beaten Path

Kamakura – Japan Guide

Nikko – Japan Guide

Kawaguchiko – Japan Guide

Nagashima and Nabana no Sato – Japan Guide

Miyajima 2017 – Japan Guide

Hiroshima 2017 – Japan Guide

Kurashiki – Japan Guide 

Himeji – Japan Guide

Onsen Etiquette – Japan Guide

Kinosaki Onsen – Japan Guide

Kyoto Off the Beaten Path

Setsubun and Geisha in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari – Japan Guide

Matsumoto – Japan Guide

Jigokudani Monkey Park Guide – Japan

Shuzenji Onsen – Japan Guide

Osaka 2018 – Japan Guide

Miyajima Autumn 2018 – Japan Guide

Nagasaki – Japan Guide

Fukuoka – Japan Guide

Kurokawa Onsen – Japan Guide

Yufuin – Japan Guide

Beppu – Japan Guide

Kunisaki Peninsula – Japan Guide

Kitsuki – Japan Guide

Uji – Japan Guide

Takao – Japan Guide

Ohara – Japan Guide

Arashiyama – Japan Guide

Kyoto like a Local – Japan Guide

 

Don’t forget to pin this Gion and Geisha in Kyoto guide!

Gion and Geisha in Kyoto

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO

You can easily reach Kyoto by Shinkansen. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Tokyo and 1.5 hours from Hiroshima. Kyoto is also just a half-hour away from Osaka.

MAP

Share

Related Posts:

  • Kyoto by Night – Japan Guide
  • Kyoto in Autumn – Japan Guide
  • Kyoto like a Local – Japan Guide
  • Fushimi Inari – Japan Guide
  • Setsubun and Geisha in Kyoto

Filed Under: Japanese, Travel Tagged With: geisha, Gion, guide, Japan, Japanese, Kyoto, temples, tourism, travel

« Low Fodmap Lamb Kofte Kebabs
August Menu Plan »

Trackbacks

  1. Kyoto by Night – Japan Guide says:
    August 8, 2019 at 8:47 pm

    […] For a more detailed guide of Gion, click here!  […]

    Reply
  2. Chojiro Kyoto - Review says:
    September 6, 2019 at 10:29 am

    […] Gion and Geisha in Kyoto – Japan Guide […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE – THE BOOK. CLICK TO BUY IT FROM AMAZON NOW!

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

Archives

Categories

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
foodgawker bowls-150x150
tastespotting150
Tasteologie badge
Pasta & Gnocchi

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book – Click to buy it now! On SALE for only $9.99!

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!
Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress
Community Table Contributor Badge
Sunday Supper Movement

manusmenu

manusmenu
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradi Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #trieste #holidays #beautifuldestinations #history #food
Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food #foodgram #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood
Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food
Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #history #food #italianfood
Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #hugo #spritz #prosecco #drinks #cocktails #elderflower
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #satay #stirfry #pork #meatballs
Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #picklingcucumbers #pickles #pickling #garden #cucumber #vegetarian #vegan #video
Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #pudding #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #coffee #pannacotta
Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #pastry #cinnamonrolls #teatime #breakfast
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2011-2020 - Manu's Menu and Manuela Zangara. All rights reserved.