Gion District

Explore Gion with a local tour guide to truly appreciate its rich history and geisha culture, and to navigate respectfully.

In their own words: “No one should be visiting the Gion District without a tour guide... you're going to learn so much more about the history and cultural significance of this area and also avoid being like one of those who drove the implementation of the tourist ban in certain areas in Gion.”

Explore Gion's narrow alleys and traditional machiya houses, especially in the early morning to avoid crowds and experience its historic charm.

In their own words: “walk through the streets of Gion today, and you'd think the whole world just found out about how great this place is at the same time. It's beautiful. It's historic. And clearly, we're all here to see it.”

Explore the preserved traditional architecture and try to spot a geisha, or book a traditional tea ceremony.

In their own words: “Gion is a charming district located in Higashiyama Ward, renowned for its preserved traditional architecture and geisha culture. Geishas, also known as geiko in Kyoto, are traditional Japanese female entertainers trained in music, dance, and conversation. Gion is also home to many ochaya, traditional Japanese tea houses where geishas entertain their guests.”