Gion-Geisha District

Thursday, August 6, 2020 Updated

Kyoto Gion District | Meet the Geiko and Maiko

The Gion-Geisha district is Kyoto's most famous area to see Geisha and Maiko dressed in beautiful Kimono walking in public. Nestled between the Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River, this district is a popular spot for tourists from around the world hoping to see a real geisha. The district is also home to numerous tea-houses, traditional restaurants serving sweets and snacks, and merchant houses called machi-ya. In addition to the well preserved machi-ya, the streets of the districts also retain a traditional atmosphere, similar to the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The combination of traditional houses, shops, and city designs provide visitors with a glimpse to what Kyoto was like before modernization. The streets are a popular photo destination, especially at night when the light of the lanterns and moonlight enhance the beauty of the area. Not only is the district a popular spot to see geisha, In July the district is overtaken by the Gion Festival, one of Japan's most famous festivals. Tourists from Japan and all around the world come to take part in this traditional parade and Matsuri.

Take a step back in time with a visit to the Gion Geisha district after your Japan tour ends in Kyoto! While our tours wont directly go to the Geisha district to look for geisha, we've included an incredible Maiko Lunch (Maiko is the Kyoto way to say "apprentice geisha") for our tour participants to learn more about the way of the Geisha during their Japan tours. You can also customize your itinerary in Kyoto with our flexible line of Custom Japan tours for an extra luxury package exploring the sights you want to see. Skip the sites you don't want on a private holiday vacation made just for you through Kyoto's Gion Geisha District!