A detailed explanation of the history and overview of Gion

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Gion
2. History of Gion
3. Highlights of Gion
   
4. Recommended Shops in Gion
5. Maiko and Geiko in Gion and Ozashiki Asobi (Entertainment at Banquets)
   

Introduction

Gion is a historical entertainment district located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, and is one of Japan's most renowned traditional pleasure quarters. This area has flourished as a hanamachi (geisha district) since the Edo period and still retains many traditional buildings and cultural practices, making it a popular destination for tourists. At the heart of Gion lies Yasaka Shrine, famous as the origin of the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals.

Hanami-koji Street, a representative street in Gion, is lined with teahouses and restaurants where you can see maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) going about their day. Visitors can enjoy the historic buildings and beautiful gardens, immersing themselves in the unique atmosphere of Gion. Additionally, Gion is known as a gourmet town with many high-end restaurants offering Kyoto cuisine. With its rich history, culture, and stunning scenery, Gion is a must-visit spot when in Kyoto. Many tourists visit to experience the charm of Gion.

1. Overview of Gion

Gion is a historical and picturesque district in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, known as one of Japan's most traditional pleasure quarters. This area has thrived as a hanamachi (geisha district) since the Edo period and still retains many traditional buildings and cultural practices. At the heart of Gion lies Yasaka Shrine, famous as the origin of the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals.

Hanami-koji Street is a symbolic location in Gion, stretching approximately one kilometer from Shijo Street in the north to Kennin-ji Temple in the south. Both sides of this street are lined with teahouses and restaurants, making it a renowned tourist attraction. The southern end houses Kennin-ji Temple, an ancient Zen temple established in 1202, which contains important cultural properties like the Wind and Thunder God Screens. The vast temple grounds offer beautiful gardens throughout the seasons, allowing visitors to feel the history and culture of Gion.

With convenient transportation access centered around Gion Shijo Station and the Gion intersection, the Gion area is easily accessible from various parts of the city. Along Shijo Street, there are many commercial facilities and souvenir shops, making it an enjoyable place for shopping.

Gion is also famous for its geiko and maiko, who entertain guests with traditional dances and music at teahouses and restaurants. Strolling through Gion, you may occasionally encounter maiko, adding to the charming atmosphere of the area. Moreover, Gion boasts numerous high-end restaurants and eateries, renowned for Kyoto cuisine and Japanese food. This makes Gion highly esteemed as a gourmet town.​。

2. History of Gion

Gion is a region rich in history and tradition, located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City. It is one of Japan's most iconic tourist destinations. Below is a detailed explanation of the history of Gion.

■ Heian Period (794-1185)

The history of Gion dates back to the Heian period. During this era, Gion flourished as a vibrant social venue for nobles and samurai. Yasaka Shrine (then known as Gion Shrine) was established during this time and became a popular site for worship, believed to protect against epidemics. The Gion Matsuri also began in this period, and it has since become one of the most significant traditional festivals in Japan.

■ Kamakura Period (1185-1333)

In the Kamakura period, Gion continued to develop with the construction of numerous temples and shrines. The rise of the samurai class further increased Gion's cultural significance. During this time, many teahouses and shops appeared around Gion Shrine, contributing to the bustling atmosphere of the town. The Gion Matsuri also became more grandiose, enveloping the entire town in a festive mood.

■ Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

In the Muromachi period, Gion served as a central area of Kyoto and saw further development. Traditional performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen reached their peak during this era, with Gion becoming a stage for these performances. The Gion Matsuri also evolved, introducing lavish yamahoko floats. This period can be considered the cultural golden age of Gion.

■ Edo Period (1603-1868)

During the Edo period, Gion became known for its red-light district and teahouse culture, leading to the development of the hanamachi (geisha district) culture. Many geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) flourished, making Gion a prominent entertainment district. Iconic streets such as Hanami-koji and Shirakawa, which still retain their charm today, were formed during this period. Throughout the Edo period, Gion thrived as a cultural hub, beloved by many.

■ Meiji Period (1868-1912) and Beyond

From the Meiji period onwards, Gion preserved its traditional culture and atmosphere despite the wave of modernization. The Gion Matsuri, in particular, grew in scale during the Meiji period, becoming a well-known summer event nationwide. In the Showa era, the preserved streets of Gion, which escaped wartime destruction, continued to attract many visitors.

■ Modern Era

In the modern era, Gion has continued to blend its historical and traditional elements with contemporary culture. The district remains home to numerous temples, shrines, and traditional buildings, and the charm of the hanamachi, where maiko and geiko are active, endures. The Gion Matsuri is celebrated as one of Japan's three major festivals, drawing countless visitors each year. Many traditional restaurants and teahouses still operate, offering visitors a taste of Japanese culinary culture. These establishments serve seasonal dishes using local ingredients, providing a fresh experience with every visit.

Gion's historical significance, beautiful scenery, and blend of traditional and modern culture make it a beloved destination for many tourists visiting Kyoto.

3. Highlights of Gion

Gion is a district where history and beauty blend seamlessly. Below is a detailed explanation of the major attractions in Gion.

■ Hanami-koji Street

Hanami-koji Street is a stone-paved street representing Gion, lined with traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouses). This charming area is home to many teahouses and restaurants, where you can see maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) going about their daily routines. Walking along Hanami-koji Street, you can feel the old-world atmosphere of Kyoto. Especially from evening to night, the street is illuminated by lanterns, enhancing its charm.

At night, Hanami-koji Street becomes even more enchanting. The soft glow of the lanterns gently illuminates the wooden architecture of the machiya, creating a magical ambiance. The sounds of shamisen and koto from the teahouses and restaurants add to the nostalgic feel of the ancient capital. Many tourists visit to enjoy dinner, with the aromas of delicious cuisine wafting from the establishments.

■ Gion Shirakawa

Gion Shirakawa is considered one of the most beautiful areas within the Gion district. The stone-paved path along the Shirakawa River offers a picturesque landscape. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely along the river, making it a popular spot for tourists. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms and traditional teahouses create a fantastic atmosphere, reminiscent of a painting. The area is also home to many historic teahouses and restaurants, reflecting its rich history and tradition.。

■ Tatsumi Bridge

Tatsumi Bridge is a famous wooden bridge built during the Edo period, located in Gion Shirakawa. Willows planted at both ends of the bridge enhance its beauty in every season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenes in winter. The bridge is a well-known filming location for movies and TV dramas, making it a popular spot for tourists to take commemorative photos. The surrounding area is lined with traditional machiya and teahouses, offering a deep sense of Gion's charm.。

■ Ninenzaka

Ninenzaka is a historical slope in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City. This stone-paved path is lined with old townhouses and souvenir shops on both sides. The slope is an important route leading to Kiyomizu Temple, attracting many visitors. The name Ninenzaka comes from its location between two temples, Kiyomizu Temple and Kodaiji Temple. Along the slope, there are numerous teahouses and cafes where you can take a break while enjoying the Kyoto atmosphere. It is also known as the "Slope of Not Falling," with a legend that falling here means you will never return to Kyoto.

■ Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is an ancient shrine that serves as the symbol of Gion, boasting over 1350 years of history. The Gion Matsuri, held annually in July, is one of Kyoto's three major festivals and is famous nationwide. The main hall of Yasaka Shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and its beautiful architecture and lush grounds attract many visitors. During New Year and Setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring), the shrine is bustling with people seeking blessings for good fortune and protection against evil.

■ Yasaka Pagoda

Yasaka Pagoda, formally known as the Five-Story Pagoda of Hokanji Temple, is a prominent landmark in Kyoto. Originally built in the early Heian period, the pagoda has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1440. Standing about 46 meters tall, the elegant pagoda is surrounded by picturesque streets that offer a quintessential Kyoto experience. The interior of the pagoda is open to visitors during special openings, allowing them to appreciate its historical significance up close.

■ Chion-in

Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, founded by Honen Shonin. The expansive temple grounds house numerous important cultural properties, including the main hall and the massive Sanmon gate, which is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan. Chion-in offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, especially during the autumn foliage season when it attracts many visitors. The temple is also illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

■ Yasui Konpiragu

Yasui Konpiragu is a shrine known for its blessings for severing bad relationships and fostering good ones. It has long been revered as a place to cut off negative ties and form positive ones. The shrine features a large stone called the Enkiri Enmusubi Stone, which visitors crawl through to sever bad relationships and wish for good ones. Yasui Konpiragu hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, making it beloved by locals.。

■ Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen, is a traditional market with over 400 years of history. Stretching about 390 meters in length, it houses around 130 shops offering fresh produce and Kyoto-specific food items. The market is loved by both tourists and locals for its wide variety of seasonal vegetables, seafood, pickles, and sweets. One of the market's attractions is the ability to sample various foods while shopping.

4. Recommended Shops in Gion

■ Nikuno Takumi Miyoshi / Meat Cuisine

Located in an area of Gion lined with charming machiya (traditional townhouses), "Nikuno Takumi Miyoshi" is a luxurious meat cuisine restaurant. The interior features 16 seats, combining counter and table seating, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The owner was inspired by a friend who was in the beef wholesale business, leading to an appreciation for the deliciousness of meat and a dedication to serving carefully selected dishes.

At this restaurant, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine centered around wagyu beef. The course includes beef sashimi, Kyoto yuba (tofu skin) with ankake sauce, shabu-shabu, steaks chosen from five different cuts, as well as rice and desserts. Seasonal ingredients are incorporated into the courses, enhancing the flavors as the meal progresses.

■ Hassun / Kyoto Cuisine and Kaiseki

Nestled quietly on the northern side of Gion, this Kyoto cuisine restaurant offers traditional dishes made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. The interior is a classical Japanese space that evokes a sense of nostalgia, complemented by heartfelt hospitality.

The second-generation owner, Kanji Kubota, continues the traditional flavors established by the first owner, Mamoru Kubota, since the restaurant's opening in 1945. Particularly noteworthy is the "hassun," which expresses the season using seafood and natural ingredients beautifully arranged on dishes crafted by contemporary artists. The key to the restaurant's flavors is the spring water from Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, which is used daily to achieve a mellow and delicate taste.

■ Gion Nishikawa / Kaiseki and Kappo Cuisine

Located at the end of a lane on Shimogawara-dori leading to Yasaka Shrine, Gion Nishikawa is a prestigious restaurant offering kaiseki cuisine. The owner, Masayoshi Nishikawa, trained at renowned Kyoto establishments before becoming an independent chef. Just a year after opening, the restaurant was featured in the Michelin Guide, establishing it as a top name in Kyoto cuisine.

The menu is determined by the day's ingredients, with a course offering around 14 dishes at night. Each dish showcases the quality of the ingredients, with playful seasoning and presentation reflecting the chef's unique sensibility. The building features sukiya-style architecture, using luxurious materials such as bamboo and cypress, with beautiful courtyard views from each room. Seasonal scrolls are displayed, allowing guests to feel the essence of Kyoto.

■ Gion Matayoshi / Kappo and Small Dishes

This hidden gem offers exquisite tea kaiseki cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The skilled chefs prepare dishes using fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, maintaining the spirit of tea kaiseki. The specialty dessert, a custard pudding made without vanilla beans, is highly recommended.

The restaurant also offers a selection of fine sake from across Japan, perfectly paired with the dishes for sake enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy conversations with the chefs at the counter seats or relax in private rooms with garden views. The restaurant values the unique encounters with each customer, providing a heartfelt dining experience.

■ RISTRANTE ITALIANO CHIMERA／ Italian Cuisine

Ristorante Italiano Chimera offers a unique dining experience that blends Italian techniques with traditional Japanese elements. Located in the historic Gion district, the restaurant combines Kyoto-specific ingredients with the skills of Chef Mitsuhiko Tsutsui to create new and delightful flavors. The name "Chimera" symbolizes the fusion of different origins, reflecting the restaurant's innovative culinary philosophy.

The interior maintains the traditional exterior of a Kyoto machiya, while inside, it features a modern and open space. This fusion of the old and new is embodied in both the ambiance and the cuisine. Chef Tsutsui's dishes use carefully selected Kyoto ingredients, with meticulous attention to detail from cutting to cooking.

5. Maiko and Geiko in Gion and Ozashiki Asobi

Gion is famous for offering a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture. Among these experiences, "ozashiki asobi" (banquet games) with maiko and geiko are particularly popular. Ozashiki asobi is a traditional entertainment unique to Kyoto, where maiko and geiko entertain guests, providing an elegant and enjoyable time.

■ Contents of Ozashiki Asobi
・Tora Tora：
Participants face each other and mimic the movements of a tiger with their hands, competing in timing and rhythm. Enjoying this game with maiko and geiko helps deepen communication.

・Konpira Fune Fune：
Accompanied by shamisen music, participants place their hands alternately in and out of a bowl. The person who makes a mistake loses. This game requires a good sense of rhythm and timing, creating a mix of tension and fun.

・Tosenkyo：
A game where you throw a fan at a target, requiring graceful movements. Watching the beautiful gestures of the maiko and geiko, you can also learn this skill.

■ Places to Experience Ozashiki Asobi
Gion has several restaurants and inns where you can experience ozashiki asobi.

・Gion Shinmonso：

Gion Shinmonso is an accommodation facility offering traditional cultural experiences, with a popular plan featuring ozashiki asobi with maiko and geiko. In this plan, maiko and geiko teach participants traditional Japanese games such as Tora Tora and Konpira Fune Fune, which are enjoyed together. These games are played to the sound of the shamisen, testing rhythm and reflexes. Reservations for day plans or overnight stays can be made by phone or on their website. This facility provides a valuable experience of feeling close to Kyoto's traditional culture through interactions with elegant maiko and geiko.

・Gion Hatanaka：
Gion Hatanaka offers a special plan called "Kyoto Cuisine and Maiko Evening." This plan allows guests to enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine made with seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood from all over Japan, while watching the graceful Kyoto dance performed by maiko and geiko. Additionally, you can experience ozashiki asobi, converse with maiko, and take commemorative photos. The ease of experiencing hanamachi culture is appealing, and English interpretation is available, making it popular with foreign tourists as well.

・Manjiro：

Located near Kodaiji Temple, Manjiro offers a serene environment where you can experience ozashiki asobi with maiko and geiko. In the calm setting of the restaurant, you can enjoy seasonal Kyoto cuisine while learning traditional Japanese games. This plan includes experiencing traditional ozashiki games such as Konpira Fune Fune and Tora Tora to the sound of the shamisen. Guests can enjoy the elegant gestures and beautiful dances of maiko and geiko while participating in the games. Commemorative photos with maiko and geiko are also available, creating special memories.

＞＞For more details on geisha, click here

Conclusion

Gion is a must-visit spot when traveling to Kyoto, thanks to its rich history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Centered around Yasaka Shrine, this area allows you to enjoy the charm of ancient Kyoto while strolling through its historic buildings and traditional hanamachi (geisha district) atmosphere. Hanami-koji Street and Gion Shirakawa, with their stone-paved paths and picturesque townscapes, offer stunning views throughout the seasons.

While cherishing its history and traditions, Gion continues to blend with modern culture. Each visit promises new discoveries and experiences, making Gion a beloved destination for many tourists. Enjoy the full charm of Gion and have a memorable and wonderful journey.