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Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. Many historical buildings and cultural traditions are still preserved today. Among them, the Gion district is a place where geisha culture and traditional Japanese culture remain strongly present. I take a leisurely stroll through its scenery and atmosphere in the evening. Of course, when visiting the Gion district, I make sure to visit must-see spots such as Yasaka Pagoda, Nene no Michi, Yasaka Shrine, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Pontocho.
The meeting point is in front of the elevator at the Edion Building, located at the Shijo Kawaramachi intersection in downtown Kyoto. A professional local guide from the Gion district will lead you to hidden areas that you cannot experience other walking tours.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 shrines across Japan dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Known for its blessings of warding off evil, matchmaking, and beauty, Yasaka Shrine, affectionately called “Gion-san,” is popular for its various charms and oil blotting papers. It is also famous for hosting the “Gion Festival” and is widely beloved as a central attraction in Kyoto tourism. The adjacent Maruyama Park, designated as a national scenic spot, becomes a bustling hanami spot in spring, centered around the “Gion weeping cherry tree.” In autumn, it is a popular destination for viewing autumn leaves, along with nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodaiji Temple.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Known as “Tatsumi Daimyojin” because of its location in the southeast (Tatsumi) direction from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this shrine originally served to protect the southeastern direction. Situated along the Shirakawa River in Gion, it is deeply revered by the people of Gion, especially by geiko and maiko who often pray here for the improvement of their performing arts skills. It is also referred to as “Gion’s Inari Shrine,” and its deity is a tanuki (raccoon dog). The shrine’s origin story tells of a tanuki that once lived in the area and caused trouble with its pranks. After a shrine was dedicated to the tanuki, the mischief ceased.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, serves as the head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Kennin-ji school. It was established in 1202 by Eisai, who studied Zen in the Song dynasty and modeled the temple after China’s Baizhang Mountain. The temple’s layout features the Chokushi Gate, Sanmon Gate, Lecture Hall, and Abbot’s Quarters aligned in a straight line, and it still retains a bathhouse, which is part of Zen training. The Abbot’s Quarters, an elegant cypress-shingled building, was relocated from Ankoku-ji Temple in Aki Province in 1599. The main image of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha, housed in the Lecture Hall. The temple is renowned for its beautiful dry landscape garden, Daio-en, and also possesses sliding door paintings by Kaiho Yusho. A highlight is the “Twin Dragons” painting on the ceiling of the Lecture Hall.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Hanamikoji Street is lined with traditional teahouses featuring distinctive bengara-koshi (red lattice) and inuyarai (bamboo fences), evoking the nostalgic charm of Gion and providing a sense of tranquility to visitors. The most iconic part of Hanamikoji is the stretch from the prestigious teahouses to Kennin-ji Temple, where the stone-paved streets enhance the surrounding buildings, creating a picturesque and elegant atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of maiko or geiko on their way to the teahouses, adding to the enchanting experience.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 shrines across Japan dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Known for its blessings of warding off evil, matchmaking, and beauty, Yasaka Shrine, affectionately called “Gion-san,” is popular for its various charms and oil blotting papers. It is also famous for hosting the “Gion Festival” and is widely beloved as a central attraction in Kyoto tourism. The adjacent Maruyama Park, designated as a national scenic spot, becomes a bustling hanami spot in spring, centered around the “Gion weeping cherry tree.” In autumn, it is a popular destination for viewing autumn leaves, along with nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodaiji Temple.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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