Gion is a historic entertainment district in Kyoto. Its lanes are lit at night, and the old wooden houses look their best after dark. It is also a neighbourhood where people live, work and host guests. Walk its lanes slowly and quietly. Keep to the main streets when you can, and do not treat the lanes as a stage.
What Gion is
Gion grew around the shrine and the teahouses that served visitors for centuries. Today it has restaurants, small bars, shops and a few traditional places that only take guests with an introduction. Some of the people you see are geiko and maiko, who work in the district. Many others are residents, shop owners and staff.
Knowing this changes how you walk. You are a guest in a working neighbourhood.
Walk the main streets first
Start on the main road by Yasaka Shrine, then walk into the lanes off Hanamikoji. Hanamikoji is the most famous street, and it is lively in the evening. Shirakawa, a narrow canal with willows and small bridges, is quieter and very photogenic.
Walk in single file on the narrow lanes. Step aside to let others pass. Do not stop in the middle of a lane to take a photo.
Photos: the rules that matter
Taking photos is not forbidden in Gion, but you must be careful.
- Do not photograph geiko or maiko up close without permission. Do not follow them.
- Some lanes have signs that ask visitors not to take photos. Obey those signs.
- Do not use flash, and do not hold your camera in a doorway.
- If someone asks you to stop, stop at once.
Check first: Check the local rules on photos and the signs on each lane before you take a photo. The official Kyoto tourism website and the district notices give the latest guidance. Rules can change.
Keep your voice low
Many visitors talk loudly in the lanes at night. Residents hear this every evening. Keep your voice low, and avoid shouting or singing. Do not drop litter. Take your rubbish with you, because there are few bins.
If you hear a car or a bike, step to the side. The lanes are narrow, and a delivery may need to pass.
Eat and drink with care
Gion has many places to eat. Choose a restaurant with a clear menu and a door you can see from the street. Use Tabelog to find places with recent reviews, and read the notes on etiquette. Many small places have few seats and close early, so book ahead when you can.
Do not expect a guided night out in a traditional teahouse. These places usually need an introduction through a hotel or a guide. Plan your evening around the places open to all guests.
Finish at Yasaka Shrine
End your walk at Yasaka Shrine. It is open at night, and it is quiet compared with the lanes. Stand for a moment, then walk back to your hotel by the main road. This is a good way to finish the evening with calm.
Check first: Check the last train or bus home on the operator's website before you go out. Taxis are common in Gion, but they can be busy late at night.
Busy evenings
Some evenings are busier than others. If a lane is crowded with people waiting for a glimpse of someone, walk on. Do not wait in the lane. Keep moving so the people behind you can pass.
If you want to see a traditional performance, buy a ticket through an official theatre or a listing on its website, and check the time there. Avoid anyone on the street who offers to take you to a private show. Such offers are common, and they often end with a large bill.
Who this suits
Gion after dark suits couples and solo travellers who enjoy quiet, old streets. It is less suited to a group that wants loud nightlife. For a lively night, go to the Kawaramachi and Pontocho area instead.
What to do next
Gion is part of the Gion and Higashiyama area. Read the first day in Kyoto guide to see how Gion fits into a day of temples and streets.
