If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, Gion is a must-see destination. As one of the most famous districts in the city, Gion beautifully blends traditional charm with modern vibrancy. From its historic buildings and geisha culture to its unique shops and stunning streets, there's so much to explore here.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it offers an unforgettable experience. Wondering what to see here? Keep reading for our top 10 recommendations that are sure to make your visit memorable!
Explore the Beauty of Gion Street Kyoto
Gion Street mixes history, culture, and beautiful buildings that you won’t want to miss. Here are some top places and things to do for a memorable experience.
1. Walk Along Hanamikoji Street
Start your adventure by walking down Hanamikoji Street. This 360-meter cobblestone road is full of charm, with old wooden houses and red latticework that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll find traditional teahouses and restaurants along the way—some have been around since the Edo period.
And if luck’s on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of a maiko or geisha on their way to work. During the day, it’s peaceful and picture-perfect. At night, the soft glow from lanterns makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a movie. It’s one of those places where you just want to slow down and soak it all in.
Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto
Image Source: https://www.kyoto-to-do.com/hanamikoji-street/
2. Visit Yasaka Shrine
At the end of the street, there’s a big, bright orange shrine called Yasaka Shrine. It’s one of the most famous shrines in the Gion area and has a long history—over 1,350 years! Known as Gion-sha, this shrine is full of character and surrounded by nature. It’s dedicated to Susano’o no Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea, along with his wife Kushiinada-hime and their eight children, known as Yahashira no Mikogami.
Yasaka Shrine is hard to miss with its bold, two-story vermilion gate that faces the street. Once you step inside, you'll find smaller shrines too—some are even believed to help with things like beauty or finding love. The main hall is beautiful, and the prayer hall in front of it is strung with lanterns. It often becomes a stage for cultural events, especially performances by local geisha.
If you visit in July, you’re in for a treat. The shrine becomes the heart of Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s biggest festivals. The whole place is filled with energy, music, and tradition.
Yasaka Jinja
Image Source: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/yasaka-jinja
3. Watch a Geisha Show at Gion Corner
Want to see traditional Japanese arts all in one place? Head over to Gion Corner. It’s one of the must-visit spots in Kyoto, especially if you're short on time but want to experience a bit of everything. Gion Corner has one-hour shows that include a little bit of everything—tea ceremony, koto music (a traditional Japanese instrument), ikebana (flower arranging), gagaku (old court music), kyogen (funny short plays), Kyomai (Kyoto-style dance), and Bunraku (puppet theater).
The show takes place inside Yasaka Hall, on the north side of Gion’s Kaburenjo Hall. Real Maiko (apprentice geisha) and Geiko (geisha) perform here. There’s also a Maiko Gallery, where you can see hairpieces, costumes, and videos of Maiko dancing.
The highlight of the show is the Kyomai dance, performed by a real Maiko. It’s graceful and elegant. At the end of the performance, you can even take a photo with the Maiko.
Geisha Show
Image Source: https://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html
4. Enjoy Matcha in a Tea House
Kyoto is famous for matcha, a special kind of powdered green tea. And in Gion, it’s easy to find a cozy tea house where you can sit down and enjoy a cup. Matcha has a bold, slightly bitter taste, but when you pair it with a sweet treat, it balances out beautifully.
If you need a relaxing break while exploring, check out places like Gion Tsujiri or Itoh Kyuemon. Gion Tsujiri has been around since the 1800s. It started in Uji and later moved to Gion, where it became a local favorite for high-quality tea. The shop blends history and flavor perfectly.
Itoh Kyuemon is another great spot. This tea shop has been making tea since 1832! They work with expert farmers in the Uji area to hand-pick only the best tea leaves.
Gion Tsujiri
Image Source: https://www.giontsujiri.co.jp/en/aboutus/
5. Walk by Gion Shirakawa at Night
Gion Shirakawa is one of the prettiest streets in Kyoto, especially at night. It’s a quiet spot along the river, with stone paths, wooden bridges, and small traditional buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old movie.
In the evening, soft lights and lanterns glow along the path, creating a peaceful and dreamy vibe. It’s perfect for a calm walk after dinner or for snapping a few photos without the crowds. If you visit in the spring, the cherry blossoms add even more beauty. The whole street is lit up so you can enjoy the flowers even after the sun goes down.
It’s a mix of old Kyoto charm and modern magic—and one of the best spots for a quiet escape in the middle of the city.
Gion Shirakawa
Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com
6. Visit Kyoto Arashiyama Monogatari Shop
Kyoto Arashiyama Monogatari is a charming souvenir shop you don’t want to miss when you’re in Kyoto. It’s located at 〒605-0827 Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Yasakakamimachi 385-2, and it’s easy to find near Kiyomizu Temple and the Five-Storied Pagoda.
When you step inside, you’ll find a lovely mix of handmade treasures and traditional Japanese goods. The shop has a cozy, welcoming feel that makes it feel like you’re stepping into a storybook.
One of the best things about this shop is the free name embroidery they offer on any towel you buy. It’s a perfect way to get a personalized souvenir that’s unique to your trip. You’ll also find beautiful towels like the famous Imabari towel, local crafts, and other Japanese-style items you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or just looking around, this shop is a great place to find something special from Kyoto. You can reach them at 075-221-1322.
Kyoto Arashiyama Monogatari
Image Source: Kyoto Arashiyama Monogatari Shop
7. Try Traditional Sweets at Kagizen Yoshifusa
If you have a sweet tooth, Kagizen Yoshifusa is a must-visit in Kyoto! This shop has been making traditional Japanese sweets for over 300 years. Located in the historic Gion district, it’s the perfect place to try their famous kuzukiri – a jelly noodle dessert served with sweet syrup. It looks unique and tastes amazing!
The shop has a calm, traditional-style tea room where you can sit down and enjoy your treat in a peaceful setting. Their kuzukiri is made with kudzu, a plant carefully selected from Morino Yoshino Kuzu Honpo in Ouda, Nara. It’s dissolved in water, steamed, and sliced into thin noodles. The natural flavor of the kudzu really shines, giving it a smooth texture and chewy bite. Topped with brown sugar syrup made from Hateruma-grown black sugar, the taste is refreshing and rich. It’s a simple yet exquisite treat that you won’t forget!
Zen Cafe of Kagizen
Image Source: https://www.kagizen.co.jp/en/
8. See Kimono Rentals and Take Fun Photos
Have you ever wanted to try on a kimono? If you’re in Kyoto, especially in the Gion area, you're in luck! There are many rental shops where you can not only rent a beautiful kimono but also have your hair styled to complete the look. The experience is like stepping into another time as you wear one of Japan's most iconic garments.
Once you’re all dressed up, you can stroll around the historic streets of Gion, with its traditional buildings, shrines, and peaceful alleys. The scenery makes the perfect backdrop for fun and memorable photos.
9. Relax at Maruyama Park
After walking through Gion, Maruyama Park is a great place to relax. It’s right next to Yasaka Shrine and has lots of green space, trees, benches, and paths to walk on. You can sit down and enjoy the view or take a peaceful stroll through the park.
In the spring, the park is especially beautiful because of the cherry blossoms. The trees turn pink and white, and many people come here to enjoy picnics under the flowers. This is called "hanami" or flower viewing. Even if you visit when the cherry blossoms aren't in bloom, Maruyama Park is still a calm place to take a break and enjoy nature after a busy day of exploring Kyoto.
Maruyama Park
Image Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/
10. Explore the Beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous places to visit in Kyoto. It is known for having thousands of red gates, called torii, that lead up to the top of Mount Inari. The path through the gates feels magical, and as you walk, you’ll see many gates with names written on them.
This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and is a special place to visit. The walk to the top of the mountain can take some time, but even if you don’t go all the way up, the view and experience of walking through the gates is amazing. Whether you’re there for the pictures, the culture, or just to enjoy the peaceful walk, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a place you won’t forget.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/
Final Words
Gion Street Kyoto is a special place that shows what traditional Japan is like. Walking through its old streets feels like stepping back in time, while also enjoying modern things. Whether you’re learning about the culture or just admiring the views, Gion will stay with you. It’s a great place to create lasting memories in Kyoto.