Location: Gion
Top Things to do in Gion
What to do and see in Gion, Kinki: The Best Things to do
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Gion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,276 reviews
The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.
Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea
We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.
2. Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
The Gion Koubu Kaburenjo (where Miyako Odori is performed) are temporary closed due to the initiation of long-term building maintenance (earthquake protection measures).
Reviewed By floridakeys2009
I believe the Gion Koby theatre is closed at the moment and for now the show took place in the Yasaka Hall. There are two shows one at 18.00 and one at 19.00. There are no reservations but the ticketing office open half an hour before and best to get there early as there are a limited number of seats. You can take photos but no flash. Al of the commentary is repeated in English. The show features a number of Japanese culture sets. Starting with a tea ceremony..... (Chado) this is followed by the music of the Koto ( a thirteen stringed instrument from about 1300 years ago) with a demonstration of Kano. A flower arrangement. Next up a Gagaku, which is an ancient court music ‘elegant’ is the description but I actually quite fierce with a masked dragon type individual and three musicians. This was followed by kyogen, an ancient comic play and despite it being played out in Japanese was actually quite funny. Then two dances from Maiko (trainee geisha) Kyomai (Kyoto style dance) our Maiko was Mame and Tama. Beautiful, the intricate movements and positions a pleasure to watch. The show ends with a puppet play, Bunraku, this is mesmerising and quite specials. The puppet is managed or played by three puppeteers in all, the main man unmasked the rest cloaked in black cloth so to blend in, the movement of the puppet is something to observe, very enthralling, it certainly draws you in. A great hour and definitely go to event in Kyoto.
3. Miyagawacho Kaburenjo
4. Kennin-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 991 reviews
Reviewed By caj68 - Staines, United Kingdom
I was hoping to see Geishas and Maikos and wandered along a street that ended up at this Temple. I'm glad I found it as there are some beautiful artwork especially the dragons and there was a stunning 3D blue ink water scene.
5. Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The founding of the Minamiza Theatre goes all the way back to the beginning of the Edo Period (1596-1615). It is said that Izumo no Okuni performed 'kabuki odori' ('kabuki dances') in Kyoto in 1603 which attracted great attention, and during the same period, the dry bed of the Kamo River developed as a 'Theatre town' filled with the bustle and excitement of the people. The Minamiza Theatre started around this time, and has stood at this place for over 400 years always remaining at the center of entertainment, including kabuki. The Minamiza Theatre was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1996 and was even registered as a Structure of Historical Design in Kyoto shortly after. It will stage a wide range of productions throughout the year, from 'traditional Japanese performing arts' to 'the newest live entertainments'.
Reviewed By pugsly14 - Canberra, Australia
We saw a performance in this grand theatre and it was amazing. The building itself is beautiful, especially the interior. The show itself was fantastic - an outstanding performance by talented artists. The singing and music was magical, not to mention the choreography and costumes. In some theatre performances I find myself looking at my watch to see how long the show has been going, but I never did during this show. From start to finish I was mesmerised.
6. Shinbashi Dori
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By billkhoe
That’s what it’s been called in guidebooks and I agree. I spent time there during cherry blossom weeks and in autumn, the busiest and best time to go. I never get tired of it. Those who say so so, I challenge them to hear what’s more striking.
7. Yoshimoto Gion Kagetsu
8. Gion Matsuri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
The Gion Matsuri is Japan's most famous festival, with its origins reaching back all the way to 869. Spanning the whole month of July, it is studded with benchmark events. The most breathtaking of these is the Yamaboko Junko on July 17th, which sees a procession of 80-foot tall wheeled floats paraded throughout the city. The event is repeated on a smaller scale on the 24th. Yoiyama evening celebrations leading up to the parade close off the main streets to automotive traffic and fill them instead with food, drink, and game stalls. Visitors earlier in the month are welcome to watch the massive floats being assembled by hand for the celebration.
9. Higashiyama Hanatouro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Higashiyama Hanatouro is one of Kyoto's most anticipated and celebrated local festivals. Over 2,500 bamboo lanterns light the walking path leading to the foothills of beautiful Higashiyama Mountain by nightfall, illuminating the pathways, temples, and parkland in their wake. Visitors carry flowers and paper lanterns, a stroll leisurely, taking in the enchanting glow, and large, fantastical displays of ikebana flowers are specially constructed to delight viewers. Special events take place throughout, with evenings featuring geisha dancing at the local temples, and school children playing drums and singing songs. The illumination takes place nightly during the festival, between 6:00-9:30pm.
10. Pass The Baton, Kyoto Gion
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