A Guide to Gion District in Kyoto | Must-See Attractions & Popular Activities

A community of Kyoto that is known for its traditional wooden storefronts and rich Geisha culture, Gion is a district that celebrates the past and present of Japan. While in Gion, visitors can dine at award-winning restaurants, visit one of its ryokans, take in the natural beauty of its wilderness, watch the Geishas perform traditional dance and theatrical moves, and lodge in expertly designed hotel rooms that allow for a tranquil experience. Gion offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and historical charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Kyoto.

In this article, we’ll guide you through some of Gion’s most iconic attractions, beginning with Tatsumi Bridge, a picturesque spot known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. We’ll also explore the Japan Kanji Museum & Library, where you can learn about the intricate art of Japanese calligraphy and the history of the Kanji script. Discover the cultural performances at Gion Corner, a venue that showcases various traditional Japanese arts, including tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and puppet theater. The article will also delve into the serene Yasaka Shrine, a spiritual hub, as well as the historic Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. Don’t miss the grandeur of Heian Jingu Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine with lush gardens. Finally, we’ll discuss the best hotels to stay in within Gion, offering a perfect mix of comfort, elegance, and tranquility. Whether you’re a history lover or a first-time visitor, Gion offers a memorable experience for everyone.

A Complete Guide for Exploring Gion, Kyoto

Gion is a special place that offers lessons in history, culture, and tradition to all who visit. It is a place where people can relax and tap into their inner spirituality while enjoying all of the modern conveniences of a major metropolitan area. From fine hotels to interesting attractions and fine food, guests will enjoy all that there is to see and do in Gion.

Must-See Attractions in Gion

Along with ancient shrines and temples, Gion is home to new-age attractions that highlight the culture and diversity of this stunning city. From museums to dinner with Maiko events, guests will find a variety of fun and interactive attractions to experience. Here are some of the best attractions Gion has to offer:

Tatsumi Bridge

Idyllic and quaint, Tatsumi Bridge leads visitors across the Kamo River and all of its picture-perfect beauty. Guests will want to be sure to bring a camera with them when checking out this bridge! If it looks familiar, it is because a replica of this bridge was built for a scene set in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha. The pathway along the bridge is made of natural stone and is lined with fragrant cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom during the spring months. Tatsumi Bridge is an amazing attraction to visit during the day as well as at night. When the sun goes down, this bridge is lit by red lanterns that give it a warm and ambient vibe – perfect for a date night. This bridge is open 24 hours a day for your viewing pleasure.

Japan Kanji Museum & Library

The Japanese written language consists of over 5,000 written characters and visitors can see each and every one of them while visiting the Japan Kanji Museum & Library. This fun and interactive museum is dedicated entirely to the written language of the country and visitors can touch, play with, and learn about all of the characters and about the history of the language while visiting. Japan Kanji Museum & Library opened in 2016 and features a modern feel throughout. The wall in the main corridor is lined with a large timeline of the development of the language from its roots in China. There is even a tower inside where all of the characters are displayed for visitors to look at. Interactive exhibits teach guests what each character means and the significance of the character. Japan Kanji Museum & Library is open from 9:30am to 5pm every day of the week except for Mondays. Admission to get into the museum and library is 500 JPY for adults and 300 JPY for kids.

Gion Corner

A place where visitors can get a taste of Japanese performing arts, Gion Corner inside of Yasaka Hall has it all. At Gion Corner visitors can take their seats inside of this fascinating theater and watch seven different types of performances by professional actors and musicians. At Gion Corner guests can watch as Maiko perform traditional dance moves, actors portray life in a comical matter in a Kyogen theater show and listen to music that was typically heard at the Imperial Palace. Guests will be in for an entertainment show of a lifetime when reserving a seat at one of these shows. Shows start daily at 6pm and 7pm and admission to get in is 3,150 JPY for adults, 2,200 JPY for students, and 1,900 JPY for children.

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Popular Temples and Shrines in Gion

Gion is home to shrines and temples that date back several centuries and guests are welcome to explore them and learn about the dynamic history of the region. These historical landmarks celebrate the legacy of former leaders as well as religious figures that have made a huge impact on what Gion is today. Here is a look at some of the most popular temples and shrines to check out while you are in town:

Yasaka Shrine

Located in the heart of the city, Yasaka Shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire region. This ornate shrine is home to the annual Gion Matsuri festival that occurs in July, drawing in thousands of tourists and locals. Yasaka Shrine was constructed over 1300 years ago and is a great place to visit day or night. It features an inner sanctuary, an offering hall, and several smaller buildings. Guests are welcome to stop in and check it out during the day and partake in a guided tour. By night, the shrine comes alive when it is all lit up, and guests are welcome to admire its beauty and take part in lantern release ceremonies. Plan to visit Yasaka Shrine during the month of April when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom to admire the beauty and take in the fragrant floral smell. Yasaka Shrine is open 24 hours a day and admission is free.

Kenninji Temple

A famed Zen Buddhist temple in the heart of the city, Kenninji Temple is considered to be one of the most important temples in the region and is home to a main building and gardens that visitors are welcome to check out and learn more about Zen Buddhism. Kenninji Temple was constructed in the year 1202 and is the oldest temple of the city. The temple is decked out in traditional Japanese architecture and features an impressive Zen garden at the back of the property known as “the garden of the sound of the tide”. In the garden, visitors can check out the native flora and fauna and meditate near the Buddhist and two monk stone monuments. Inside the temple, visitors can sit on one of the tatami mats and meditate or check out the artwork that lines the walls and the ceiling. Staff are on hand to share information about the Buddhist religion and about this historic temple. Kenninji Temple is open from 10am to 5pm most months of the year, and is closed from December 28-31. Admission into Kenninji Temple is 500 JPY per person.

Heian Jingu Shrine

Constructed in 1895, Heian Jingu Shrine was built in memory of the emperors of the past who ruled the land. This shrine was designed to mimic the Imperial Palace and it is adorned in beautiful flower gardens and cherry blossom trees that bloom to glory in April. Within the gates of the shrine, guests will find the main memorial building as well as museums where they can learn about important military and religious leaders of the region. For guests who will be in town during the month of October, stop by to take part in the annual Jidai Festival, which celebrates the founding of Gion thousands of years ago. Heian Jingu Shrine is open daily from 6am to 5:30pm and admission is free to both adults and kids.

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Fine Restaurants and Teahouses in Gion

Trying to decide on the best teahouses or restaurants to dine at while visiting Gion? Here are some of the most popular hot spots among tourists and residents alike.

• Tsujiri Tea House, Gion Main Shop – A tantalizing tea and sweets shop where all menu items are made from the superior green tea of the region. Guests can sip on a hot cup of tea or sink their teeth into soft-serve ice cream that is dolled out with cakes and other pastries. Tsuijiri Tea House is open from Monday-Friday 10am to 8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7:30pm.
• Lipton Tea House – A tea house for those who enjoy a variety of blends, this tea house is known by tea enthusiasts of the world and features everything from black tea to white tea and green tea as well as snacks and confections. This tea house is open from 10am to 9:30pm Sunday-Thursday, and from 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
• Gion Hatanaka – Featuring an ambient dining experience, complete with performances by traditional Japanese Geishas, this restaurant serves up traditional Japanese cuisine with endless cups of locally crafted sake. Reservations should be made in advance as seats fill up quickly.
• Sushi Matsumoto – No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in some expertly-crafted fresh sushi, and this restaurant is among the best that the region offers. Sushi Matsumoto is the proud recipient of two Michelin stars and is open for lunch and dinner all days of the week except for Tuesday.
• Gion Café – For those who can’t decide whether they want to visit a tea house or a fine restaurant, Gion Café offers both. This place serves up piping-hot and ice-cold tea drinks and a variety of French food and is open from 10am to 10pm daily.

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The Best Hotels to Stay at in Kyoto

Home to 5-star luxury hotels, quaint bed and breakfast inns, and a variety of hostels that appeal to solo travelers who are looking for a budget-friendly lodging option, Gion offers a variety of pl