Gion

Geographical district
★ 4.9 (23K+ reviews) • 251K+ booked
Located between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River, Gion is the charming Geisha district of Kyoto. The district is filled with shops, restaurants, and teahouses where geiko (Kyoto lingo for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain guests. You'll find elegant townhouses, teahouses, traditional restaurants, and ancient temples and a Gion shrine embracing you in its historic charm. Plus, Gion Matsuri, Japan's most renowned festival, happens right here! Although the grandest events of the Gion Festival take place across the Kamo River, Gion remains the heart of Geisha culture and Kabuki, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's captivating past with Gion festival celebrations.
See more
See more
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

The best of Gion

Bucket-list experiences

Gion Corner: Traditional Arts Performance

Gion Corner: Traditional Arts Performance

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (71)
₹ 3,327
Kyoto Kimono Rental by Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store

Kyoto Kimono Rental by Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.8 (278)
From ₹ 1,554
20 off
Sale
Kyoto Kimono Experience & Japanese Style Makeup & Photography (Kyoto Gion / Momoka Kimono Experience)

Kyoto Kimono Experience & Japanese Style Makeup & Photography (Kyoto Gion / Momoka Kimono Experience)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.9 (181)
From ₹ 2,073
₹ 3,601
Kyoto Gion Night Walk Small Group Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hour

Kyoto Gion Night Walk Small Group Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hour

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.8 (268)
From ₹ 4,068
Kimono rental experience (Kyoto/Kyoto Kimono Rei Gion Store)

Kimono rental experience (Kyoto/Kyoto Kimono Rei Gion Store)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.9 (214)
From ₹ 1,378
Gion Kimono Rental Experience (Kyoto Aiwafuku Gion Shijo Store)

Gion Kimono Rental Experience (Kyoto Aiwafuku Gion Shijo Store)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 5.0 (1)
From ₹ 2,641
Kyoto Gion Memoirs of a Geisha Private Walking Tour

Kyoto Gion Memoirs of a Geisha Private Walking Tour

Private group
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (9)
From ₹ 4,181
₹ 6,688
Kimono rental experience in Gion, Kyoto (provided by Kyoto/レンタル物first)

Kimono rental experience in Gion, Kyoto (provided by Kyoto/レンタル物first)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 5.0 (89)
From ₹ 3,001
Kyoto Higashiyama Gion Kimono & Photography Travel (Okimono House)

Kyoto Higashiyama Gion Kimono & Photography Travel (Okimono House)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (5)
From ₹ 1,441
40 off
Sale
Kimono/Yukata Rental/Photo Shoot (Kyoto, Gion-Shijo, Yasaka Shrine) Kimono Rental Misaki

Kimono/Yukata Rental/Photo Shoot (Kyoto, Gion-Shijo, Yasaka Shrine) Kimono Rental Misaki

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 5.0 (45)
From ₹ 1,500
Kyoto Gion Kimono/Yukata Rental & Photography Experience (provided by Sakura Kimono Oukakimono)

Kyoto Gion Kimono/Yukata Rental & Photography Experience (provided by Sakura Kimono Oukakimono)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.8 (94)
From ₹ 1,637

Make it a getaway

Rinn Gion Kenninji

Rinn Gion Kenninji

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (157)
From ₹ 6,342
₹ 11,844
Rinn Gion Yasaka

Rinn Gion Yasaka

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (20)
From ₹ 7,653
Kyoto Gion Hotel

Kyoto Gion Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (4)
From ₹ 5,570
Rinn Gion Shirakawa

Rinn Gion Shirakawa

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (41)
From ₹ 12,445
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (818)
From ₹ 15,085
Minn Gion

Minn Gion

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (142)
From ₹ 7,528
₹ 9,933
Laon Inn Gion Nawate

Laon Inn Gion Nawate

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (112)
From ₹ 4,372
Gion Elite Terrace

Gion Elite Terrace

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (53)
From ₹ 15,033
₹ 22,404
OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (40)
From ₹ 11,409
₹ 11,527
Gion Shinmonso

Gion Shinmonso

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (61)
From ₹ 11,328
Hiz Hotel Gion-Shirakawa

Hiz Hotel Gion-Shirakawa

Instant confirmation
From ₹ 5,242
Hotel Gion Ichirin

Hotel Gion Ichirin

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (49)
From ₹ 14,006

Trouble-free transport

Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner
From ₹ 4,365
Randen Pass

Randen Pass

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.5 (759)
From ₹ 382
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.6 (71)
₹ 655
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
₹ 7,366
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
₹ 7,366

All that's good & tasty

Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
From ₹ 4,201
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.2 (62)
From ₹ 3,953
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.5 (422)
From ₹ 2,953
Kurashita - Kaiseki in Kyoto, Gion

Kurashita - Kaiseki in Kyoto, Gion

Easy refund
★ 5.0 (1)
From ₹ 4,686
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
From ₹ 16,696
Gion Suetomo (祇園末友) in Higashiyama
₹ 25,710
10 off
Sale

More to explore

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (343)
From ₹ 2,183
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.8 (88)
Free

Why people love Gion

4.9 /5
23K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Amanda ********************
5 days ago
I loved this tour. Was expertly run and organised by tour leader Theodor, and his intern Scarlett, and ably assisted by the Master bus driver. We visited fabulous locations with lots of tips to get the most out of our time, and lots of laughs and fun. Theodor and Scarlett were excellent at their jobs and making us all feel comfortable and happy. Japan is amazing, but is even more so when people go out of the way to make it better and Theodor and Scarlett did this. Was very lucky to have met them both and am excited to return again soon!
2+
周 **
5 days ago
Tour guide Cui Haihua has excellent explanations that can be switched between Chinese, Korean and Japanese. He is also very enthusiastic and will answer any questions. Five-star praise.
Fellendorf ******
4 days ago
It was just great, I was able to borrow a beautiful Furisode kimono and got accessories and a simple hairstyle to go with it. The "simple" Furisode package had, in my opinion, a fairly small selection of Furisode kimonos and most of them were very colorful, which wasn't really my thing, but I did find a beautiful kimono. A simple obi is included but I opted for the upgrade with the bow because I didn't think the other one was quite right. Getting dressed was pretty quick and I also got socks. The lady kept asking if everything was OK while I was getting dressed, which I thought was really good. A simple hairstyle was included and I really liked it, I could choose between four hairstyles for long hair and found them all very beautiful. The hairstyle was enhanced with lots of accessories and looked beautiful. You're not that fast with the shoes you get and it can be a bit difficult to walk up stairs or mountains. But I would definitely book this again, it was a great experience wearing a Kinono in Kyoto and the shop was very clean and well organized. Definitely five stars!
1+
Joana ******
4 days ago
OOkini’s staffs are very helpful and professional. they really know what’s their craft. they will suggest the best dress and hairstyles that suits your facial features.
Princess ********
5 days ago
Super friendly and accommodating! If you're unsure about which kimono to choose, they'll assist and give great recommendations. 🤍
Klook User
5 days ago
Very nice place with friendly people! great customer service. Fast and lot of beautiful kimonos to chose from.
2+
Joyce *************
5 days ago
Our guide was Theodore. He contacted me the night before to provide the meeting point details. He also texted me when the bus was late due to traffic jam. He is quite versatile to be able to conduct the tour in both English and Manaarin. Though the tour started late, he tried to give us the same duration to explore each venue. Thanks.
Klook User
5 days ago
Raphael was a great guide, showing us everything around Gion and more, with Easter eggs and even taught us the proper etiquette and method of praying at a Shinto Shrine or a Buddhist Temple.
2+

Nearby places to go

363K+ visitors
821K+ visitors
269K+ visitors
399K+ visitors
337K+ visitors
351K+ visitors
645K+ visitors
494K+ visitors
398K+ visitors

FAQs about Gion

What is Gion famous for?

What does Gion mean?

Is it worth visiting Gion?

Where is Gion?

Where can I see a geisha in Kyoto?

What to know before visiting Gion

What to do in Gion District, Kyoto

Hanami-koji Street

Hanami-koji Street, stretching from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple, is the most popular spot in Gion. This vibrant area offers upscale dining experiences in preserved machiya houses turned restaurants. Try Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) and a variety of local and international dishes amidst the charming alleys.

Shirakawa area

Explore the scenic Shirakawa area in Gion, by the peaceful Shirakawa Canal next to Shijo Avenue. Willow trees, top-notch restaurants, and charming teahouses line the canal, offering a quieter vibe compared to the lively Hanami-koji Street.

Kyomai Dance

Experience the graceful Kyomai dance, a traditional Japanese art form inspired by noh theater and the imperial court. Watch maiko from Gion Kobu perform intricate movements in the elegant style of Kyoto's teahouse parlors.

Ochaya

Enjoy the exclusive delight of dining at an ochaya while maiko or geiko entertain you with conversation, drinks, games, and traditional dances. Meeting a geiko used to be rare and costly, but now, tourists with the budget can enjoy this experience through special packages offered by travel agencies and hotels. Some services are even tailored for foreign visitors without Japanese language skills.

Shijo Avenue

Shijo Avenue divides the charming Gion district and is a vibrant shopping hub. Here, you'll find a variety of stores offering local delights like sweets, pickles, and crafts.

Tips for Your Gion Visit

When is the best time to visit Gion?

The most enchanting times to visit Gion in Kyoto Prefecture are during the cherry blossom season in spring (April) and the autumn foliage season (November). These periods offer stunning natural scenery and coincide with major cultural events like the Miyako Odori and Gion Odori.

How to get to Gion?

Gion is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest train station is Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line. Additionally, several bus routes serve the area at the Gion bus stop, making it convenient to reach Gion from various parts of Kyoto.

Reaching Gion from Kyoto Station is quite straightforward. You can take bus number 206, which takes about 20 minutes and costs 230 yen. Alternatively, you can use the train and get off at Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.

Is Gion closed to tourists?

No, Gion is not closed to tourists. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful streets, shops, tea houses, and cultural attractions of the Gion district in Kyoto. Enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture, savor local delicacies, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elegant geisha and maiko while strolling through this historic neighborhood. Gion welcomes countless visitors eager to explore its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.