Gion, the old Kyoto district renowned for its Geisha community, is by far the biggest tourist attraction not only in Kyoto but throughout the entire country. It occupies a relatively small area around the Shijo-dori, between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west, and it includes two famous streets, one alongside the Shirakawa Canal and the other, Hanami-koji-dori, located between the Shijo-dori and the Kenninji Temple.

A stroll on Hanami-koji-dori should be like a travel in time. It should, because the street, with its old machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) preserved as in the old times, is absolutely gorgeous, but…
… the street is not pedestrian only and especially on evenings, a large number of taxis, motorcycles and even… buses are crowding the narrow street, forcing the visitors to constantly be alert for traffic. And the traffic by itself shouldn’t be an issue, buy the taxis often stop, desperately trying to drop their customers exactly in front of the door, forcing the pedestrians to walk in the middle of the street…

So, if you want to enjoy the traditional scenery on the Hanami-koji-dori, you may want to visit Gion in the morning… but of course, the teahouses and restaurants do not open early, so consider an evening visit, too…

Geisha, Hanami-koji Street, Gion, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Traditional Japanese Kite