Kyoto Attractions
Geisha © rumpleteaser
Gion
Most visitors to Japan are fascinated with the traditional
Geisha: white-faced kimono-clad women specially trained to
entertain and spoil men in a soothing setting. Kyoto boasts one of
the most famous Geisha districts in the country, a neighbourhood of
plain wooden buildings to the east of the Kamo River known as Gion.
There were once thousands of Geisha and maiko (apprentice Geisha)
performing their genteel tasks in this area. Today the number has
dwindled to a few hundred, but visitors who stroll the Hanami-koji
street at sunset, past teahouses and restaurants, will probably
catch a glimpse of one or two en route to the geisha houses in
their clattering wooden shoes. The geisha houses themselves are
strictly off-limits to anyone not properly introduced and invited,
but from behind the paper screens you will hear the strains of
music and laughter. While geisha-spotting in the Gion district,
take in the Yasaka Shrine with its many paper lanterns, and the
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.
Website: www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en;
Transport: Train to Keihan Shijo station, or bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station
