Kyoto Gion Walk, Japan

Jan 6, 2025 | Asia, Historical Building, Japan, Neighborhood, Palace

Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and cultural charm.

Nijō Castle: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Pontocho: 179-2 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan
Minamiza Theater: 京都市東山区四条大橋東詰, Kyoto 605-0075, Japan
Tatsumi Bridge: Japan, 〒605-0084 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kiyomotocho, 372 祇園巽橋
Hanamikoji-dori: 569 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Date Picture Taken: October, 2024

The walk began at Nijō Castle in Kyoto.

Nijō Castle (二条城, Nijō-jō) is a historic landmark in Kyoto, Japan, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1603, it served as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603–1867), and symbolized the shogunate’s authority over the imperial court.

The first gate

The second gate

Ninomaru Palace is the main attraction of the castle, featuring ornate interiors with sliding doors (fusuma) adorned with elaborate paintings by the Kano School.

The palace includes “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) that emit a chirping sound when walked upon to alert guards of intruders.

These buildings are extensions of Ninomaru Palace

Honmaru Gate – this gate separates the inner and outer side of the palace

Honmaru Garden

Honmaru Palace and Gardens

The Honmaru, or “main circle of defense,” contains a second palace and a beautifully landscaped garden. Visitors can stroll through the area, though the Honmaru Palace is not always open to the public.

Photography was not allowed inside the palace

Exiting the inner side of the palace

Came back to the outer side of the palace

Exiting the outer side of the palace back into the city

I took a short subway ride and returned to the city center of Kyoto.

The Kamogawa River

Pontocho (先斗町, Ponto-chō) is one of Kyoto’s most famous and atmospheric dining and entertainment districts, located alongside the Kamogawa River. Known for its narrow, lantern-lit alleyways and traditional wooden machiya buildings, Pontocho is steeped in history and offers a quintessential Kyoto experience.

Pontocho has been a hub for entertainment since the Edo Period (1603–1867). It is traditionally associated with geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) culture, alongside Gion.

The area continues to host exclusive geisha performances in certain teahouses and restaurants.

Pontocho is renowned for its wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual izakayas to high-end kaiseki (multi-course) dining establishments.

An opening to the Kamogawa River, which flows alongside the Ponchoko

The alley is a narrow, pedestrian-only lane lined with traditional wooden buildings, creating a timeless and charming atmosphere.

Paper lanterns, often adorned with the logos or names of establishments, illuminate the streets at night.

Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s five hanamachi (geisha districts). Visitors may catch glimpses of geiko or maiko (apprentice geiko) walking to their appointments in the evening.

Out of Ponchoko to the main streets

Looked back at the alley

The river and the rear side of Ponchoko buildings

Across the bridge lies the Gion area.

Minamiza Theater – The Minamiza Theater (南座, Minamiza) is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a historic venue for kabuki theater, a traditional Japanese performing art. Located in the Gion district, the theater holds a prominent place in Japanese culture and history.

Established in the early 17th century, Minamiza is considered one of Japan’s oldest kabuki theaters and has been a hub for kabuki performances for centuries.

I turned left from the main road onto a narrower street leading to Tatsumi Bridge.

This region has many traditional houses

Tatsumi Bridge. Tatsumi Bridge (辰巳橋, Tatsumi-bashi) is a charming and historic stone bridge located in Kyoto’s Gion district. It spans a small canal along Shirakawa Minami-dori Street, a picturesque area known for its traditional atmosphere and scenic beauty.

From the bridge, I retraced my steps to return to Hanami-koji Dori.

Hanami-koji Dori

Hanami-koji Dori (花見小路通) is a famous and historic street in Kyoto’s Gion district, renowned for its traditional atmosphere, beautifully preserved architecture, and connection to the geisha culture. It is one of Kyoto’s most iconic destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.