Kyoto

Exploring Gion

So much to see and enjoy!

Cathy Cawood Oct 19, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Two maiko-san (real or otherwise) stroll along the street</p>

<p>A rickshaw waits for tourists who have stopped to pose while their driver takes photos</p>

<p>A couple wearing kimono pray at Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine</p>

<p>This doorway has an understated elegance</p>

<p>Red lanterns and pink flowers at Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine</p>

<p>A small bamboo rail fence along Minami-Shirakawa Street</p>

<p>Gion Post Office is small, old and cute!  </p>

<p>A rickshaw bowls along Higashioji Street</p>

<p>Just in case you didn't realize where you are  </p>

<p>A tiny shrine opposite Minamiza Theater is almost completely covered in pilgrim stickers!</p>

<p>Curtains over doorways flutter in the breeze</p>

<p>Be on the lookout for a giant radish!</p>

If you walk around Gion area you will see many sights to interest and charm you. Probably everyone hopes to see a geisha, and perhaps you will, although she may not be genuine - she may be a dressed up tourist! Mysterious and elegant restaurants are plentiful, and rickshaws are a common sight. Don't miss Gion's cute old post office and or Minami Shirakawa Dori, or the small shrine opposite Minamiza theater. However I don't recommend the okonomiyaki at the interesting looking restaurant next to the shrine. Look around, but eat somewhere else!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...