Thank you so much for choosing Kyoto Fun
We know you only have a limited time in Kyoto and we want to thank you for sharing some of your precious time with us.
Here is a little recap of where we went on this tour
Thanks again for joining us on a stroll of the Gion & Higashiyama districts learning about the world of the Geisha (or "Geiko-san" as they are known in Kyoto) and the apprentice Maiko-san. We also hope you enjoyed the chance to see the beautiful streets, temple grounds and shrine in the relative calm of the evening. Here is a little recap on what we usually cover on the Gion Night Walk. Note that due to time constraints we may not cover all the below on every tour.
Places visited on the tour
After meeting up at the local 7-11, we started walking towards one of the quietest districts of the area, the beautiful Miyagawa-cho where the geisha live and work. Here is a great place to talk a bit about the origin of the geisha and their unique world that has developed over the centuries but is still steeped in tradition. If we were lucky, we may have seen a maiko or geiko or two on their way to an appointment in full dress!
After walking through here and taking in the charming glow of the beautiful lantern lit alleys we went to the grounds of the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kennin-ji. This is a really cool place to discover with the huge "hondo" hall which houses a painting of twin dragons on the ceiling. The oldest zen temple in Kyoto built in 1202. Here was a good place to chat a bit about Zen Buddhism and about the hard life of meditation and solving funny "koan" riddles too.
After feeling all zen, we then walked up the hill and visited a Shinto shrine. Here we talked more about the native beliefs of the Japanese and how each shrine has a different specialty. And at this shrine, Yasui Kompira Gu, the ladies of the old days used to visit here to try and break off relationships with their lovers. In fact, now people partake in a little ritual where they climb through a large monolith stone to break off bad relationships, not only human ones but also unhealthy habits or disease too.
After the shrine, we strolled further East to the Higashiyama area and saw the beautiful area of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Here we also got that postcard view of the Yasaka Pagoda. I told you a bit about the unique structure and we then walked along chatting more about the history and culture of Japan.
We made our way towards the famous Yasaka Shrine and this was beautiful to see with all the lanterns lit up. I showed you how to do a Shinto prayer at this one which promises business success. Then we walked back to the other side of town. On the way back to where we had met we passed by some of the places where the "contemporary geisha" work, the many hostess bars and lounges. The well-heeled crowd of Kyoto likes to come here to play at night.
Finally we (time permitting) took a stroll up to the Shirakawa river area and crossed the Tatsumi bridge and saw all the restaurants overlooking a small stream with a beautiful night atmosphere. We hope you enjoyed discovering this beautiful part of Kyoto at the best time of day to discover it!
Places visited on the tour
- Miyagawa-cho: a popular geisha district especially for dormitories
- Kenninji Temple: a zen temple grounds in the centre of Gion
- Hanamikoji Street: the most busy street in Gion
- Yasui Kompiragu: a shrine for breaking off relationships!
- Yasaka Pagoda: one of the most epic views in Kyoto
- Ninenzaka: a preserved district with cobble stoned streets
- Yasaka Shrine: a large and impressive shrine to pray for business success
- Shijo Street: the main street lined with shops
- Shirakawa/Shimbashi Streets: another preserved district along a lovely stream
After meeting up at the local 7-11, we started walking towards one of the quietest districts of the area, the beautiful Miyagawa-cho where the geisha live and work. Here is a great place to talk a bit about the origin of the geisha and their unique world that has developed over the centuries but is still steeped in tradition. If we were lucky, we may have seen a maiko or geiko or two on their way to an appointment in full dress!
After walking through here and taking in the charming glow of the beautiful lantern lit alleys we went to the grounds of the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kennin-ji. This is a really cool place to discover with the huge "hondo" hall which houses a painting of twin dragons on the ceiling. The oldest zen temple in Kyoto built in 1202. Here was a good place to chat a bit about Zen Buddhism and about the hard life of meditation and solving funny "koan" riddles too.
After feeling all zen, we then walked up the hill and visited a Shinto shrine. Here we talked more about the native beliefs of the Japanese and how each shrine has a different specialty. And at this shrine, Yasui Kompira Gu, the ladies of the old days used to visit here to try and break off relationships with their lovers. In fact, now people partake in a little ritual where they climb through a large monolith stone to break off bad relationships, not only human ones but also unhealthy habits or disease too.
After the shrine, we strolled further East to the Higashiyama area and saw the beautiful area of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Here we also got that postcard view of the Yasaka Pagoda. I told you a bit about the unique structure and we then walked along chatting more about the history and culture of Japan.
We made our way towards the famous Yasaka Shrine and this was beautiful to see with all the lanterns lit up. I showed you how to do a Shinto prayer at this one which promises business success. Then we walked back to the other side of town. On the way back to where we had met we passed by some of the places where the "contemporary geisha" work, the many hostess bars and lounges. The well-heeled crowd of Kyoto likes to come here to play at night.
Finally we (time permitting) took a stroll up to the Shirakawa river area and crossed the Tatsumi bridge and saw all the restaurants overlooking a small stream with a beautiful night atmosphere. We hope you enjoyed discovering this beautiful part of Kyoto at the best time of day to discover it!
Restaurant recommendations for after the tour
Gion Danran: Casual Teppanyaki
This is a tiny little restaurant tucked away on a quiet little street but it's a real gem. The married couple make it a friendly atmosphere and the food is incredibly good. Simple dishes but very flavourful.
https://goo.gl/maps/yyrfhhdaUg5kioGp7
Gion Sho: Obanzai
This is obanzai style meaning small dishes of meat, fish and vegetables all served on small shareable plates. It has a pleasant and cosy atmosphere with the opportunity to book the private room on the 2nd floor too.
https://goo.gl/maps/XprdDzEVa3YBavqc8
Kyoasobi: Yakitori
A new favourite of mine right in the heart of Gion. Lots of delicious chicken options, but you can also get wagyu beef, tons of vegetable options and a decent drink list too. A great option for groups as we can all order our favourite thing.
https://goo.gl/maps/ovJkQCpqLhM6EN2S9
Gion Duck Noodles: Ramen
One of the fancier ramen restaurants I have ever been to, this place has a French influence and uses duck as the base for the broth among other ingredients. Also highly recommended by the Ramen Beast, a friend of Kyoto Fun.
https://goo.gl/maps/u2NT2tBzxqv7FP3F6
Toku: Wagyu Yakiniku
A yaki-niku BBQ place with great views out the window to the Kamo River. You can even book a private booth for groups of four or more. Choose from several cuts of beef from all over Japan and enjoy grilling them at your table. Fun and casual way to enjoy delicious "wagyu"
https://goo.gl/maps/Rb9PJogYWry5i3QM9
Squilo: Tempura
A tiny little place with just seats for 5 people, you can watch the chef prepare the food before your eyes. A friendly place with super yummy tempura.
https://goo.gl/maps/JS2oSMxWfxdc8h1P9
Kyoya Kiyomizu Shimbashi 京家きよみず 祇をん新橋
Another obanzai favourite with tasty tempura, sashimi, salads and more.
https://goo.gl/maps/fGeWt9cweYFbhCVV7
Udon MAIN
One of the tastiest udon places I know with a very creative menu and cool atmosphere.
https://goo.gl/maps/jfxmBLZ2X4KQyBJ1A
Enoteca Irodori
Their specialty is deep friend skewers of vegetables and meats dipped into a rich and tangy brown sauce. They even have deep fried cheese cake! Very good value and tasty. Just 1 min walk from where the tour begins.
https://goo.gl/maps/8y1LUTHtxxPdiqxg7
Want to find something else?
This is a tiny little restaurant tucked away on a quiet little street but it's a real gem. The married couple make it a friendly atmosphere and the food is incredibly good. Simple dishes but very flavourful.
https://goo.gl/maps/yyrfhhdaUg5kioGp7
Gion Sho: Obanzai
This is obanzai style meaning small dishes of meat, fish and vegetables all served on small shareable plates. It has a pleasant and cosy atmosphere with the opportunity to book the private room on the 2nd floor too.
https://goo.gl/maps/XprdDzEVa3YBavqc8
Kyoasobi: Yakitori
A new favourite of mine right in the heart of Gion. Lots of delicious chicken options, but you can also get wagyu beef, tons of vegetable options and a decent drink list too. A great option for groups as we can all order our favourite thing.
https://goo.gl/maps/ovJkQCpqLhM6EN2S9
Gion Duck Noodles: Ramen
One of the fancier ramen restaurants I have ever been to, this place has a French influence and uses duck as the base for the broth among other ingredients. Also highly recommended by the Ramen Beast, a friend of Kyoto Fun.
https://goo.gl/maps/u2NT2tBzxqv7FP3F6
Toku: Wagyu Yakiniku
A yaki-niku BBQ place with great views out the window to the Kamo River. You can even book a private booth for groups of four or more. Choose from several cuts of beef from all over Japan and enjoy grilling them at your table. Fun and casual way to enjoy delicious "wagyu"
https://goo.gl/maps/Rb9PJogYWry5i3QM9
Squilo: Tempura
A tiny little place with just seats for 5 people, you can watch the chef prepare the food before your eyes. A friendly place with super yummy tempura.
https://goo.gl/maps/JS2oSMxWfxdc8h1P9
Kyoya Kiyomizu Shimbashi 京家きよみず 祇をん新橋
Another obanzai favourite with tasty tempura, sashimi, salads and more.
https://goo.gl/maps/fGeWt9cweYFbhCVV7
Udon MAIN
One of the tastiest udon places I know with a very creative menu and cool atmosphere.
https://goo.gl/maps/jfxmBLZ2X4KQyBJ1A
Enoteca Irodori
Their specialty is deep friend skewers of vegetables and meats dipped into a rich and tangy brown sauce. They even have deep fried cheese cake! Very good value and tasty. Just 1 min walk from where the tour begins.
https://goo.gl/maps/8y1LUTHtxxPdiqxg7
Want to find something else?
For tips on travel and more. We also have recently launched the Kyoto Fun Podcast. Find it on iTunes or Spotify too.
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Arigato! ありがとうございます ！
Arigato! ありがとうございます ！
