The Gion District is an entertainment area and one of the remaining geisha areas. Hanamikoji, is a street where most of the 17th century wooden teahouses are to be found and a place to catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Gion Corner is a theatre (Yasaka Hall, Hanamikoji Shijo-sagaru), where one can experience an overview of 7 kinds of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment in single setting (about 1 hour): Kyoto style Dance, Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony, Japanese Harp, Comic Play, Court Music and Puppet Play.
You can also find shops on Shijo Dori selling traditional sweets, combs, lanterns etc.
The Gion District also has a modern area with discos & bars, but these are mostly exclusive for Japanese, not foreign tourist.
The best time to experience the Gion District is at night when it is buzzing with activity and hanging lanterns are lit. The best time to spot a geisha is somewhere between 5pm and 7pm as most go to work at this time.
Location
The Gion District is near Shijo Dori/Hanamikoji, east of Kamo river in central Kyoto.
How to Get There
Keihan Main Line. Get off at Shijo Station
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