Gion district

Modern development has certainly changed the city’s appearance, but some districts have remained just as they were a century or more ago. Among them are the geisha quarters of Gion and Pontocho. A geisha is an artist who entertains guests through dance and song, conducts tea ceremonies, and engages in elegant conversation. They wear kimono along with traditional makeup and hairstyles. Since April 2024, it has been impossible to visit Gion, as local authorities have banned entry to the district due to the overwhelming number of tourists disrupting residents’ daily lives. Gion is the most famous of the five hanamachi (neighborhoods where geisha live): Kamishichiken, Bontocho, Miyagawacho, Gion Kobu, and Gion Higashi. The area is filled with old ochaya (teahouses — the most famous being Ichiriki Ochaya, with traditional architecture and a 300-year history); ryotei (traditional restaurants hosting evening performances); modern restaurants offering world cuisines; and machiya (traditional townhouses).