Ooh, Gion. Where do I even begin? The neighborhood that oozes quintessential Japanese charm and age old traditions. It’s enchanting. It’s mysterious. It’s intriguing and evocative. Gion originated in the Middle Ages to provide accommodation for pilgrims to Yasaka Shrine, gradually evolving as the most exclusive and well-known entertainment neighborhoods in Japan. Most often referred to as Kyoto’s Geisha District, Gion lies north to south of Shijo Street and stretches from Kamo River in the west all the way to Yasaka Shrine in the east. 
Beautifully preserved wooden ochaya, or teahouses, where geisha entertain affluent clientele, line up along the narrow winding streets which have retained much of its original character. 
I loved meandering through the picturesque maze of cobbled alleyways which looked more like a movie set of an Edo period, filling me with the sense of suspended time. 
The ancient city of Kyoto is invariably imbued with allure and mysteries of geishas. Spotting them whilst roaming the winding streets is as hard as finding a tiger in a jungle. I guess I got a bit lucky to spot one while she was en route to one of her appointment, gracefully shuffling in cumbersome zori sandals and exquisite kimono. 
What are the best places to visit in Gion? Make sure to roam Hanami-koji-dori (the section between Shijo-dori and Kennin-ji Temple) as well as Ninen-zaka Path and Ishibei-koji to soak up the quaint atmosphere as well as peruse the jumble of shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. 
My favorite part was wandering the labyrinth of Higashiyama area, in particular, the quaint streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It was at its most atmospheric at dusk, when the crowds die down, sun sets and lanterns are lit. It’s perfect strolling territory, with narrow stone-paved lanes that wind their way through tidy, aged neighborhoods; spires of pagodas that peak above silvery rooftops and the crisscrossing patterns of electrical lines; and temples and shrines that intermingle with modern day shops and homes. 
Although the best way to discover the allure of Gion is by simply wandering among its nooks and crannies. Take time and get lost in the narrowest of passages infused with a somewhat mystical ambiance to uncover the unique charm that makes this city tick. You will not be disappointed!
xoxo, nano
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Linking up with wonderful ladies at Monday Escapes, Wanderful Wednesday, Photo Friday.
Your pictures are so stunning! They totally make me want to visit Kyoto now! Thanks for the inspiration :)
Thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear my readers are inspired from what I post :)
These pictures look amazing. Gion district is pretty interesting to walk around in and these pictures brought back lots of memories. We spotted some geisha too (or maybe they were maiko) when we were there. #mondayescapes
Thank you so much for reading! I agree, Gion is so special and atmospheric. I’m glad you managed to meet Geisha too, they are hard to spot.
What wonderful photos- it is like stepping into a bubble where time has slowed right down. Such a gorgeous place and this really captures how atmospheric it is. #mondayescapes
Thank you so much! :)
Wow! Wow! Wow! Ever since reading Memoirs of Geisha many moons ago I’ve wanted to visit Japan. Your pictures stunning and it really encapsulated the atmosphere!
Gosh, thank you! It means a lot! :) Kyoto is truly magical.
Such a wonderful place to get lost and discover things!
I agree, looked like a fairytale :)
Beautiful photos! This really does look like the most charming and magical place. I love the way the photos guide you in a bit closer, and this is definitely somewhere I would love to wander around one day! :)
Thank you Marcella! I hope you visit here soon, I’d be happy to take you around :)
That’d be great, if only Chile wasn’t so far from everywhere ;)
Nice photos and article. You took me back to Gion: thanks :-) It is an enchanting area, but it was packed when we visited!
Thank you!! I agree, it can get extremely crowded during the day, almost suffocating and unpleasant. That’s why I went back again at dusk, most of the crowd was gone and the streets regained its allure. :)
Wow! It must be great for you to experience the allure of Gion. I think its as fascinating as the Shinto site of Japan. Definitely gonna put that on my list when I travel to Japan!
Thanks for reading! It certainly is a place you don’t tire to revisit :)