Things to do in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

November 1, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Gion

Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-531-2288 http://www.gion.or.jp/
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,276 reviews

Gion

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the tea houses and private clubs, that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.

Reviewed By aejook - Seoul, South Korea

We stayed in a Ryokan in Gion n we could not be more satisfied. It is close enough to the center of the city n near Kiyomizdera, as well as many attractions such as ninenzaka, sannenzaka. Even with so many attractions near by, the streets were very quiet and clean. At night, it is very safe to walk around and I am so glad that I stayed here rather than near the busy streets or the station because Gion is close enough to bus stops, subway stops, n shopping areas.

2. Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

570-2 Giommachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-541-3391 http://www.miyako-odori.jp/kaburenjyo/index.html
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

The Gion Koubu Kaburenjo (where Miyako Odori is performed) are temporary closed due to the initiation of long-term building maintenance (earthquake protection measures).

Reviewed By floridakeys2009

I believe the Gion Koby theatre is closed at the moment and for now the show took place in the Yasaka Hall. There are two shows one at 18.00 and one at 19.00. There are no reservations but the ticketing office open half an hour before and best to get there early as there are a limited number of seats. You can take photos but no flash. Al of the commentary is repeated in English. The show features a number of Japanese culture sets. Starting with a tea ceremony..... (Chado) this is followed by the music of the Koto ( a thirteen stringed instrument from about 1300 years ago) with a demonstration of Kano. A flower arrangement. Next up a Gagaku, which is an ancient court music ‘elegant’ is the description but I actually quite fierce with a masked dragon type individual and three musicians. This was followed by kyogen, an ancient comic play and despite it being played out in Japanese was actually quite funny. Then two dances from Maiko (trainee geisha) Kyomai (Kyoto style dance) our Maiko was Mame and Tama. Beautiful, the intricate movements and positions a pleasure to watch. The show ends with a puppet play, Bunraku, this is mesmerising and quite specials. The puppet is managed or played by three puppeteers in all, the main man unmasked the rest cloaked in black cloth so to blend in, the movement of the puppet is something to observe, very enthralling, it certainly draws you in. A great hour and definitely go to event in Kyoto.

3. Gion Shirakawa

Higashiyama-ku along Shirakawa River Minamidori, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture http://ja.kyoto.travel/glossary/single.php?glossary_id=474
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Gion Shirakawa

Reviewed By DellaG_12 - Coquitlam, Canada

Anytime is a good time to stroll this area. I found that for myself, this area becomes more enchanting when the sun is setting and the lanterns are lit and you can gaze inside the teahouse/bar establishment.. A truly unique and engaging experience especially if it is not too crowded. The canal waterway adds to the romance of this walk, very much a captivating moment. A very pleasant stroll.

4. Ichirikitei

569 Giommachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture http://www.gion.or.jp/gion_shop_detail/%e4%b8%80%e5%8a%9b%e4%ba%ad
Excellent
35%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

Ichirikitei

5. Yasui-Konpiragu

70 Benten-cho, Todaijimatsubara, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-561-5127 [email protected] http://www.yasui-konpiragu.or.jp/index.html
Excellent
30%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 277 reviews

Yasui-Konpiragu

6. Kyoto Gion Post Office

135 Tokiwacho Yamatoojidori Shijonoboru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0079 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-561-6933 http://map.japanpost.jp/p/search/dtl/300144159000/
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3 reviews

Kyoto Gion Post Office

7. Hanamikoji Street

Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture http://www.gion.or.jp/around/%e8%8a%b1%e8%a6%8b%e5%b0%8f%e8%b7%af
Excellent
26%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 388 reviews

Hanamikoji Street

Reviewed By Robprad - Mexico City, Mexico

What a beautiful street, a lot of fun to walk around and a perfect taste of Japan and Kyoto. Many small stores with a beautiful Japanese architecture, offering a wide array of products and Japanese food. It would be a great mistake to miss this charming street.

8. Bigozensha

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku Yasaka Shrine premises, Kyoto 605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-561-6155 http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/about/utukushisha.html
Excellent
13%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
63%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 16 reviews

Bigozensha

9. Shinmonzen Shop League

Higashiyama-Ku Shimmonzendori, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture http://kyoto-art-street.com/

The Shinmonzen Shop League is an association of art dealers along Shinmonzen Street located in Gion, the central Kyoto. We would be delighted to help you find just the right piece for you. We look forward to your visit!

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