A walk through the historic geisha district with machiya streets and lanterns; completely free.
An evening walk through Gion is one of the most special experiences Kyoto has to offer. When night falls, the paper lanterns gently light up the district's cobbled streets, the wooden facades of the machiya take on a golden warmth and the chance of spotting a maiko or geisha on her way to her engagements turns the walk into something truly magical. The most recommended streets are Hanamikoji —the most photogenic, with high-level restaurants on both sides— and Shirakawa, whose canal flanked by willows and stone bridges is especially romantic. The walk is completely free. The best time is between 18:00 and 20:00, when the geishas and maikos travel from their houses (okiya) to the tea houses (ochaya). If you see a maiko, keep your distance and do not photograph her without permission: they are workers who deserve respect. In spring the Shirakawa canal is covered in cherry blossom.
