The Gion area, which is a must-visit for Kyoto sightseeing, has many places where you can experience Japanese authenticity and history.
In this article, we'll introduce 32 recommended tourist spots in the Gion area that you should visit at least once.
We've also included a map at the end of the article showing the relative locations of each spot, so you can use it as a reference for your sightseeing route.
We'll also touch on recommended hotels and kimono rentals in Gion, so please read until the end.
32 Recommended Tourist Spots in Gion You Should Visit!
Here's a comprehensive list of 32 recommended tourist spots you should visit in Gion. If you find any interesting places, be sure to check the map and official websites as well.
The Quintessential Kyoto Spot | Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, arguably the most popular tourist spot in Kyoto, is a must-visit location.
With a history spanning 400 years, Kiyomizu-dera has undergone repeated repairs. Through restoration by skilled craftsmen, it maintains its original beauty to this day.
Surrounded by mountains and trees, Kiyomizu-dera offers beautiful scenery that changes with each season. Whether you've never been or haven't seen it in a particular season, it's definitely worth a visit.
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 10-minute walk from Gojo-zaka bus stop
Hours: 6:00-18:00 (until 21:00 during events)
Closed: None
Admission: Adults 400 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 200 yen
Phone: 075-551-1234
Official Website: Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Find a Face That Resembles Yours | Sanjusangen-do Temple
Sanjusangen-do, a famous Kyoto sightseeing spot, is a hall built within the detached palace of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The highlight is the hall lined with 1,001 Kannon statues, but interestingly, each of these statues has a unique face, and it's said that there's at least one that resembles your own.
When visiting with friends or family, try to find the Kannon statue that looks like each other.
Address: 657 Sanjusangendo Mawarimachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Right next to Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop
Hours: 8:30-17:00 (9:00-16:00 from November 16 to March 31)
Closed: None
Admission: University students and above 600 yen, Junior/Senior High Students 400 yen, Children 300 yen
Phone: 075-561-0467
Official Website: Rengeoin Sanjusangen-do
A Row of Torii Gates | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is also famous as one of Kyoto's top photo spots. Walking through the rows of vermilion torii gates feels like entering another world and will surely make your heart race.
Long cherished as a deity of prosperous business and bountiful harvests, let's receive blessings from this beloved Inari shrine. By the way, you can also pray for safe childbirth, recovery from illness, and academic success, making it recommended for students, pregnant women, and those battling illness.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 7-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha-mae bus stop
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-641-7331
Official Website: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto City's Oldest Park | Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, long cherished as Kyoto's oldest park, offers beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in spring. During the nighttime illumination period, you can enjoy even more beautiful night cherry blossoms.
Incidentally, the current weeping cherry tree is the second generation, as the first one died in 1947. The current tree is impressive, standing 12m tall with a trunk circumference of 2.8m and branches spreading 10m. If you're visiting Gion in spring, be sure to see the weeping cherry in Maruyama Park.
Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Right next to Gion bus stop
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-561-1778
Official Website: Maruyama Park
A Street Full of Kyoto Atmosphere | Hanami-koji Street
Hanami-koji Street, full of Kyoto atmosphere, is one of the popular tourist spots. Hanami-koji is lined with tea houses featuring red lattice windows and bamboo fences, exuding the ambiance of Gion. It's a street that feels nostalgic and calming, loved by both locals and tourists alike.
Walking on the stone-paved road, you might see maiko or geiko heading to work. However, remember that they are working, so refrain from calling out to them or stopping them - just enjoy watching from a distance.
Address: Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Right next to Gion bus stop
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Official Website: Gion Shopping Street Promotion Association
Where Hideyoshi's Spirit Rests | Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji Temple was rebuilt in 1605 by Kitano Mandokoro Nene, the legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
With financial support from Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kodai-ji became a magnificent temple but lost many of its buildings to fires over the years. However, the Founder's Hall, Spirit Hall, tea houses Kasatei and Shiguretei, main gate, and Moon Viewing Pavilion still remain, preserving the splendid style of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
The garden, which retains its original form from that time, is also a must-see attraction.
Address: Kodaiji Shimokawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 7-minute walk from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Junior/Senior High Students 250 yen
Phone: 075-561-9966
Official Website: Kodai-ji Temple
The Street Where Maiko Walk | Pontocho
Pontocho is a street lined with many Kyoto shops. This narrow 500-meter north-south street along the Kamo River is famous as a geisha district in Kyoto, known as a place where maiko walk both in the past and present.
Pontocho has Japanese restaurants, bars, Japanese sweets shops, as well as Italian restaurants and cafes, so it's a great place to visit when you get hungry.
Address: Wakamatsu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Official Website: Pontocho
See Modern Art in Western Japan | The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
If you want to take a break from traditional Japanese culture and history and enjoy modern art, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto is recommended. They hold various contemporary art exhibitions depending on the season, offering new stimulation.
The museum also has a shop and cafe, so after viewing the artworks, you can buy related goods or relax at the cafe while reflecting on the exhibition.
Address: 26-1 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Okazaki Koen/Bijutsukan/Heian Jingu-mae bus stop
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays
Admission: Varies by exhibition
Phone: 075-761-9900
Official Website: The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
A Place Associated with Nobunaga | Honnoji Temple
Honnoji Temple, well-known as a place associated with Oda Nobunaga, can be visited free of charge. Records show that Nobunaga stayed at Honnoji at least four times in his life, one of which was during the Honnoji Incident.
By actually visiting Honnoji where Nobunaga often stayed and comparing it with historical accounts, you might make new discoveries or insights.
Address: 522 Shimo-Honno-ji-mae-cho, Teramachi-dori, Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Right next to Kyoto City Hall Station on the subway
Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-231-5335
Official website: Honnoji Temple
Cute Small Animals to Soothe You | Kyoto City Zoo
The Kyoto City Zoo is recommended for animal lovers and families.
The zoo houses rare animals such as Indian flying foxes, rock hyraxes, and mandrills.
There are also many adorable small animals like guinea pigs and fennec foxes, so if you want to be soothed by animals, be sure to stop by.
Address: Okazaki Park, Okazaki Hosshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Keage Station on the subway
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (until 4:00 PM from December to February)
Closed: Mondays (next weekday if Monday is a holiday), New Year's holidays
Admission: Adults 750 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
Phone: 075-771-0210
Official website: Kyoto City Zoo
Beautiful Vermilion Torii Gate | Heian Shrine
Nijo Castle, a former imperial palace, was built in 1603 and is now registered as a World Heritage site. It was originally constructed to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace where the emperor resided and to serve as lodging for the shogun when visiting Kyoto.
Nijo Castle is also recorded as the stage where the return of political power to the Emperor was declared in 1867. As the setting for this pivotal moment in history, Nijo Castle is a must-visit tourist attraction in Kyoto.
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Directly from Nijojo-mae Station on the subway
Hours: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Adults 800 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen (For Ninomaru Palace, adults 1,300 yen, others same price)
Phone: 075-841-0096
Official Website: Philosopher's Path
Shinsenen: Where Emperors and Nobles Spent Their Time
Shinsenen was created by Emperor Kanmu in 794. The large-scale garden incorporating nature is a must-see.
It is said that emperors and nobles of the time gathered here to enjoy games in the garden and buildings. There is also a place believed to be a boat dock at the mouth of a small stream, suggesting it was used for boat access.
Why not step into this place where emperors and nobles once spent their time and experience the scenery and atmosphere for yourself?
Address: 167 Monzen-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Directly from Shinsenen-mae bus stop
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-821-1466
Official Website: Shinsenen
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo-mioya Shrine): Kyoto's Oldest Shrine with Beautiful Vermilion
Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest shrines registered as a World Heritage site, is known for its beautiful vermilion torii gates and buildings such as the main hall and office, standing amidst lush greenery. It's also a popular photo spot.
The shrine's official name is Kamo-mioya Shrine, but it's commonly known as Shimogamo Shrine. There are various shrines dedicated to matchmaking, beauty prayers, and purification, each available for worship.
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Directly from Shimogamo-jinja-mae bus stop
Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-781-0010
Official Website: Shimogamo Shrine
To-ji Temple: Beautiful Weeping Cherry Blossoms and Five-Story Pagoda
To-ji Temple, where you can see the five-story pagoda alongside full-bloom weeping cherry blossoms in spring, is popular among both history enthusiasts and photography lovers. Registered as a World Heritage site, it attracts many domestic and international tourists for its historical value and beauty.
To-ji was established as a national temple during the Heian capital relocation and was Japan's first esoteric Buddhist temple. At Mieido Hall, you can receive a first and second meal set and tea in the tradition of Kobo Daishi Kukai. When visiting To-ji, be sure to enter Mieido Hall.
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
Access: Directly from To-ji Higashimon-mae, To-ji Minamimon-mae, Kujo-Omiya, or To-ji Nishimon-mae bus stops
Hours: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-691-3325
Official Website: To-ji Temple
Yasaka Shrine: The Symbol of Gion Known as "Gion-san"
Yasaka Shrine, an ancient shrine predating the Heian capital relocation, has long been beloved in Gion. Also known as "Gion-san," it serves as the symbol of Gion.
The shrine enshrines various deities, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto who wards off all calamities, and is believed to offer various benefits.
Be sure to visit the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrines nationwide.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: Directly from Gion bus stop
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-561-6155
Official Website: Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Pagoda: Kyoto's Oldest and Most Impressive Tower
Yasaka Pagoda is said to be Kyoto's oldest five-story pagoda. Part of Hokanji Temple, built by Prince Shotoku, it was rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshinori and now stands at an impressive 46 meters tall.
While it's great to see Yasaka Pagoda up close or tour its interior, viewing it from a distance is also recommended. You can admire its impressive and photogenic figure from streets like Yasaka-dori, where the pagoda is visible from afar.
Address: 388 Kiyomizu Yasaka Kami-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed: Irregular
Admission: 500 yen for junior high school students and above
Phone: 075-551-2417
Official Website: Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Guide
Yasaka Koshindo: A Charming Photo Spot
Yasaka Koshindo, popular among young people as an Instagram-worthy spot, is a temple dedicated to "Koshin-san."
Koshin-san refers to the zodiac sign of the monkey, and you can find monkey-shaped objects throughout the grounds.
The "kukuri-zaru" (bound monkeys), where wishes are entrusted to monkey messengers of Koshin-san, are particularly popular. The sight of colorful kukuri-zaru tied in large numbers creates a charming view. Try finding kukuri-zaru hanging all over the temple grounds or hang one yourself.
Address: 390 Kinzen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 3-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Admission: Free
Phone: 075-541-2565
Official Website: Yasaka Koshindo
Tatsumi Bridge in Gion: Familiar from TV Commercials and Dramas
Tatsumi Bridge in Gion is one of the filming locations frequently used in TV commercials and dramas. It spans the Shirakawa River flowing from Sakyo-ku to Higashiyama-ku, at the intersection of Shinbashi-dori and Shirakawa Minami-dori.
The bridge over a quintessentially Kyoto landscape of stone pavements, traditional townhouses, and cherry blossoms is an excellent photo spot. It's a popular location for many tourists, especially in spring.
Address: 372 Kiyomoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
Official Website: None
Chion-in Temple: Home to Japan's Largest Wooden Gate
Chion-in, the head temple of the Jodo sect, has been cherished by people since 1133. While there are many highlights, the San-mon Gate, Japan's largest wooden gate, is particularly impressive.
The San-mon Gate is a five-bay, three-door, two-story structure with a hip-and-gable roof covered in tiles. It stands 24 meters high, 50 meters wide, and uses about 70,000 roof tiles. Such a large-scale wooden gate is rarely seen, so be sure to visit when touring Gion.
Address: 400 Rinshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Chion-in-mae bus stop
Hours: 5:30 AM - 4:00 PM (6:00 AM - 4:00 PM from Dec to Feb, 5:00 AM - 4:00 PM from Jun to Aug)
Closed: None
Admission: 500 yen for high school students and above, 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Phone: 075-531-2111
Official Website: Jodo Sect Head Temple Chion-in
Minamiza: Japan's Oldest Theater
Minamiza is Japan's oldest existing theater. The building, which exudes historical significance from its exterior, still hosts various performances including authentic kabuki, modern kabuki, and comedy events like shin-kigeki, depending on the date.
Even without tickets, it's worth seeing the exterior. Minamiza is particularly beautiful at night when illuminated.
Address: East end of Shijo Ohashi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: Immediately from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
Opening hours: Depends on performances
Closed days: Depends on performances
Admission fee: Depends on performances
Phone number: 0570-000-489 (Navigation dial)
Official website: Shochiku Minamiza
Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Kyoto | Ninenzaka
Ninenzaka is a recommended tourist spot for eating and shopping. There are many shops selling not only gourmet food but also traditional Japanese goods unique to Kyoto, so you can enjoy a fun time like a tourist.
Ninenzaka is a scenic slope that retains the atmosphere of the Taisho era and is also popular as a photo spot. The Starbucks in a Japanese-style house is unique to the scenery of Ninenzaka. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the Kyoto-style interior as well.
Address: 2 Masuyacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Opening hours: Depends on each shop
Closed days: Depends on each shop
Official website: None
Site associated with Nene, wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi | Nene no Michi
At "Nene no Michi," known as a place associated with Kitamandokoro (Lady) Nene, you can enjoy walking and shopping while appreciating the scenery.
This area, where Lady Nene spent the last 19 years of her life, was known as Kodaiji Road, but it has settled into a Kyoto-like scenic landscape after burying electric wires underground and paving with granite stones.
It is recommended to walk leisurely while taking photos and stopping by shops you find interesting.
Address: Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop
Phone number: 0755312288
Official website: Gion Shopping Street Promotion Association
A Haven for Book Lovers: Keibunsha Ichijoji
Keibunsha Ichijoji is a bookstore that offers various books and related goods. It has only one physical store, with the rest being online. The shop has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa or Taisho eras, allowing visitors to browse books and other items at a relaxed pace. If you find something you like, you can purchase it, so be sure to stop by and take a look.
Address: 10 Ichijoji Haradono-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 3-minute walk from Eizan Railway Ichijoji Station
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed: New Year’s Day
Phone: 075-711-5919
Official Website: Keibunsha
A Must-Visit for Manga Fans: Kyoto International Manga Museum
At the Kyoto International Manga Museum, you can view manga works and exhibits from both Japan and around the world. The museum hosts special exhibitions, events, and permanent displays, and also features a manga studio and commission booths. Manga and art enthusiasts will undoubtedly find it an exciting place to visit. Permanent exhibitions, live performances, and the caricature corner are available for viewing and experiencing anytime.
Address: Karasuma Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Right by Karasuma Oike Station on the subway
Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed: Wednesdays, New Year’s holidays, maintenance periods
Admission: Adults 900 yen, Middle/High school students 400 yen, Elementary students 200 yen
Phone: 075-254-7414
Official Website: Kyoto International Manga Museum
Map of Gion Tourist Spots
Recommended Hotels Around Gion
Here are some recommended hotels around Gion for your stay. Use this as a reference when planning your trip.
Eisen Kyo
Eisen Kyo is a traditional Japanese-style hotel with an open-air bath. It offers a relaxing stay while immersing yourself in Kyoto’s sightseeing atmosphere.
Address: 1-248 Jizodani-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Right by Jizodani bus stop
Phone: 075-781-4525
Official Website: Eisen Kyo
Fufu Kyoto
Fufu Kyoto is a serene Japanese-style hotel resort designed with light. Featuring hot springs and a rich blend of Japanese culture, it provides a tranquil stay.
Address: 41 Nanzenji Kusakawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Keage Station
Phone: 0570-0117-22
Official Website: Fufu Kyoto
Riverte Kyoto Kamogawa
Riverte Kyoto Kamogawa is a private hotel where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine in your room. Though the interior has many Western elements, the cuisine and services strongly reflect Japanese and Kyoto culture.
Address: 202 Seiryu-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Main Line
Phone: 075-251-2550
Official Website: Riverte Kyoto Kamogawa
Make Your Gion Walk Special with Kimono Rental Wargo
Gion in Kyoto is a place where Japanese culture remains strong. If you’re strolling through the streets where maiko and geiko walk, why not wear a yukata or kimono? These traditional garments perfectly match the Kyoto scenery, making for great photos and possibly sparking conversations with international visitors. Experience a different side of life by walking through Gion in a yukata or kimono.
Bringing and dressing in your own yukata or kimono can be challenging, but Kimono Rental Wargo offers convenient rental and dressing services for the day. Make your Kyoto Gion sightseeing experience special with an easy kimono rental.
Conclusion
Gion in Kyoto is filled with places rich in Japanese culture and history. The unique city of Kyoto is home to some of the oldest buildings and gates in Japan. Be sure to explore various locations to directly experience the history and culture.
Also, if you plan to walk around Kyoto and Gion, wearing a yukata or kimono is highly recommended. With easy rentals from Kimono Rental Wargo, you can make your Kyoto Gion sightseeing experience truly special.