Gion and Higashiyama Districts in Kyoto

History and culture

Gion started around the Edo period (1603–1867) in Japan. In Kyoto, there were many shrines and temples, such as the Yasaka Shrine, that are still popular even today. Many teahouses opened up around Gion, and these became famous spots for resting and enjoying tea after a morning of visiting shrines and temples.

At night, these teahouses would turn into bars and many beautiful young women were hired to work as dancers and waitresses. Soon, the shops started competing with each other to see which shop had the most beautiful ladies and, as a result, Gion became a famous entertainment district in Kyoto.

In addition to its geisha districts, Gion also attracts tourists from its high concentration of traditional wooden merchant houses, beautifully illuminated by glittering neon lights. Although Gion has modernized and lost most of its old charm, efforts have been made to preserve some of the Edo period's traditional architecture.

Attractions and experiences

The most popular area of Gion is Hanami-koji, lying between Shijo Avenue and Kenninki Temple.

The street is lined with well-preserved machiya (traditional wooden townhouses), many of which now serve as restaurants that offer lip-smacking Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) food, and other types of local and international dishes. It should be noted, however, that most restaurants in the area are expensive.

Interspersed among the restaurants are a number of ochaya (teahouses) — the most exclusive and expensive of Kyoto's dining establishments — where diners are entertained by geiko and maiko.

Many tourists flock to Gion in the hope of seeing a geiko or maiko on their way to or from an engagement at an ochaya in the evenings, or while running errands during the day. Due to the sheer number of tourists in the area, however, geisha sightings are rare.

The ultimate experience is being entertained by a maiko or geiko while dining at an ochaya. As expert hostesses, maiko and geiko ensure everyone's enjoyment by engaging in light conversation, serving drinks, leading drinking games and performing traditional music and dance.

One should bear in mind, though, that geisha services and shows are usually expensive and exclusive affairs.

History and culture

Higashiyama was created in 1929 when it was split off from Shimogyo. Between 1931 and 1976, it also covered the area of present-day Yamashina, which was an independent town until its merger into the city in 1931. The name literally means "Eastern Mountain District".

Due to restrictions on urban development, the population in Higashiyama is continually decreasing and it has the lowest population of all the wards in Kyoto today, with a disproportionate number of elderly people.

Higashiyama culture is a subset of Japanese culture originating in the 15th century, and created by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa after he retired to his villa in the eastern hills of the capital city of Kyoto.

Based largely on the ideals and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism and the concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in simplicity), Higashiyama culture centered around the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging, and ink painting. Much of what is commonly viewed as traditional Japanese culture today originated and developed during this period.

Attractions and experiences

Higashiyama's streets are swollen with small shops, cafes, and restaurants that have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Although many shops have been renovated over the years, most retain their traditional designs and continue to serve specialty items to customers, such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, crafts, and other souvenirs.

The area between Kiyomizudera Temple and the Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama attracts hundreds of tourists every day. This stretch, however, is only two kilometers long and requires only half an hour to visit. You could easily spend the rest of the day (or more) visiting the temples, shrines, shops, and cafes along the way.

Those who enjoy walking will love Higashiyama, as the area beyond Yasaka Shrine past Chionin and Shorenin Temples to Heian Shrine, and possibly even further, via Nanzenji and the Philosophers Path to Ginkakuji Temple, provides plenty of scope for leisurely strolls.

Koto performance

The koto, also known as "Japanese harp," is a Japanese stringed instrument with a rich history. Unlike western stringed instruments such as violins and guitars, the koto actually consists of 13 strings strung over 13 bridges.

During a koto performance, the koto player will be seated with the instrument in front of him or her, often wearing traditional Japanese attire such as a yukata or kimono.

Tea ceremony

Tea ceremonies sustain the old and stylized tradition of steeping and serving tea to guests. Gion Corner performs the "ryurei" style of tea ceremony. This involves being seated on stools — as opposed to tatami mats — since many foreign visitors may not be used to kneeling on tatami.

Kyo-mai dance

Kyo-mai is an elegant and dazzling dance, which originated in Kyoto during the 17th century, performed by geisha/geiko and maiko dancers dressed in beautifully decorated dresses.