The massive gate and difficult to climb stairway is impressive and I'm sure the main temple building is just as impressive but it was being restored during our visit. Despite it being a major contruction site at present it is still worth visiting. Don't miss the huge bell-the biggest in Japan. The monks here are very friendly and very cute... More

The attraction of Gion depends entirely if you are able to see and chase down a few Geishas, or women dressed in their kimonos. Otherwise it is just looking for restaurants. More

Highly recommend this area as a place to visit while you are in Kyoto. Packed full of traditional buildings and streets. I would suggest catching a performance a Gion Corner were you can see a performances of the Tea Ceremony and Geisha dance. There is also a beautiful fan shop - excellent for gifts (the ladies will talk you through... More

Gion is a must if you're into cultural trips. If you're lucky, you will witness a real Geisha dashing away to avoid photos. Remember that the posing ones are just fake ones. Real Geisha don't interact with tourists on the street, unless you're a special guest. More

Gion is the old geisha district in kyoto and the area is still very well preserved. Very nice place to walk around here, though it can be very crowded, which is expected of course. Come here during the evening, between 1700-1900, walk away from the main street and wander along some alleys and you might catch some geishas/maiko. But be... More

Such a special place, we did a Geisha Walking tour and it felt like we had stepped into Memoirs of a Geisha! Don't be afraid to walk down little alleyways - you might see a Geisha! More

Geishas everywhere, close to the centre of town Gion is abuzz when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The narrow streets and lanes are very busy. But go to some of the smaller lane ways and find some out of the way cafes, etc. Perfect at night. Tourists are plentiful. More

Went to the gion corner demo. The artists were top quality, but it was spoilt by an ignorant tour group of other europeans. Better to organise your trip to get a maiko evening at a top restaurant but they don't run every day of the week. Gion at night was great, but a bit disorienting. Get a reservation at a... More

If you visit Kyoto you should definately go to Gion even if you go just to walk around. It is very pretty. The side streets are narrow and very quaint. We went twice and both times were around 4:00 pm. The first time was with a guide who explained the difference between a Geisha and a Maiko (Geisha in training).... More