I visited in the late afternoon hoping to see a Geisha and found the Kennin Ji Temple which I thoroughly recommend. I had resigned myself to not seeing any Geishas and was enjoying the old wooden architecture when out came 2 Maikos being escorted to one of the tea houses. Beware that this road is a private road and photography is prohibited as so many girls have been bothered by the tourists taking pictures. There is a 10000Yen fine for taking pictures in this area although a few people took the risk. I would go again in the hopes of catching a glimpse of these cultural icons. Interesting to note that Maikos are the 1st year apprentices. They only paint the lower lip and they have long adornments to their hair decorations. Their own hair is teased into the grand buns. Their Kimono sleeves are much longer and the Obi at the back is much longer than the 2nd year Geikos. At the end of the main street is the Yasaka Shrine with the alley of food stalls. Make sure you use the seating areas to eat as you cannot walk along eating. There is so much more to explore but sadly I ran out of time.

I have visited this district both during the day and evening and trying to catch a glimpse of a geisha is next to impossible. Putting that aside, this is one of Kyoto's most famous neighborhoods. It is most unique in that the buildings still maintain the old traditional architecture of old Japan. I don't know where the average Japanese citizen would venture into the local bars and restaurants where the geisha services are summon for business patrons. I don't imagine that many women frequent the bars, probably more so on a special tour. A stroll through this area in the evening is most entrancing, dimly lantern lit buildings and streets adds to the mystique of an era gone by. Definitely a must see when in Kyoto.

So we went to Gion in the late afternoon/early evening because we learned this was the best time to do it. We were rewarded by a sighting of real maiko as they were getting into a car. Unfortunately, this is all we got. It's a good thing I enjoy architecture because I did appreciate the beautiful, old wooden structures. This part of the city is truly wonderful to behold. I have to say though that because it was January, it was cold walking around. I imaging spring and fall would be a better time to walk around.

Gion is very beautiful but very busy. There are signs up everywhere saying no photography but most people do take pictures. There a re many girls in kimonos that they rent for the day, but i did see one genuine geisha with the proper hairstyle. There was one venue advertising spaces in their evening show which looked quite traditional rather than showy, at a very reasonable price, however we could not raise anyone at the venue in order to buy tickets, so we were disappointed. Step off the main street and you are totally alone, and that was very nice.

We expected such great things from this historic Kyoto district, but the main street was ALL about shopping, side streets were too "new" looking and people who actually LIVE here are deeply resentful of the onslaught of tourists - we even saw a number of signs saying "do not take pictures".... it was also very difficult to find a restaurant for dinner, not that many remained open after 6pm. So, all in all, disappointing. Even Yasanka Shrine, at the end of the main street, although striking with its' gorgeous red paint, was just a chaotic, touristy zoo. And any "geisha" or "maiko" that you see aren't real, it's just a bunch of young Japanese woman that rent their kimonos for the day - there were rental shops everywhere. We felt it was all just very fake and touristy.

Apparently this place was too over rated. There was nothing there except for the heaps of crowd who are also doing nothing but figuring out what they came to see. However, if you are there on new year eve then it’s wonderful. Locals gather there to pray at the shrin at midnight so it’s wonderful. I would only recommend you to just watch from the side and not make the life of locals miserable for it is a tradition and way of life for them.

Narrow streets which you don’t really know they are there, but is a wonderful surprise when you fall upon it, where traditional Japan meets modern Japan. A place where young people proudly wear and promenade in traditional dress. It may also be for their instagram pictures but their respect for their heritage is clear. The narrow streets lead to the shrine at the top , which is yet another beautiful place of peace and serenity, with a panoramic view over the city. A hidden gem.

This was my 2nd visit to Kyoto and this area was a must see for us. I like being able to wander around the streets and just explore what is around each corner. The architecture of the buildings, the various adornments, the various shops, tea houses and occasional authentic geishas and maikos help to make this place a special area to visit.

Don’t be fooled by the geishas everywhere... mostly they are Japanese who have rented a kimono for a day, done their hair etc. and trip around Gion. However you will probably see a few genuine geishas or meiko too. Good area for bars and restaurants

Take the Guided Walking Tour from the bridge - Free but you tip him/her at the end. Interesting to hear the truth about Geishas - the Costs, Adoption, Rules, Training, Strictures etc etc - and to explode a few myths. The Gion area is quite close to Town and an easy walk around a quaint neighbourhood of narrow streeets of very old classic Japanses architecture, with a smattering of real genuine Gieshas, and quite a few Tourists in Rented Kimono's (Japanese and others) doing Photoshoots for Weddings, Graduation Ceremonies, significant Birthdays, PR Stunts etc aswell as the throng doing selfies 24/7. To add to this were 2/3 TV crews shooting films or TV scenes. Busy at all times, but allegedly peak is late afternoon / early evening when the light is at its best. Very pleasant, informative, enjoyable way to pass a few hours.