Want to see a geisha? Your best bet is to go to Gion. If you are lucky you will see one walking around gion.
Even if you don’t get to see a geisha (also called geiko), Gion offers an interesting sightseeing area, full of old-style buildings, tea shops and restaurants.
Budget travel tips
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Check out our recommended route in the map below. But it’s a compact area, so feel free to explore yourself!
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The restaurants can be expensive here, so be careful!
- Yasaka Shrine is right next to Gion, so check this out and save on a train fare.
How to get there
From Kyoto station, take the 205 bus to Shijo Kawaramachi, then walk east across the bridge.
From other locations, take the bus to Gion (large bus stop on bus maps).
The nearest train station is Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line (private line), but usually the buses are better.
Gion Area Map and Recommended Walking route
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Khaosan Kyoto Guest House and Khaosan Kyoto Theater
Khaosan have a load of hostels in Tokyo, and their Kyoto hostels are solid hostel experiences. Expect polite, excitable staff and really good prices.
Khaosan Kyoto Guest House: Check prices at Booking.com
Khaosan Kyoto Theater: Check prices at Booking.com
More at Booking.com
Super Cheap Japan 