Gion

Gion developed as a town at the gate of Yasaka Shrine, long known as Gion Shrine, and became an entertainment district serving pilgrims and visitors. Gion Kobu, the larger of the area's two hanamachi and home to Hanamikoji, separated from Gion Higashi in 1881. Its geiko stage the Miyako Odori dance each April, a tradition dating to 1872.

During the Second World War, buildings on the north side of the Shirakawa were cleared as a fire break; the area is now a pedestrian street lined with cherry trees. Part of Gion is protected as a national historic preservation district, and Kyoto City has moved overhead cables underground on Hanamikoji since 1986 to protect its historic character.

Geiko and maiko are working professionals, usually on their way to an engagement when you see them, and Kyoto City stresses that they are not mascots or tourist attractions. Do not stop, touch, follow or photograph them without permission, and avoid posting identifiable photos of people online without consent. The district's residents' council banned photography on Gion's private lanes in 2019, and from April 2024 signs on private roads warn of a 10,000 yen penalty for trespassing, as reported by Time Out. Photography is still possible on the main public streets, but do not stop in the road, use tripods, touch the lanterns outside teahouses or lean on fences.