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Journeys

Gion

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Gion (祇園) in Kyoto is the city's iconic geisha district, nestled around Shijo Avenue between the historic Yasaka Shrine and the serene Kamo River. This area is a delightful blend of shops, restaurants, and quaint ochaya teahouses where geiko, the local term for geisha, and their apprentices, known as maiko, perform and entertain guests. Stepping into Gion feels like entering a living piece of history, with its enchanting wooden machiya merchant houses. The unique architectural style is a result of old property tax laws: homes were designed with narrow facades, just five to six meters wide, but they stretch back as far as twenty meters from the street.

One cannot miss Hanami-koji Street, the heart of Gion, which runs from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple. It's a feast for the senses, offering a variety of dining experiences, albeit on the pricier side. The street and its charming side alleys are lined with beautifully preserved machiya houses, many of which have been transformed into upscale restaurants. Here, you can savor Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori, a form of Japanese haute cuisine, alongside other delectable local and international dishes.

For those eager to experience the authentic charm of Kyoto, Gion offers a captivating blend of tradition and elegance. Be sure to visit during the Gion Matsuri festival in July, when the area comes alive with parades, colorful floats, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s truly unforgettable.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Fushimi Inari Taisha, is a must-see gem nestled in southern Kyoto. This revered Shinto shrine is renowned for its countless vermilion torii gates, which form enchanting trails that weave through the lush forest of sacred Moun
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Kinkakuji Temple
The image of the temple, richly coated in gold leaf, reflects stunningly in the waters of Kyokochi, known as the mirror pond. It's perhaps the most iconic image of Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji Temple, or "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion," is a sight that trul
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Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizudera, or the "Pure Water Temple," is a gem among Japan's revered temples. Nestled in the lush hills east of Kyoto, it was established in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, from which it draws its name due to the pristine waters cascading
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Kurama Hot Springs
Nestled in the serene northern mountains of Kyoto City, Kurama (鞍馬) is a charming rural escape, just under an hour from the bustling city center. This quaint town is famed for two things: the enchanting Kurama-dera Temple and its rejuvenating hot spr
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Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) stands as a majestic testament to Japan’s rich history, its roots tracing back to 1603 when it was constructed as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the pioneering shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). The castle's gran
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Kibune Town
Nestled in a lush, forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, Kibune (貴船) is a charming town that feels like a hidden gem. This quaint locale developed around the mystical Kifune Shrine, steeped in legend. According to local lore, a god
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Kyoto Tower
Standing proudly at 131 meters, just a stone's throw from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower is the city's tallest structure and a striking modern landmark in an area renowned for its historic temples and shrines. This iconic tower was completed in 1964, coi
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Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji Temple, or 龍安寺, is home to Japan's most celebrated rock garden, drawing in hundreds of curious visitors each day. Originally, this serene spot was an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, but was transformed into a Zen temple in 1450. I
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto truly deserves its spot as one of the city's must-see attractions. Stepping into this grove feels like entering another realm. If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, you've likely stumbled upon images of the Arashiya
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Higashiyama District
The Higashiyama District, nestled along the gentle slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains, is one of those magical places where time seems to stand still. It's a treasure trove of history, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world of traditional old
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Ishitera Tea Fields
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Ine Town
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Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park (円山公園, Maruyama Kōen) sits right next to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's charming Higashiyama District. Every April, this park transforms into a bustling hub of activity as cherry blossoms burst into bloom. It's the go-to spot for hanami, or c
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Ohara
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Pontocho
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Tenryuji Temple
Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's enchanting Arashiyama district, Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) stands as a beacon of Zen tranquility and historical significance. As the premier temple among Kyoto's revered five great Zen temples, Tenryuji holds the prestig