10 best things to do in Gion

Tucked away just off the bustling Hanamikoji Street, Kaburaya is a quiet retreat in a row of traditional Kyoto-style houses, embodying the charm of Gion. Stepping through the noren curtain, guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that feels both authentic and inviting.  

The restaurant specialises in Obanzai, Kyoto’s traditional home-style cuisine. While these dishes may seem simple, they are precisely what make Kaburaya stand out. Guests can savour a variety of Obanzai dishes prepared with fresh Kyoto vegetables and other seasonal ingredients, complemented by a carefully crafted dashi stock made daily from premium kelp and bonito flakes sourced from a long-established wholesaler.  

Seasonal specialities highlight Kyoto’s best ingredients throughout the year. In summer, delicate conger eel is served as shabu-shabu in a hotpot, while in spring, cherry blossom sea bream – which takes on a pink hue during the cherry blossom season – is featured. During winter, rich and flavourful yellowtail shabu-shabu is available for a limited time.  

Encompassing 80 seats including countertop seats, private rooms and semi-private booths, Kaburaya offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy creative Kyoto cuisine at a reasonable price, without the formality often associated with dining in Gion. Just to the west, the Hanare annex provides a more intimate experience, with only six seats at a sunken kotatsu counter. The annex offers a carefully curated omakase experience.

This ramen restaurant is located in a narrow alleyway next to the Omo5 Kyoto Gion hotel. Upon entering, the Prussian blue bottles and glasses placed on the counter catch the eye as they're illuminated by the overhead lamps. Signature dishes include the Kamo Ramen (¥1,485) with a choice of duck loin or thigh, Kamo Tsukemen with Berry Sauce (¥1,650) and Kamo Tsukemen with Mandarin Orange Sauce (¥1,870). The use of sauces is a nod to the owner-chef’s French background.

The broth in the duck ramen has a rich flavour, while the thin wholemeal noodles made from German rye add a moreish twist. As a final touch, the rim of the bowl is sprinkled with fragrant grape pepper, lending a unique punchy flavour to every sip.

A Lebanese bistro on the banks of the peaceful Takase River and only a five-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, Ki is open for breakfast and lunch, and also offers take-away. The star of the morning meal is a colourful plate of falafel and mezze appetisers. Platters include smoked chicken with black pita bread, which is kneaded with leftover vegetables from the falafel. The harmony of the mixed Mediterranean flavours is irresistible.

The restaurant comprises a counter area and one large stone table. Share a table with a fellow traveller over breakfast for a great way to start the day.

Kuzukiri, the jelly-like translucent noodles made with Kudzu starch, are considered a delicacy of Kyoto and make for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Located on the bustling Shijo-dori near Yasaka Shrine, Kagizen Yoshifusa has been selling this dessert in Gion since the mid-Edo period (1603-1867), making it an enduring presence in Kyoto’s ever-changing downtown.

The Kuzukiri noodles were originally supplied only to teahouses and the Minamiza theatre in Gion, but they’re now a staple at traditional coffeeshops as well.

The Kuzukiri at Kagizen Yoshifusa are made to order using the finest kudzu starch. You can choose either white or black syrup to accompany the freshly prepared, crystal-clear noodles, whose delicate mouthfeel combines with a silky-smooth texture. They’re popular and often sell out quickly, so be sure to visit early.

The Finlandia bar can be found in Gion’s Yayoi Koji alley, one street off the famous Hanamikoji street. Look for the discreet lamp with the word ‘Finlandia’ written on it in blue, the same colour as on the Finnish flag.

Founded in 1982, the bar occupies the renovated private home of a geisha. An unexpected yet fruitful combination of Nordic cool and Kyoto tradition, its fusion concept extends to the drinks list, on which you’ll find curious concoctions such as wasabi vodka. The bar also stocks whisky and bourbon, as well as aquavit from the Scandinavian countries.

Located on the second floor of Kyoto’s Leica Store on Hanamikoji street, this gallery is housed in a renovated 100-year-old teahouse that would not be recognisable as a camera shop were it not for the Leica logo on the noren entrance curtain.

Inside, you are greeted by bright red shelves lined with Leica cameras that are displayed like pieces of art. The warm wood of the historic townhouse harmonises with the metallic texture of the cameras. The upstairs gallery also makes use of old wood in its interior, inviting visitors to pore over the photographs on display in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

The gallery has hosted exhibitions highlighting famous photographers such as Saul Leiter, Ihei Kimura and Shinya Fujiwara. Look out for the signature red Leica dot to find the entrance.

Opened in 2024 within the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theatre, this museum offers a rare glimpse into the world of geiko (geisha of Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geiko). On display are exquisite kimono, obi sashes, ornate kanzashi hairpins, makeup tools, and traditional footwear known as okobo, all once used by performers at the theatre. Through this extensive collection of artefacts and informative panels, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the performers’ lives and traditions while appreciating the craftsmanship behind each item.

One of the museum’s greatest charms is in how it makes the traditionally exclusive and somewhat mysterious world of Kyoto’s entertainment districts more accessible. 

Visitors also have the opportunity to see live geiko and maiko up close. Five times a day, a Kyoto-style kyomai dance performance is held for an audience of up to 60 people per session (¥1,600 per person). Additionally, twice a day, a limited number of visitors (20 groups per session) can participate in a paid commemorative photo shoot (¥2,000). Participants receive an instant film photograph along with a personalised senshafuda name slip featuring the geiko’s name – a truly special Kyoto souvenir.

Located on the east end of Kenninji Temple at the end of Hanamikoji street, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine has since ancient times been revered as a place of prayer for abstinence. 

But the shrine doesn’t beseech devotees to give up on all desires: within the grounds stands an en-musubi matchmaking monument with a hole in the centre. After offering prayers at the main shrine, you can write your wish on a paper talisman representing yourself. Walk into the portal from the front to break ties to bad luck, and then walk back where you came from to forge ties to good luck. Afterwards, be sure to attach your talisman to the portal to complete the ritual.

The area around Nawate street, where the embankments of the Kamo River once were, is known for its many antique shops. Books & Things is a cosy secondhand bookstore tucked away in a former residential nagaya (traditional row house) just off Nawate. 

Entering the shop is like visiting someone’s home in Japan: you ring the doorbell, step inside, and remove your shoes at the kamachi (raised entrance) before proceeding into a tatami room. The walls of the compact space are lined with large-format books, mostly photography collections and art-related publications, some of which were personally sourced by the owner from overseas. In addition to books, the store sells posters and prints by photographers.

With around 600 books in its collection, it may not be the largest purveyor of used tomes out there, but the careful curation and pristine condition of each volume reflect the owner’s discerning eye.

Gyoza-yu is a public bathhouse and private sauna hidden within an old-fashioned local gyoza restaurant, namely the Ebisugawa Gyoza Nakajima Donguri branch.

The sauna seats up to two, and you’re allowed to pour water on the hot rocks yourself to increase the humidity in the room. You can also cool down in the open air and enjoy an outdoor bath with a clear view of the Gion night sky. Order beer or one of two soft-drink cocktails spiked with energy drinks to sip inside the sauna. After the rejuvenating sauna sesh, end the night with some crispy and juicy gyoza. Be sure to reserve your 80-minute slot in advance, as this place understandably fills up quickly.