GION
Located between the Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west, the streets of Gion are undoubtedly the most emblematic of the city. The district took its rise in the Edo period. The wooden machiya give it its historical atmosphere. These long buildings which used to belong to merchants have a 5 or 6 meter frontage, but the interior extends in depth for about 20 meters. Originally, this was due to the fact that the tax was calculated according to the width of the facade. Gion of course evokes the geishas, who can be seen at dusk when they go to a rendezvous. These alleys are nowadays lined with rather luxurious restaurants and hotels where one comes to taste the kaiseki cuisine.
Hanami-koji. The main alley of Gion, which leads from Shijō street to Kennin-ji temple. Wide and busy, it is lined with chic restaurants, but also with galleries, kimono stores or other traditional objects such as ceramics.
Shirakawa canal.
Street parallel to the Shijō along the Shirakawa canal. One side of the canal is planted with willows, and on the other side, there are tea houses (ochaya) and restaurants. The street is very picturesque and less crowded than Hanami-Kōji. It is an ideal place for a nice walk and a break in a teahouse.Kennin-ji. At the end of Hanami-koji, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is an impressive complex composed of several pavilions, Zen gardens and even a teahouse.
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