Five Geisha Districts (Gokagai) in Kyoto

Gion Kobu near the Yasaka Shrine is the largest and most popular Geisha district in Kyoto. The name Gion Kabu stands for First Class Gion. The historical area with many traditional teahouses and machiya houses stretches from the south side of Shijo Street to the north side of Hanamikoji Street. The number of Geisha in this area is the highest in Kyoto. Gion Kobu formed with Gion Higashi one district before being divided in 1881.

Gion Higashi (Eastern Gion) is the smallest of the five geisha districts. The area in the northeast corner of Gion is less crowded, but still full of traditional Japanese buildings. Stroll along the Shirakawa River and enjoy this beautiful place. The city of Kyoto decided to preserve the atmosphere of the old days and put the power lines, TV antennas, and telephone poles you usually see in towns all over Japan in the ground hidden from the eyes of locals and tourists.

Come here in the evening hours and you will have a chance to see Geisha and Maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to one of the special and exclusive venues. At the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, you can watch the annual Miyako Odori (traditional dance performances). The Pontocho Alley near the Kamogawa River is also one of the finest places for dining in Kyoto. The Edo-time atmosphere along this 500-meter-long narrow alley is just outstandingly beautiful with many old traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, shops, bars, and restaurants.

The word Miyagawacho stands for Shrine River, which is another term for the nearby Kamogawa River (Kamo River). The famous Minamiza Kabuki Theatre can be found here. Geisha perform in the district's own kaburenjo (theater). The whole atmosphere is more authentic and less crowded.

Kamishichiken (Seven Upper Houses) is the oldest geisha district of the city and located in the northwestern part of Kyoto. The area is quite small and can be found near the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The district has 11 teahouses and in total 25 geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) work and live here. The traditional okiya (geisha houses) alone are worth a visit. A special highlight here is the Plum Blossom Festival at Kitano Tenmangu temple grounds on the 25th of February. This festival has been held for over 900 years to remember the death of Sugawara no Michizane. Enjoy the open-air tea ceremony (Baikasai) presented by maiko and geiko from the nearby Kamishichiken Geisha district.

I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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