Hanamikoji Street in Gion Hanamikoji Street is a traditional street located in the heart of Gion, in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward. It features cobblestone paths and traditional machiya-style buildings, offering a glimpse of old Japan's charm. The southern part of Hanamikoji Street is particularly popular with tourists. Many traditional wooden machiya houses line Hanamikoji Street, and these buildings are now used as tea houses, high-end restaurants, and souvenir shops. Gion is famous as a hanamachi (geisha district) where maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) work. In the evenings, you might see maiko and geiko walking along Hanamikoji Street, providing a special sight for tourists. The street is lined with a variety of dining options, ranging from high-end kaiseki (traditional multi-course) restaurants to more casual eateries, offering an array of Kyoto cuisine and Japanese dishes. Hanamikoji Street is bustling with tourists day and night, and its beautiful scenery is also popular for photography. At the northern end of Hanamikoji Street is Yasaka Shrine, famous for the Gion Festival, attracting many visitors throughout the year. At the southern end is Kenninji Temple, a major Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, where visitors can experience history and culture. To the east of Hanamikoji Street is the Gion Kaikan (Gion Corner), where traditional performances by maiko and geiko are held. Gion has flourished as a hanamachi since the Edo period. It was a central social hub in Japan at the time, visited by many cultural figures and wealthy individuals. Even after the Meiji Restoration, Gion maintained its traditions while also modernizing and continuing to develop. The culture of maiko and geiko particularly flourished during this period.After World War II, Gion gained increased importance as a tourist destination, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Hanamikoji Street, in particular, has become a beloved place for many people due to its beautiful scenery and traditional atmosphere.Hanamikoji Street is not just a tourist spot; it is a place where Kyoto's history and culture are alive. Here, you can experience Kyoto's traditional architecture, performing arts, and cuisine, and deeply feel its charm. Walking along Hanamikoji Street allows you to touch upon the culture and history of Japan that has continued since ancient times.