Hanami-Koji

Hanamikoji Street is the main north–south avenue running through the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district. From Yasaka Shrine’s West Romon Gate, go down the steps and walk about 100 meters west along Shijo Street to see the red-walled Ichiriki Chaya on your left; turning there leads you onto Hanamikoji Street. The stretch from this point to Kennin-ji Temple is considered the most beautiful, where the stone-paved roadway enhances the surrounding buildings and creates a richly atmospheric streetscape. A row of teahouses with Gion-style details such as red bengara latticework and protective dog-fences (inu-yarai) continues along the street, and with some luck you may spot maiko or geiko. At the southern end of Hanamikoji, Gion Corner offers compact performances of seven traditional arts—tea ceremony, koto, ikebana, gagaku, kyogen, Kyo-mai dance, and bunraku—providing an enjoyable introduction to Japanese performing culture. Next door, the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo is the venue for Miyako Odori in April. Heading north from Shijo along Hanamikoji brings you to the Shirakawa River. On Shirakawa Minami-dori, a stone-paved promenade of about 200 meters runs beneath rows of cherry trees and willows. North of Shijo Street there are many bars, clubs, and izakaya, while south of Shijo Street you will find historic teahouses and traditional restaurants.