03.15.2014
EAST
Today there are five kagai (Geisha Town) in Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontocho, Miyagawacho and Kamishichiken. In a historical town lined with many traditional Japanese buildings, encountering Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) passing you on cobbled streets where hanging lanterns are swinging in the wind...this kind of special atmosphere in Kagai may give you an impression of a classy world far from a reality. This time, we would take you on a one-day tour in which you could enjoy Kagai at ease throughout the day. Enjoy every moment of the day from morning to night with traditional Japanese cultural experience and delicious meals. You could feel the distinctive atmosphere of Kagai.
- 1Shizuka
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A café with the same name taken from the former owner, Shizuka-san who is a Geiko (geisha) in Ponto-cho. How about relaxing in the morning with a cup of coffee and some pancake.
- Address:164 Minami-Jozenji-cho, Senbon-Nishi-iru, Imadegawa-dori,Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Open:7:00~19:00
- Closed:on the 2nd and 4th Sunday (On the 25th of every month it is open)
- Access:nearby the bus stop of Kyoto City Bus, Senbon-Imadegawa
- 2Kamishichiken
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The main street of Kamishichiken is neatly lined with Ochaya (party houses where geishas entertain customers) and Machiya (traditional Kyoto style townhouses). You may happen to see maiko (apprentice geisha) walking in a small alley ways.
- 3Yusokugashi-Gochoshinsho Oimatsu Kitano branch
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Let’s try making Japanese confectionary in the morning while we are still energetic.
- Address:Kitano-Kamishichiken, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Closed:Opening and closing days are at random.
- Access:5 minutes walk from the bus stop of Kyoto City Bus, Kamishichiken
- Website:http://www.oimatu.co.jp/
- 4Miyagawacho
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Historical Kagai (Geisha town) where many kabuki actors used to live in olden times.
- 5Kamiya
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Soup noodles made from carefully selected natural ingredients by the owner, which you will enjoy.
- Address:5-333-1 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Open:12:00~16:00
- Closed:Opening and closing days are at random.
- Access:8 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo station on Keihan-Honsen line
- 6Folding fan shop: Hangesho
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Enjoy “Tosenkyo” a Japanese fan game started in the 18th century in a traditional building which used to be Ocahya (party house). The game attracts both children and adults.
- Address:440-13 Nishigomon-cho, Matsubara-sagaru Shin-Miyagawa-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Closed:every Sunday, National holiday and during the year-end and New Year holidays
- Access:8 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo station on Keihan-Honsen line
- Website:http://hangesho.com/
- 7Gion
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Evening would be the best time to stroll around Gion. The light from lanterns beautifully illuminates cobbled streets and would please your eyes. You may see Geiko (geisha) or Maiko (apprentice geisha) heading for a party house.
- 8Gion Hatanaka
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You can fully enjoy the distinctive Kyoto culture through the experience of a Maiko party with traditional Kyoto cuisine.
- Address:505 Minamigawa, Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Closed:Opening and closing days are at random.
- Access:12 minutes walk from Gion Shijo station on Keihan-Honsen line or Kawaramachi station on Hankyu-Kyoto line
- Website:http://thehatanaka.co.jp/
This information is correct as of July, 2013.