Gion

Gion (祇園) is a district of Kyoto, Japan, originally developed in the middle ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. This part of Kyoto has two hanamachi (geisha districts): Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi. Despite the considerable decline in the number of geisha in Gion in the last one hundred years, it is still famous for the preservation of forms of traditional architecture and entertainment. Part of this district has been declared a national historical preservation district. Geisha Picture A geisha at work in Gion Kyoto. Picture by ToddLara There is a popular misconception that Gion was a red-light district. However, as it was a geisha district, and as geisha are entertainers. Geisha are not prostitutes. Gion is not, and never was, a red-light district. Shimabara was Kyoto’s red-light district. Gion, Kyoto, Japan. A street in Gion, Kyoto, Japan. Picture by Moja. Kyoto Hotel Looking for Kyoto Accommodation? Please support our site by using our Kyoto Hotel reservation system. (Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License) | | |