Gion Photo Tips｜Choosing the Right Accommodation is Key

In Kyoto's Gion, the bustling crowds during the day and the completely different beauty at night offer unique experiences. To deeply enjoy the local charm, picking the right hotel is crucial! Highly recommend Gion Celestine Hotel, a low-key yet thoughtful Japanese-style hotel that is the perfect spot to avoid the crowds🌿

Location & Transportation
• Only a 5-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine, with key attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Hanamikoji Street within walking distance
• Multiple free shuttle buses run daily to and from Kyoto Station (about 15 minutes), ideal for those with luggage or catching trains
• Plenty of late-night eateries and izakayas nearby, so you can enjoy Gion’s nightlife before heading back to the hotel

Room Highlights
• Rooms are quite spacious by Kyoto standards! Twin rooms start at 25㎡, and the tatami suite offers a traditional Japanese vibe
• Amenities feature BYREDO’s Blanche series, with a soothing woody fragrance
• Bathtub with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for soaking while enjoying the view of Kyoto Tower at night

Foodie Extras
• Breakfast offers a custom set from the famous tempura restaurant “Endo,” with freshly fried shrimp and vegetable tempura
• The lobby café bar serves “Ogawa Coffee,” a long-established Kyoto brand, perfect for a refreshing iced latte after sightseeing

Insider Tips
1️⃣ Catch the golden hours from 6 to 8 AM! Yasaka Shrine is almost empty then, and the vermilion torii gates look stunning in the morning light
2️⃣ Borrow a bicycle from the hotel (free!) and ride along the Kamo River to Pontocho; the cherry blossoms along the way are breathtaking during the season
3️⃣ After 10 PM, visit the back alleys of Nishiki Market across the hotel, where izakayas offer grilled skewers and oden at local prices

Practical Tips
• Booking 2 months in advance offers the best value; prices can double during peak season
• The hotel sells Keihan train one-day passes (cheaper than at the station), great for trips to Fushimi Inari and Uji
• Rooms are cleaned daily with replenished chilled Ito En green tea—remember to take one as a souvenir