Kyoto-Osaka Hanamikoji

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto and Osaka

🌟Tour Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

🗓️Attraction/Store Information: Hanamikoji
📍Address: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, extending approximately 1 km south from Shijo-dori

🈺Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
💰Admission: Free

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🌸 Hanami-koji Introduction

I. Basic Information
• Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, extending approximately 1 km south from Shijo-dori
• Features: The heart of Gion's Flower Street, famous for its teahouses, restaurants, and machiya (townhouses)
• Atmosphere: The quaint cobblestone streets, illuminated at night, offer a truly Kyoto-inspired atmosphere
• History: Gion originally flourished due to visitors to Yasaka Shrine, and gradually developed into a "flower street" lined with geisha and maiko performances and teahouses.

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II. Must-See Highlights

1. Machiya Architecture
• Both sides are flanked by traditional wooden "machiya" buildings.
• The first floor typically houses a teahouse and restaurant, while the second floor is used for performances or banquets.
• Many feature red lattice windows and noren curtains, perfect for photo ops.

2. Teahouses and Ryokan
• The southern section of Hanamikoji (especially near Kennin-ji Temple) is the best preserved.
• Traditional, upscale teahouses such as Ichiriki-tei are also available.
• Guests can enjoy performances by maiko and geiko, but most require membership and an introduction.

3. Maiko and Geiko
• In the evening and evening (around 5:00 PM–7:00 PM), you may see maiko and geiko walking briskly through the streets in kimono and wooden sandals.
• 👉 It's recommended to be polite and avoid interrupting or asking for photos. Only take photos from a distance.

4. Kennin-ji Temple
• A large Zen temple at the southernmost end of Hanamikoji Temple.
• Features: Twin dragon ceiling paintings and dry landscape gardens.
• Less crowded than Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering a tranquil atmosphere.

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III. Dining Experiences
1. Kaiseki Ryori (reservations required)
• Fine Japanese cuisine accompanied by a maiko performance.
2. Gion Ryōtei & Kyoto Restaurants
• Famous restaurants like "Gion Kairo" and "Kikunoi"
3. Sweets & Teahouses
• Uji Matcha Sweets (Gion Tsujiri)
• Famous Wagashi Shops (Tsuruya Kotobuki, Ken Yoshibo)

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IV. Suggested Itinerary (Half-Day Hanami-koji Tour)

Afternoon: Stroll & Afternoon Tea
• Arrive at 4:00 PM → Stroll the streets and take photos of the machiya buildings
• 4:30 PM → Enjoy matcha ice cream or sweets at Gion Tsujiri
• 5:00 PM → Stroll along the southern section of Hanami-koji → Visit Kennin-ji Temple

Evening: Geisha Experience
• 5:30 PM–6:30 PM → Watch out for maiko and geisha passing by
• 6:30 PM → Make dinner reservations (Kaiseki or Kyoto cuisine)
• 8:00 PM → Descend to Yasaka Shrine for a night view and then explore Gion.

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5. Tips
• Busiest time: Late afternoon to evening
• When taking photos: Keep your distance and respect the privacy of the maiko
• Recommended combination: Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka → Yasaka Shrine → Hanamikoji → Dinner in Gion

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