Self-guided Walking Tour of Gion and Ponchoto Alley

Written By Irene Daria

The bridge over the Shirakawa Canal in Gion Shimbashi. Photo from plingthinks.

1. Start at Pontocho Alley. (This is not technically in Gion but it is just across the Shijo Bridge from Gion and is a good place to start.)

  • Location: Runs parallel to the Kamo River. Enter Pontocho Alley from Shijo Dori, just west of the Kamo River.

  • Highlights:

    • Narrow, lantern-lit alley filled with traditional wooden restaurants and izakayas and tea houses.

    • A chance to spot geisha or maiko heading to evening appointments.

Directions:

  • Walk north along Pontocho Alley until it ends, then head back south the way you came until you reach Shijo Dori.

2. Cross Shijo Bridge to Gion

  • Once you are on Shijo Dori, turn left (east) and cross Shijo Bridge over the Kamo River.

Highlights:

  • As you cross, notice how Shijo Street changes from modern to more historic and lantern-lit.

3. Explore Hanamikoji Street

  • Route: After crossing Shijo Bridge, continue straight for about 100 meters.

  • Turn right (south) onto Hanamikoji Street (just after passing Ichiriki Chaya, a famous teahouse).

Highlights:

  • This is Gion’s main geisha district, filled with traditional ochaya (teahouses) and wooden machiya houses.

  • You might spot maiko (apprentice geisha) or geiko especially at dusk. heading to their evening appointments.

  • This street is best experienced at night when the atmospheric lanterns are lit.

NOTE: Kennin-ji Temple is at the southern end of this street.

4. Head Back North to Shinbashi Dori

  • Route: After exploring Hanamikoji Street, retrace your steps north back toward Shijo Dori.

  • Cross Shijo Dori and continue north on Hanamikoji Street for three blocks.

  • Turn left (west) onto Shinbashi Dori (you’ll see the cobblestone street with traditional buildings).

Highlights:

  • Shinbashi Dori is quieter and more beautiful than Hanamikoji, with its cobblestones, wooden architecture and less foot traffic.

5. Continue to Gion Shirakawa (Shirakawa Minami-dori)

  • Route: Walk east along Shinbashi Dori until you reach Tatsumi Bridge, which crosses the Shirakawa Canal.

Highlights:

  • One of Kyoto’s most scenic spots, with willow trees overhanging the canal and traditional lanterns lighting the street.

  • Visit the small Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine nearby for a moment of reflection.

6. Yasaka Shrine

  • Route: From Tatsumi Bridge, continue east along Shirakawa Minami-dori for about 300 meters.

  • Turn right (south) onto Higashioji Dori, a larger street.

  • Walk for about 5 minutes until you reach Yasaka Shrine.

Highlights:

  • Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, beautifully illuminated with hundreds of lanterns at night.

  • The shrine’s main hall and surrounding lanterns create a magical, serene atmosphere.

  • The shrine grounds are open 24/7.

7. Maruyama Park

Highlights: Just behind (east of) Yasaka Shrine, this park is perfect for a peaceful stroll, especially during cherry blossom season.

NOTE: From here, it is just a 20 minute walk to the historic Higashiyama district where you will find Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets and Kiyomizu-dera temple.

Irene Daria StepsTutoring.com