Kyoto is full of atmosphere and has many spots that are popular with couples. To fully enjoy the typical Kyoto townscape and Japanese atmosphere, we especially recommend a walk around Gion.
This time, we have compiled a list of recommended spots around Gion for a date in Kyoto and tips for enjoying them. Please use this as a reference to create wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Why is the Gion area popular with couples?

First of all, why is the Gion area recommended for couples?
There are three main reasons for its popularity:

• You can fully feel the atmosphere of the ancient capital
• Because there are delicious gourmet foods
• There are many tourist spots suitable for dates

Understanding each of the characteristics will help you plan a date unique to Gion.

Reason for popularity: You can feel the atmosphere of the ancient capital

Gion is a landmark that is synonymous with Kyoto and has a history of over 1,000 years.
Many people have visited Gion over the years, including visiting Yasaka Shrine, which has long been known as “Gion-sha/Gion-san”.
It is said that in the early Edo period, many teahouses and restaurants opened and flourished to cater to worshipers. The Yasaka Shrine, which has been designated as an important cultural property, and the many Japanese houses and shops that have been cherished throughout the ages will give you a sense of the elegance and depth of taste that is unique to Gion.

Reason for popularity: Because there are delicious gourmet foods

Gion is full of charm and attracts many tourists, so there are many gourmet restaurants that are conscious of trends and appearance while still retaining a typical Kyoto atmosphere. Additionally, there are restaurants and Japanese sweets shops that were founded over 100 years ago all over the place, where you can indulge in traditional gourmet food.
There are many restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, as well as cafes where you can casually pop in, so you can enjoy a variety of shops depending on the time of day and purpose.

Reason for popularity: There are many tourist spots suitable for dates

Gion is full of date spots that are easy for couples to go to. Although the city center and streets lined with teahouses and restaurants are crowded, there are also parks and shrines where you can enjoy a relaxing Japanese atmosphere.
The beauty of nature and events vary depending on the season you visit, so the key point is that it has a rich flavor that you won’t get tired of no matter how many times you go on a date.

Date spots in Gion for couples

We have compiled a list of recommended Gion date spots for couples. Everything is within walking distance, so be sure to visit any place that interests you.

Date spot: Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is an indispensable presence when talking about Gion. The main shrine is an important cultural property of Edo period architecture, and the other shrines and subsidiary shrines are also recognized as valuable cultural properties.

The Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, is a festival at Yasaka Shrine that began about 1,150 years ago to pray for the prevention of epidemics. The Gion Festival, from July 1st to July 31st, attracts especially large numbers of worshipers and tourists.

Many people may have heard of Susanonomikoto, the main deity enshrined at Yasaka Shrine, in the Kojiki or textbooks. In addition to the main shrine, each shrine is dedicated to a different deity and has different blessings, so couples can take their time walking around the shrine while praying.

■Address: 625 North Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073
■Yasaka Shrine official website

Date spot: Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a park rich in nature located at the back (east side) of Yasaka Shrine.

In the center of the park, there is a famous cherry blossom tree commonly known as “Gion Night Cherry Blossoms” (Gion Weeping Cherry Blossoms), which is a famous spot that heralds the arrival of spring every year. In addition, you can experience the four seasons throughout the park, with highlights such as the gourd pond that reflects the blue sky in summer like a mirror, and the Japanese maple trees that turn bright red in autumn.

It will be fun to take a close look at the bronze statues of Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka and stone monuments in the park, and to think about history as you walk around.

■Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0071
■Maruyama Park official website

Date spot: Kamogawa

Kamogawa is a river that flows north-south through Kyoto City. When you look at the calm flow of the river, the beautiful nature around you, and the bustle of people, you will feel a sense of comfort and calm that makes you want to stay here forever.

Along the Kamogawa River around Gion, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy gourmet food. An event called “Kyoto Kamogawa Noryo Yuka‘ is also held every summer (around May to September). You can enjoy meals and drinks outdoors while looking out over the Kamogawa River, making it perfect for couples who want to immerse themselves in a romantic atmosphere.

■Kamogawa official website (Kyoto Prefecture)

Date spot: Hanamikoji

Hanamikoji (Hanamikoji-dori) is a street that connects Gion from north to south, from Sanjo Dori to Yasui Kitamon Dori. It is divided into a south side street and a north side street, and the south side street is the most popular among tourists.

Hanamikoji has electric wires buried underground to preserve the scenery, and you will be enchanted by the beautiful houses typical of Kyoto. If your timing is right, you may even see real geishas and maikos. Since it is a popular spot, please be respectful to the people who live there and follow good manners when sightseeing.

■Address: South side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0074
■Hanamikoji official website (Gion Shopping District Promotion Association)

Date spot: Nene no Michi

Nene no Michi is the street on the west side of Kodaiji Temple.
Speaking of Kodaiji, it is known that Nene Kitamandokoro, the legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, built it to mourn for Hideyoshi. Nene no Michi has come to be called Nene no Michi in recent years due to this historical background.

In 2021, the stone pavement of Nene no Michi was renewed, and a photo contest was also held. . Visiting as a couple may give you an opportunity to think about your partnership.

■Address: Shimokawaramachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0825
■Nene’s path Official website (Gion Shopping District Promotion Association)

Rental kimono is perfect for a fun Gion date♪

In order to enjoy a date typical of Gion, a little playfulness and curiosity are also important. Why not try renting a kimono to fully immerse yourself in the Kyoto atmosphere?

The appeal of rental kimonos is mainly due to the following three points.

• Enjoy a different date than usual
• You can discover your boyfriend/girlfriend’s new “likes”
• Enjoy luxury experiences at reasonable prices

Charm of rental kimono: You can enjoy a different date than usual

For couples who have been together for a long time and have gotten into a bit of a rut, a date in a kimono is perfect for them to experience an extraordinary feeling.
Just by wearing a rental kimono and looking a little different than usual, you can enjoy a new and exciting feeling on a date.

Charm of rental kimono: You can discover your boyfriend/girlfriend’s new “likes”

When you wear a kimono, you will discover charms about your partner that you never knew existed.
Kimono can be expected to have the mysterious effect of bringing out a person’s natural beauty and coolness. The power of a rental kimono may deepen the bond between the two of you.

The appeal of rental kimono: Enjoy a luxurious experience at a reasonable price

The advantage of renting a kimono, unlike buying one, is that you can enjoy it at a reasonable price. If you ask the store, they will take care of everything from dressing you to cleaning up.
Highly recommended for those who want a luxurious date experience without spending too much money.

Suitable for couples! “Waplus Kyoto” is recommended for kimono rental in Gion

If couples are looking for a kimono rental shop in the Gion area, check out Waplus Kyoto, which is a 1-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine.

The reasons why couples choose Waplus Kyoto are as follows.

• Couple plan available
• Wide variety of designer kimonos, etc.
• You can rent it comfortably until 6pm
• Hair styling and location photography also available

Waplus Kyoto’s kimono rental offers a couple plan for 8,800 yen (tax included).
We have a wide selection of trendy and stylish rental kimonos, including original kimonos, lace kimonos, antique kimonos, and modern kimonos.
Of course, a professional will help you with coordination and dressing. Additionally, if you wish, you can have your hair styled or have a professional photographer accompany you to the location shoot.
Click here for the list of kimono rental plans

If you have any questions, please check “Frequently Asked Questions” and feel free to contact us. Please consult us.
Click here to make a reservation for Waplus Kyoto

Summary｜A fun date starts with advance preparation! Let’s take a leisurely stroll through Gion’s famous spots in kimono coordination

We have introduced recommended date spots around Gion.
If you want to fully enjoy the typical Gion streetscape, we recommend renting a kimono. Please be creative and enjoy your new date.

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