If you’re going to Kyoto with your family, lover, or friends, you should definitely visit the area around Gion.

Many photos of Gion are posted on various social networking sites including Instagram.
There are many people who look at the beautiful cityscape and wonder, “I want to go there” or “I wonder what kind of photos I can take?”

This time, we will talk about Gion in Kyoto.
●Land history and characteristics
●Recommended photo spots (shrines, temples, streets, etc.)
I would like to introduce you to

At the end, we’ve put together some tips on how to make your photos look stylish, so be sure to check them out.

In Gion, you can enjoy the historic townscape and Kyoto-like atmosphere

First, let’s take a quick look at the characteristics and history of the land called Gion.

Where is Gion in Kyoto?

Gion, a section of Kyoto, is not strictly delineated from where to where.

Originally, “Gion (Gion-san)” was the common name of Gion Shrine (currently Yasaka Shrine) in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
Therefore, the following areas around Yasaka Shrine are particularly recognized by people as the Gion area.
●Shijo Street from the west gate of Yasaka Shrine to the Kamogawa River
●Street extending north and south from Shijo-dori and the surrounding area

Gion has a history of over 1000 years

One of the reasons for the creation of the Gion area was the establishment of Gion Shrine, which was dedicated to Gozu Tenno, in 656.

Later, in 877, when an epidemic was occurring, a prayer was offered at Gion Shrine to eradicate the epidemic.
The timing of this prayer brought an end to the epidemic, and it began to attract even more attention from people.

During the Edo period, many teahouses began to line the streets, catering to visitors to the shrines and temples around Yasaka Shrine.
Gion has a history of over 1000 years and has grown into the entertainment district it is today.

Famous as a filming location for movies and dramas

Gion is a charming city that is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.
Examples include the following works:
●Honnoji Hotel
●Seicho Matsumoto Black Leather Notebook
●Kamogawa Holmo
● Gradually
●Hancho ~ Jinnan Police Station Asaka Unit ~ Series 3
●Maiko Haaaan!!!
In preparation for your visit to Gion, it would be even more enjoyable if you take a look at the films that were used at the filming location.

Recommended Instagrammable spots around Kyoto and Gion [Shrines and temples]

We will introduce shrines and temples around Gion where you can take beautiful photos.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is the shrine that led to the development of the Gion area, and is affectionately known as “Gion-san” and “Yasaka-san.”
The main deities enshrined are Susano-no-mikoto, who is well-known from the Kojiki’s “Extermination of Yamata-no-Orochi”, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira Mikogami. is.
It is said to confer benefits such as warding off evil spirits, warding off epidemics, prosperous business, marriage, and prayers for beauty.

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

Kenninji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the head temple of the Kennin-ji school of Rinzai Buddhism.
A great feature is that there is a replica of the national treasure Wind God and Thunder God, and you can take a photo of it.
The drawing of the Twin Dragons on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall is also impressive and cannot be missed!

■Address: 584 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0811
■Kenninji official website

Zenkyoan (Marishitendo)

Zenkyo-an is the sub-temple of Kennin-ji Temple.
It was founded by Ogasawara Sadamune in the late Kamakura period, with Zen Master Daikan Seisetsu Shocho as its founder.

Marishiten (a benevolent deity who protects Buddhism) is said to bring good luck and victory.
In the precincts of Marishitendo, you can find many statues of boars, which are the messengers of Marishiten.

■Address: 146 Komatsu-cho, 4-chome Yamatooji-dori Shijo-guru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811
■Zenkyoan official website

Yasui Konpira Shrine

Yasui Konpiragu Shrine is famous as the “Enkiri Shrine,” and is said to cut off all kinds of bad relationships and create good ones.
The main enshrined deity, Emperor Sutoku, went to Sanuki’s Kotohira Shrine, abstaining from all desires.
At the “Enkiri Enmusubi Monument,” there are many katashiro on which are written wishes for anniversaries and marriages.

■Address: 70 Shimobentencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0823
■Yasui Konpiragu Official Website

Recommended Instagrammable spots around Kyoto and Gion [parks, streets, bridges]

We will introduce roads and parks around Gion where you can take pictures of typical Kyoto scenes.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto City’s oldest park, opened in 1886.
The symbol of Maruyama Park is the Gion Weeping Cherry Blossom, located in the center of the park. During the cherry blossom season, the illumination of the cherry blossoms at night is also a highlight, and it is crowded with many people.
Be sure to check out the bronze statues of Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka, as well as the gourd pond.

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

Shirakawa Minamidori

Shirakawa Minami Dori is a 200m long cobblestone street that runs along the Shirakawa River on the north side of Shijo Dori.
The willows that bend in the wind and the vermilion Tamagaki fence are beautiful, and it is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
It is a spot where kimono looks stand out, and is often used in movies, dramas, and commercials.

■Address: Motoyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0087

Tatsumi Bridge

Tatsumi Bridge is a small bridge spanning the Shirakawa River.
The Tatsumi Bridge area has been designated as a “Traditional Buildings Preservation District” as a place that preserves Kyoto City’s historic townscape.
It would be fun to imagine things like, “What kind of thoughts did people in the past have when walking back and forth across this bridge?” and have a conversation with friends or loved ones.

■Address: 372 Kiyohoncho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0084 Gion Tatsumi Bridge

Hanamikoji Street

Hanamikoji-dori is a lively street that runs about 1km south of Shijo-dori.
Because it is lined with prestigious teahouses and restaurants, maikos and geishas sometimes pass by.
It is a quaint and beautiful street, but photography is prohibited on the private roads, so be sure to check the signboards carefully before taking photos.

■Address: South side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0074
■Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Kyoto Approach to the Gion Shopping District Official Website

Recommended Instagrammable spots around Kyoto and Gion [Other]

Gion has many other attractions!
If the time and schedule allow, we also recommend visiting museums and theaters.

Kanji Museum (Kanji Kanji Museum/Library)

The Kanji Museum is an interactive museum that opened in 2016.
You can enjoy learning kanji in this exhibition that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
With the exception of some content, photography is generally allowed inside the museum (no flash allowed)!
Don’t forget to check out the impressive “Giant Hot Spring Photo Corner”.

■Address: 551 South Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0074 (former site of Kyoto City Motoyasaka Junior High School)
■Kanji Museum Official Website

Minamiza

Minamiza is a long-established theater with a tradition dating back to the early Edo period.
Operated by Shochiku Co., Ltd., many theater productions including Kabuki are performed here.
The Minamiza building was recognized as a national registered tangible cultural property in 1996.
It underwent a major renovation in 2016, but just by looking at the exterior, you can feel the depth of its entertainment history.

■Address: Shijo Ohashi Higashizume, 198 Nakanocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0075
■Minamiza official website

Tips for taking stylish photos in Gion, Kyoto

Lastly, we will tell you some tips for taking stylish photos in Gion!
Please keep the following points in mind when taking photos.

●Take photos from angles and angles of view that give a three-dimensional effect
●Be aware of the time of day and sunlight
●Rental kimono makes your subject stand out even more

Just checking the overall composition and sunlight exposure before pressing the camera’s shooting button will greatly improve the quality of your photos.
Also, if you are going to take a photo shoot in Gion, why not dress up in a stylish rental kimono? You can take wonderful photos that match the Kyoto cityscape.
At Waplus Kyoto, you can hire a professional photographer to take pictures on location!

Enjoy taking photos and renting stylish kimonos in Gion

This time, we introduced Gion’s characteristics and recommended photo spots. Gion has a deep history, and the more you know about it, the more you’ll discover its charms.

The area around Gion is not only full of traditional streets, but also has many colorful spots, so you’ll be able to take a wide variety of photos.
Please feel free to wear a rental kimono and have fun taking photos while walking around.

Click here to reserve a rental kimono