Gion is Kyoto's famed Geisha District (called "Geiko"
in Kyoto). Though Gion's many tea houses and
entertainment restaurants are closed to foreigners,
Geiko and Maiko in their traditional makeup with
gilded hair in full kimono can be seen drifting the
streets on their way to and from work, where they fan
dance, sing, and play instruments for customers. Gion
lights up at night, when the ancient-looking streets
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glow with lanterns along the river, where weeping
willows catch the starlight and the air is warmed with
conversation. Groups pass through to populate the
restaurants and bars along the riverfront, but Gion
still manages to be a mostly quiet district, due in
large part to limited automotive traffic through many
of its streets. Gion is a wonderful place to indulge
in Kyoto's local and customary cuisines, and is best
enjoyed after dark.
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