Hanami-koji Street is a main street crossing Gion north to south from Sanjo to Kenninji Temple. It is “koji” (small alley), but the street is wide and lively with lots of stores hosting many tourists. The Teahouse district still maintains the traditional ambience in the district from Shijo-dori to the south. The original teahouses were on Shijo-dori and to the north of it, which were gathered to the current southern district in Meiji and Taisho Periods.
Ichiriki-tei, at the corner of Shijo-dori and Hanamikoji-dori, is a classic Teahouse used by distinguished figures and appears in Kabuki drama ”Kanadehon Chushingura.” From there to Kenninji Temple, Teahouse, restaurants and cafes line the street. Beyond there, there is Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre where Miyako Odori Dance is practiced.
The nearby alleys have many quaint shops, but many prohibit picture-taking. Please be considerate. Although on the north side of Shijo-dori has buildings and highrise apartments, when you turn from Hanamikoji into Shirakawa Street near Tatsumi Bashi Bridge, the preservation district for groups of historic buildings still has traditional Gion townscape for you to experience.
Highlights
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Some shops provide kimono and Geisha experience.
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You may see Geisha on the streets but taking their photos is not a good manner.
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Picture-taking on private roads around Hanamikoji-dori is prohibited.
