Hello there! Welcome back to another video in my Discovering Japan Series In this video, I will be showing you Kyoto's most famous historic district known for its ancient buildings, geishas and temples: GION! My walk will begin at this exquisite Buddhist temple and one of Kyoto's Historic Monuments called Kiyumizu-dera The first temple of Kiyomizu-dera was founded during the Heian period in 780 AD by the shogun, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro Kiyomizu-dera is a marvel of architectural ingenuity. Despite
being one of Japan’s oldest temples, it was constructed without using a single nail. The main hall of Kiyomizu-dera boasts expansive verandas supported by tall pillars. These verandas extend over the hillside, offering visitors breathtaking views of the city below Beneath the main hall lies the Otowa Waterfall, a serene and picturesque spot. The temple’s founding legend involves a Hosso Buddhist monk who dreamed of a golden river flowing down Mt. Otowa above Kyoto. During the Edo period, the te
mple’s large verandas accommodated a significant number of pilgrims. People flocked to Kiyomizu-dera seeking blessings and spiritual experiences I visited during Winter but the temple’s surroundings come alive with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Within the temple complex, you’ll find the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking. The Sanjuno-to, a three-storied pagoda, stands prominently near the main hall. Its elegant design adds to the temple’s allure he Kiyomiz
u Stage, supported by massive wooden beams, is an iconic feature. During cherry blossom season, it becomes a stage for traditional performances Kiyomizu-dera also hosts special evening illuminations during certain seasons. The temple and its surroundings are bathed in soft light, creating a magical atmosphere Whether you’re a tourist or a pilgrim, Kiyomizu-dera offers a profound spiritual experience. Exquisite! The golden hour further enhances the pagoda's orange facade We're now going down to t
he main area of Gion Welcome to the town of Gion! Gion’s history dates back to the 8th century, when it served as a temple town for pilgrims on their way to the Gion Shrine (now known as Yasaka Shrine) The town is synonymous with geisha (or geiko in Kyoto). These refined performers have captivated patrons for centuries The district boasts traditional wooden machiya merchant houses, preserved for decades. . Hanami Lane (hanamikoji) is a picturesque street intersecting Kyoto’s central Shijo Dori,
leading to Yasaka Shrine Gion owes much of its charm to the many antique machiya lining its streets. Originally built for city life, these wooden townhouses now house art galleries, antique shops, and kimono stores The Shirakawa area within Gion offers a quieter escape, flanked by tall willow trees and dotted with traditional dining establishments Gion is filled with ochaya (teahouses) and restaurants where geiko and maiko entertain guests One of the best times to visit Gion is during Gion Matsu
ri It is one of Japan’s most famous festivals and fills the district with colorful floats, traditional music, and lively celebrations A must see in Gion is its spiritual heart in serene Yasaka Shrine, where visitors seek blessings and tranquility Most buildings defining the narrow streets are completely made of wood, making you feel like you leaped through time Another area to visit is the Hanami Lane which features well-preserved tea-houses Both daytime and nighttime in Gion are equally stunni
ng and gives very different vibes. During the daytime, you appreciate the architectural details and all the street activities. And at nighttime, the places comes alive when the lanterns get lit and it is magical! So I suggest you visit on both times Of course, you will likely encounter geiko (Kyoto’s geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) in the teahouses For those who do not know what geisha are, they female Japanese performing artists and entertainers They trained in traditional Japanese perfo
rming arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts Their distinct appearance is characterised by long, trailing kimono, traditional hairstyles and oshiroi make-up. In fact, Gion is the only district wherein the kyo-mai style of Japanese traditional dance is taught to the Geisha As a tourist, you can also also find kimono rentals in Gion and fulfill your Geisha fantasy for a day Oh and if you're a foodie, the streets of Gion are just line
d with a wide selection of restaurants Some of the recommended food to try include: ramen at Mushoshin, sushi at Izuju, tempura at Kyoboshi.... ...okonomiyaki at Gion Tanto, teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, oyakodon at Hisago and of course matcha tiramusu at Maccha House There's just so many things you can do and explore in Gion and it is definitely a must-see if you're staying in Gion! Whether you’re a tourist or a seeker of spiritual experiences, Gion’s blend of history, architecture, a
nd natural beauty captivates all who visit I shall now let you enjoy the rest of the tour. Be sure to stay to the end to see the magnificent Hōkan-ji Temple up close
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