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Hanamikoji-dori Street

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Hanamikoji-dori Street

The quaint street which goes through the heart of Gion from north to south.

3.58 14

Last update :
Supervised by :  Gion Shopping Street Promotion Association

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

  • Some shops provide kimono and Geisha experience.
  • You may see Geisha on the streets but taking their photos is not a good manner.
  • Picture-taking on private roads around Hanamikoji-dori is prohibited.

Photos

  • The road sign at the entrance of Hanamikoji-dori Photo Credit: iStock

    The road sign at the entrance of Hanamikoji-dori Photo Credit: iStock

  • Hanamikoji-dori is also the approach to Kenninji Temple Photo Credit: iStock

    Hanamikoji-dori is also the approach to Kenninji Temple Photo Credit: iStock

  • The night fall brings special ambience Photo Credit: iStock

    The night fall brings special ambience Photo Credit: iStock

  • A little to the west from Hanamikoji, Tatsumi Bashi neighborhood has the classic Kyoto scenery. Photo Credit: kyoto media support center

    A little to the west from Hanamikoji, Tatsumi Bashi neighborhood has the classic Kyoto scenery. Photo Credit: kyoto media support center

  • Quite a few walk in kimono around Gion Photo by Graphic Corporation

    Quite a few walk in kimono around Gion Photo by Graphic Corporation

Reviews

14

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Gina C
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    Strolling slowly along the stone-paved street, you’ll see traditional machiya townhouses lining both sides. Without flashy signs, it’s even easier to appreciate Kyoto’s understated elegance. I couldn’t help slowing down along the way to take in the street views and snap some photos. Every corner felt like a Japanese landscape painting.

  • Ming Yu
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    Walking along Kyoto's Hanamikoji-dori Street, you'll see well-preserved wooden machiya townhouses and reddish lattice windows on both sides. The stone-paved street is filled with the nostalgic atmosphere of the ancient capital, making it feel as though you've traveled back in time to old Japan.

  • wendy
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    When visiting Gion in Kyoto, you definitely shouldn’t miss Hanamikoji Street, which is full of the old capital’s charm. This lovely street runs north to south through the heart of Gion and is lined with historic buildings that preserve Kyoto’s traditional character. Many of the old buildings have been renovated into restaurants, teahouses, and unique little shops.

    You don’t need any special plans when strolling down the street. Just walking slowly and admiring the machiya townhouses on both sides is enough to experience the distinct atmosphere of Kyoto. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Hanamikoji Street is the possibility of an unexpected encounter. If you’re lucky, you may spot a geisha or maiko dressed in a kimono and walking gracefully, adding even more classical charm to the Kyoto streetscape.

  • Linda Liao
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    Hanamikoji-dori Street is located in Kyoto’s Gion district and is one of the city’s most iconic historic streets. As you stroll along, you’ll see well-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, lattice windows, and teahouses on both sides. The stone-paved road and understated, elegant streetscape create a strong sense of the Edo period. This is an important setting for Kyoto’s geisha district culture. Since the Edo period, Gion gradually flourished thanks to visitors to Yasaka Shrine and its teahouse culture, developing unique traditions such as geisha and maiko.

    Hanamikoji-dori Street is especially charming in the evening, when the lantern-lit street feels quiet and mysterious. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko hurrying by in a gorgeous kimono!

  • BobbyJenny
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    Hanamikoji-dori Street has preserved a rich sense of traditional Kyoto charm. The stone-paved road and old-fashioned machiya townhouses have a unique atmosphere. Walking through the area feels like stepping back into old Kyoto, full of captivating appeal.

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Details

Name in Japanese
花見小路通
Postal Code
605-0074
Address
South of Gion Town, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Hours
Walk around anytime
Directions
1) From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, Exit 6, walk 3 min.
2) From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station Exit 1A, walk 7 min.
3) From JR Kyoto Station, ride the City Bus Route 100 or 206, get off at Gion Stop and walk 2 min.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa