Kyoto’s Pontocho is a magical street in central Kyoto just west of the Kamo River. It runs north to south from Shijo Dori to Sanjo Dori. It is best known as one of the licensed geisha areas in Kyoto, but for the average tourist it is well worth a visit.   You can stroll the [...]

Gion is the famed area of Kyoto close to and surrounding Yasaka Shrine. The neighborhood was originally developed to serve the needs of pilgrims to the shrine – mainly inns and restaurants – but ultimately came to be home to the tea houses, geisha, and night culture that have made the name of the neighborhood [...]