Gion Odori

Southern Higashiyama


This is a quaint and charming geisha dance put on by the geisha of the Gion Higashi geisha district. It’s held from 1 to 10 November at the Gion Kaikan Theatre (祇園会館), near Yasaka-jinja.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Higashiyama attractions

1. Yasaka-jinja

0.1 MILES

This colourful and spacious shrine is considered the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district. It's a bustling place that is well worth a visit…

2. Maruyama-kōen

0.2 MILES

Maruyama-kōen is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. This park is the place to come to escape the bustle of the city centre and amble around gardens…

3. Higashi-Ōtani

0.32 MILES

This is one of the largest Buddhist graveyards in Kyoto. It's an atmospheric (if spooky) place for a walk.

4. Entoku-in

0.32 MILES

This subtemple of Kōdai-ji has a lovely Zen garden and is a pleasant retreat from the busy touristy surrounds. You can buy a combo ticket with Kōdai-ji…

5. Yasui Konpira-gū

0.33 MILES

This interesting little Shintō shrine on the edge of Gion contains one of the most peculiar objects we've encountered anywhere in Japan: the enkiri…

6. Kōdai-ji

0.35 MILES

This exquisite temple was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The extensive grounds include gardens…

7. Kennin-ji

0.37 MILES

Founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, Kennin-ji is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is an island of peace and calm on the border of the boisterous Gion…

8. Shōren-in

0.37 MILES

This temple is hard to miss, with its giant camphor trees growing just outside the walls. Fortunately, most tourists march right on past, heading to the…