Gion is Kyoto's largest geisha district in Japan. It is Kyoto's most famous "entertainment district" and, during the Tokugawa Shogunate period, was one of the two great centers of pleasure and culture alongside Yoshiwara in Edo.
Of course, compared to Yoshiwara, Gion, being primarily focused on geisha, lacked the flesh trade, lending it a somewhat more refined aura.
The origins of Gion can be traced back to the early Tokugawa Shogunate, when the government allowed teahouses to operate in the area. This led to Gion's rise, and at its peak, it boasted over four thousand geisha, making it one of the most prosperous districts in Japan.
Among all of Gion, the most renowned spot is Hanami Lane.
This street is home to numerous historic teahouses, some of which have been passed down through more than ten generations.
