Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi) | Location, atmosphere and visiting tips

Basics

Location: Kyoto, Kyoto
Type: Bar district
Address: 京都府京都市東山区祇園町南側

Good to know before you go

One restaurant on Hanamikoji is listed as a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station.
High-end ryotei and kappo restaurants dominate; many are listed as open from about 17:00 to 22:00. Reservation needs and closing days vary by shop.

The position is approximate.

You must be 20 or over to drink in Japan. If you are driving, you cannot taste. Opening days, fees and booking details may change. Check the official site for the latest information before you visit.

Breweries and distilleries nearby

Beer

Checked against official sources

Kyoto Arashiyama Brewery Sanjo Brewery

Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto

A brewery and brewpub in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto; the official site lists the brewery and pub at the same address.

Booking: Check the official site

Sake

Checked against official sources

Sasaki Shuzo Rakuchu Brewery Tourism

Kyoto (Kamigyo-ku), Kyoto

A brewery in central Kyoto on the site of the Jurakudai palace. Staff guide visitors through the normally closed brewery, with tasting and a souvenir afterwards.

Booking: Reservation required

Beer

Checked against official sources

Nishijin Beer Taproom

Kyoto, Kyoto

The directly run taproom of Nishijin Beer, brewed in Nishijin, Kyoto, serving its current limited-edition beers.

Booking: Check the official site

Beer

Checked against official sources

Woodmill Brewery Kyoto

Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto

A microbrewery in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, with an attached taproom serving its own beer and a retail counter.

Booking: Check the official site

Beer

Secondary sources (not confirmed with the facility)

Kyoto Brewing Co. Taproom

Kyoto, Kyoto

A taproom attached to a brewery in Minami-ku, Kyoto, serving fresh beer.

Booking: No reservation needed

Photos

Street scene of Hanamikoji-dori — Gion Hanamikoji (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto)
Photo: xiquinhosilva / CC BY 2.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and cropped

A machiya townhouse in Gion Shinbashi — Gion Hanamikoji (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto)
Photo: Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and cropped

Frequently asked questions

What is Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi)?

Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi) (Kyoto, Kyoto) is a Bar district. A geisha district of teahouses and restaurants; Kyoto cuisine and Western restaurants line the Hanamikoji area and the Shirakawa-side Gion Shimbashi quarter, which grew as teahouse town at the gate of Yasaka Shrine.

Where is Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi)?

It is in Kyoto, Kyoto. The address is 京都府京都市東山区祇園町南側.

What should I know before visiting Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi)?

One restaurant on Hanamikoji is listed as a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station. High-end ryotei and kappo restaurants dominate; many are listed as open from about 17:00 to 22:00. Reservation needs and closing days vary by shop.

Are there breweries or distilleries to visit near Gion (Hanamikoji / Gion Shimbashi)?

Within about 30 km: Kyoto Arashiyama Brewery Sanjo Brewery (about 1 km), Sasaki Shuzo Rakuchu Brewery Tourism (about 3 km), Nishijin Beer Taproom (about 4 km), Woodmill Brewery Kyoto (about 4 km), Kyoto Brewing Co. Taproom (about 4 km).

What should I keep in mind before drinking?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Do not drink if you are driving. Many small bars charge a seat fee (otoshi or charge) or take cash only, so check the menu or the sign at the door before you go in.

Information sources

Information checked against official sources, such as the facility's website.

Checked 2026-10-27

Sources

Spotted a mistake?

Opening days, fees and booking methods change. If you notice a difference, please tell us and we will check and fix it promptly.

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