Over the years, the path from Gion to Yasaka Shrine has been bustling with worshippers, creating a lively atmosphere. To accommodate these visitors and offer them a place to rest, tea houses and traditional restaurants have multiplied in the Gion area, eventually becoming Kyoto's most iconic entertainment district.

You'll find numerous upscale restaurants within the storied geisha district, which is known for its rich history. Some prioritize serving regular customers and may even turn away first-time visitors. While this might seem odd, it's a unique aspect of Kyoto's hospitality culture.

Not to worry, however, there are plenty of more welcoming restaurants in Gion and you'll be treated to excellent Japanese hospitality in these establishments.

Several Michelin-starred kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meals) restaurants in Gion are perfect for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere and want to savor their meal in a sophisticated setting.

The Michelin two-starred mainstay, Gion Maruyama, is highly regarded in Gion and well-known among locals. Sangencha Kaiseki, Gion Kawakami, 'Gion Nanba, Gion Suetomo, and Oryori Mashita are all Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants, each awarded one star.

They craft delicately exquisite dishes using seasonal ingredients, akin to works of art, providing guests with both culinary and visual satisfaction.

When it comes to savoring kaiseki cuisine in Japan, you can truly appreciate the delicate flavors of the ingredients. In Gion, there are numerous kaiseki restaurants. For example, Kyoto no Ryotei Hachidaime Gihey specializes in traditional clay pot rice cooking. Gion Iwamoto utilizes seasonal ingredients to let your tastebuds experience the four seasons of Kyoto.

Established in 1871, Kyoryori TaGoto showcases their mastery accumulated over the years, bringing out the best flavors in every dish. Tsudaro, formerly a tea house from the Taisho era, serves kaiseki cuisine and is a venue for geisha and maiko performances, offering traditional entertainment alongside your meal!

No matter where you travel in Japan, sushi and tempura are top choices for sampling Japanese cuisine, and in Gion, there are plenty of traditional Japanese restaurants to choose from.

There's the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Matsudaya, where delicious food is a given, and the upscale decor creates a luxurious experience. Gion Tempura Endo Yasaka is highly recommended by locals. With its traditional Kyoto-style architecture, the restaurant exudes a historical atmosphere that's truly captivating!

When visiting Japan, it's a must to savor the finest Black Wagyu or Japanese domestic beef.

In Gion, the top choice for A5 Wagyu yakiniku is Kyo Kurozakura. It's the only yakiniku restaurant in Kyoto that exclusively serves A5-grade Black Wagyu, ensuring the highest quality no matter which cut you choose. You won't be disappointed. Gion Yakiniku Kokoro also offers high-quality Omi beef and Kobe beef, satisfying even the most discerning palates.

For those craving beef shabu-shabu, there's Gion Gyuzen. If teppanyaki or steak is more your style, Kobe Beef Niyama Teppanyaki or Gion BISTRO Maruhashi, with its Japanese-style sunken hearth seating, are highly recommended options.

"Obanzai" refers to Kyoto's traditional home cooking. Indulge in Obanzai, and you'll gain insight into Kyoto's local customs and unique culinary culture.

When sightseeing in Gion, why not stop by Obanzai Sakuragawa to taste traditional home-cooked dishes that Kyoto locals have enjoyed since childhood? Their assorted platters, such as the Obanzai Five Variety Platter (1,650 yen, tax included), allow you to sample a variety of vegetable, fish, and meat dishes all at once. Notably, the restaurant is overseen by the head chef from the Michelin-starred sister restaurant Japanese Cuisine Sakuragawa, offering Michelin-quality meals at an affordable price. It's a great deal!

For many, when thinking of Kyoto, matcha immediately springs to mind! In Gion, there are plenty of traditional Japanese cafes, many of which offer matcha-related drinks and desserts, so you're sure to find a place you'll love.

Gion Tamegiro offers a lavish matcha buffet, while at Kadenkyoame Gion Koishi, you can treat yourself to rich matcha ice cream. Besides matcha desserts, there are plenty of other options as well.

Bunnosuke Chaya Honten serves handmade warabi mochi, or you can try the smooth-textured soybean flour ice cream at Gion Kinana.

And nostalgic Café Soiree is famous for its drink made with a mix of five-colored jellies, making it perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy photos!

Because there are many shopping streets and scenic lanes around Gion, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy food while strolling.

Kyo Kurara specializes in nama-fu (a delicacy based on highly refined wheat gluten), known for its unique texture and is perfect as a souvenir, sweet treat, or accompaniment to meals. Their bite-sized skewers come in both savory and sweet flavors with adorable designs.

Gion Tsujiri offers matcha ice cream, and during the summer, their specialty matcha latte is also a great choice.

Established in the Tenpo era, Itoh Kyuemon Gion Shijo Branch Tea Room is a long-standing matcha shop. They serve matcha ice cream bars adorned with chocolate, fruit, and mochi. Their matcha, ground in a stone mill, is not only rich in flavor but also presented in very cute desserts!

However, it's essential to note that there are areas in Gion where photography is prohibited, so be careful not to break any rules while taking photos of your food!

Including Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion Shijo Station, the Gion Machi area can be considered the central district of Gion. This area holds the historical significance of Yasaka Shrine's front town and the flower streets, exuding a nostalgic traditional atmosphere that many visitors adore.

Along the stone-paved streets of Hanamikoji, many traditional Kyoto machiya buildings still retain their ancient charm, giving visitors the illusion of traveling back in time. As one of the most well-known and popular tourist areas in Gion, many excellent dining establishments are concentrated in the Gion Machi area.

You'll find numerous high-end traditional restaurants that have been in business for over a century. Within a ten-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station to Yasaka Shrine, you'll encounter various kaiseki and traditional Japanese cuisine restaurants, perfect for those seeking exquisite dining experiences.

There's also no shortage of cafes or teahouses where you can take a break while exploring the neighborhood's scenic streets!

For those planning to do some shopping, Kawaramachi is an absolute must-visit destination! Located north of Gion Shijo Station, Kawaramachi is arguably Kyoto's most central and bustling commercial area. Compared to Gion Machi, it has a livelier atmosphere, attracting many young people.

Large department stores, including Takashimaya, Daimaru, Kawaramachi OPA, and Kyoto Kawaramachi GARDEN, are gathered here. They offer a wide range of brand-name shops, pharmacies, fashion boutiques, grocery stores, and electronics stores. If you're looking for souvenirs, this area is the perfect place to explore.

Shopping streets like Shinkyogoku-dori and Teramachi-dori have a more approachable atmosphere, ideal for getting a nostalgic vibe.

While Gion Machi boasts upscale restaurants, Kawaramachi offers a plethora of options catering to younger crowds. Instagram-famous cafés like Café Soiree and IKARIYA Shokudo, where you can enjoy French and Italian cuisine, have gained popularity. If you're looking for a diverse range of dining experiences, this area should be at the top of your list!

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is an absolute must-visit in Kyoto. The temple has several highlights, including the vermilion-colored three-story pagoda and the iconic Kiyomizu Stage built on a steep cliff and seemingly suspended in mid-air. Regardless of the season, tourists from around the world flockto the temple. During cherry blossom season and in fall, the crowds swell even more, when no once can resist capturing the natural beauty of Kiyomizu-dera.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a bit far from the nearest station, Kiyomizu-gojo Station. It's about a 25-minute walk, so it's best to take a bus from JR Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka and walk for about 10 minutes from there.

Before touring the temple, visitors must ascend the steep slopes of Kiyomizu-zaka, Ichinen-zaka, Ninen-zaka, and Sannen-zaka. Sannen-zaka, also known as "Sanneizaka," has been designated as an important area for the preservation of traditional structures in Japan. Its streets exude classical charm and are beloved by both domestic and international visitors.

The long pathways leading to the temple are lined with snack shops and restaurants, allowing visitors to take a moment to relax along the way.

In the Gion Higashiyama area north of Gion Machi, there are two well-connected stations: Higashiyama Station and Sanjo Station. Because the area lacks the lively atmosphere of Kawaramachi and is slightly off the beaten path from famous attractions like Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera, not all tourists may venture here.

However, within the area lies Pontocho, a street brimming with places to eat. Restaurants here offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly eateries and izakayas to upscale Japanese restaurants, French cuisine, and creative culinary outlets. Come evening, many establishments illuminate their lanterns, enticing locals in search of delectable dining experiences.

In this alleyway exuding Japanese charm, there aren't many restaurants specifically targeting tourists, but for those eager to immerse themselves in authentic Kyoto culture, this corner of the city is an excellent choice.

In summer, traditional yuka platforms erected over the Kamo River become a symbol of Kyoto's summer culture. Around the Kamo River, Pontocho is home to several kaiseki restaurants offering unforgettable riverside dining. Enjoying unique Kyoto flavors while listening to the sound of the river and chirping insects makes for the perfect summer memories and ideal for cooling off in the summer heat!

These 40 restaurants around Gion each exudeg the distinctive charm of Kyoto. Whether it's their traditional architecture, locally sourced ingredients, or traditional cooking methods, these eateries promise to provide a multi-faceted experience of Kyoto's allure.

It's worth noting that many popular establishments may require a considerable wait time, especially during peak tourist seasons, so it's best to make reservations to ensure you can dine without any complications.

(The information provided in this article is accurate as of February 2024. For the latest updates, please refer to the official websites of each establishment.)