Page 192 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

12 Its deities protect from ill ness Running east from Hanami-
and, in 869, were paraded
koji, north of Shijo, is Shinba-
Gion District through the streets to stop shi, a street lined with discreet
祇園地区 an epidemic – the beginning ochaya, and nary a neon sign
of the famous Gion Matsuri. to be seen. The average Gion-
 D4 £ Gion-shijo Stn, On New Year’s Day, thousands goer, however, is more likely
Keihan line @ 46, 201,
203, 207 to Gion flock here to pray for health to partake in karaoke with
and prosperity, while in early their colleagues in one of the
By turns tawdry and sublime,
April crowds stream through
gaudy, neon-lit buildings that
EXPERIENCE Kyoto City known geisha quarter where Maruyama Park, a cherry- that make up the north-
its gates on their way to
populate the cluttered streets
the Gion is Kyoto’s best-
blossom viewing site.
Japanese men come to revel in
eastern part of the district,
the company of professional
than to engage in geisha
Gion’s main shopping area
is the stretch of Shijo between
geishas at private inns and
play at a prestigious ochaya.
Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Bridge,
teahouses found on the streets
which includes shops with
north and south of Shijo-dori,
beside the Kamo River. Its
On the southeast corner of
history started in feudal
times, with stalls cat ering to expensive kimono accessories. DRINK
Shijo and Hanamikoji is the
the needs of pilgrims and Gion’s most famous ochaya,
other visitors. These evolved Ichiriki. Easily identified by
into teahouses, or ochaya, its distinctive red walls, this Jam Sake Bar
fulfil ling a variety of appetites. teahouse is the setting of This bar boasts more
In the late 16th century, Kabuki a scene in the Kabuki play than 30 different types
theater moved from the Kamo Chushingura. Hanamikoji itself, of sake, organized by
river bank, where it had started, a historically preserved zone, region, including many
into several venues just east shows the Gion at its classic, Kyoto specialties.
of the river, further ing the and classy, best. The restau- Flights (tasters of
Gion’s reputation as a play- rants and ochaya here are the different sakes) are
boy’s paradise. One of these, haunts of politicians and com- available, and the staff
Minami-za, still exists. pany presidents, and are likely speak English.
The Yasaka Shrine, whose to turn a cold shoulder to  D4 ⌂ 170 Tokiwachō,
striking two-story vermilion people without a proper intro- Higashiyama-ku
gate rises above the eastern duction. More accessible to ∑ sakebar.jp
end of Shijo-dori, was estab- tourists are the nearby Gion
lished in around 656 and Corner and the Gion Kobu
originally called Gion Shrine. Kaburenjo venues.

A kimono-wearing woman in
Gion District, with the Yasaka
Shrine in the background
192

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