Hanami-koji

The best seasons to visit Hanami-koji are spring and autumn. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom nearby, enhancing the historic streetscape with vibrant colors. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage, adding warm hues to the traditional wooden buildings. During these times, the weather is mild and perfect for strolling, and you may catch cultural events or traditional performances in the Gion district.

Must-see attractions on Hanami-koji include the historic machiya townhouses, traditional ochaya teahouses, and long-established ryotei restaurants. Visitors should also try to spot geiko and maiko gracefully walking the street. Nearby, Kennin-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine offer cultural and spiritual experiences, while Gion Corner showcases traditional performing arts.

Hanami-koji is located in Kyoto’s Gion district, easily accessible by public transport from Kyoto Station, the main gateway for travelers. Most visitors arrive in Kyoto from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train) and then take buses or taxis to Gion. The street is a short walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

Hanami-koji is unique for its strict preservation of traditional culture, including the ‘ichigensan okotowari’ policy, where many teahouses only accept guests introduced by patrons, maintaining exclusivity. The street is a designated Historical Landscape Preservation District, ensuring its Edo-period architecture and atmosphere remain authentic. Spotting a maiko or geiko here is a rare cultural highlight.

Nearby attractions include Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine; Shirakawa Canal, known for its scenic beauty; and Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Visitors often combine Hanami-koji with a visit to Gion Corner for traditional performances or explore the historic streets of nearby Pontocho for dining and nightlife.