Gion
Gion is known as the most
famous geisha district in
Kyoto, and is located between
the Kamo River and Yasaka
Shrine. The area features
primarily teahouses,
restaurants and shops where
geisha entertain their clientele.
The architecture in Gion is
mostly traditional, although
some interiors have been
modified to reflect modern
aesthetics. Visit in the night to
avoid crowds and to see Gion
in a more evocative light with
its dimly lit streets exuding an
air of bygone mystery.Shopping
Ebisugawa-dori
Kyoto is known for its collection of
artisans who specialise in
traditional handicrafts.
Examples of these handmade
cultural treasures include
intricately designed
lacquerware and furniture
which are still produced by
stores lining Ebisugawa-dori,
the “furniture district” of the
city. Stroll through the street
and you will be treated to
proud displays of the often
century-old stores’ products,
ranging from simple but elegant
pottery items to gold-adorned
lacquerware.PHOTOGRAPHS: 123RFKYOTO AT A GLANCE
Mamemasa
Mamemasa is a
confectionary store
established in 1884 on
Ebisugawa-dori,
producing nut and
bean-based snacks
prepared using traditional
methods. Historically,
Mamemasa is where
wedding confectionaries are
purchased after furniture for the
couple’s new home was secured in
the neighbouring shops. Head in to sample
some of Kyoto’s original snacks including goshikimame, or
five-coloured beans first produced in 1887 which is made
of roasted beans coated in coloured sugar.
Owww.mamemasa.co.jpTeramachi and Shinkyogoku
Shopping Arcades
Located at the intersection of Shijo and
Kawaramachi along Shijo Street is a
labyrinthine network of covered streets
and alleys hawking a collection of
fashionable goods targeted at the
younger market. The eastern street,
Shinkyogoku, is filled with your generic
selection of souvenirs including
discount watches and slogan tees. The
western street, Teramachi, is an
altogether more refined place, with a
variety of art galleries, bookstores, and
several shops selling religious goods
like incense, Buddha images, prayer
beads and the like.CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT
Myriad shops selling a
variety of fashion and
religious paraphernalia
at Shinkyogoku and
Teramachi; streets
and alleyways in Gion
are dimly lit at night,
making for some good
aesthetics; Mamemasa
specialises in a variety of
nut snacks, including the
traditional goshikimame;
an assortment of textiles,
ceramics and woodcraft on
sale at Ebisugawa-dori