Shijo-dori and Gion Street
After looking around JR Kyoto Station, I headed to Kawaramachi Station.
As the last destination of my Kyoto trip, I decided to take a walk along Shijo-dori and Gion’s nightlife.
Shijo-dori(Fourth Avenue) is Kyoto’s largest shopping street, stretching from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station to Omiya-dori.
Department stores and shops line this long street.
Since most Kyoto buses pass through Shijo-dori, can’t miss it if traveling in Kyoto.
Shijo-dori at night
Many people were strolling along the long, straight street.
What was fascinating was that, even as I walked the long distance, the same music played from outdoor speakers.
It seemed that carols were playing continuously, perfect for the Christmas season.
They had connected the entire Shijo-dori street with speakers, giving it a cozy feeling with roofed terraces extending into the street.
Continuing down Shijo-dori and passing Kawaramachi Station, I can reach Gion Street.
Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
The building prominently displays “Hankyu,” making it easy to find Kawaramachi Station.
(The facade has changed since then.)
Kyoto Gion Street
I went to Gion Street to experience the old Kyoto vibe.
Gion Street
While there were many modern buildings, you could still easily spot traditional Japanese wooden structures on Gion Street.
Gion’s shops
The shops on Gion Street were decorated to evoke an old-world ambiance.
This scene truly embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic.
There were also many sculptures recreating the traditional Japanese look.
I wish I could read a bit of Japanese… it’s a regret.
Hairpins
There were shops selling hairpins similar to Korean hairpins, but they were surprisingly expensive.
A single pin cost over 10,000 yen, which is well over 100,000 Korean won.
I had no intention of buying one or giving it as a gift. Thankfully.
Gion Street
Gion Street wasn’t limited to traditional houses; amidst modern buildings, could occasionally encounter women wearing kimonos.
It seemed that Kyoto still had geisha performances… that’s what I heard.
Gion’s alleys
As I explored Gion’s alleys, I noticed that shops and pubs seamlessly coexisted among what looked like ordinary residential areas.
Gion’s shops
It was unusual to see cherry blossoms leading the way to shops.
There were shops from underground to above ground, and while they appeared like ordinary houses, they were multi-story establishments with bars and restaurants.
Operating shops in Gion
This was truly Japanese.
Gion’s rice cake shop
I got hungry and bought some street food.
Rice cakes and mochi
They cut glutinous rice cakes into rounds, grilled them, and coated them with a sweet sauce.
It was simple and convenient to eat on the street and helped satisfy my hunger.
Women in kimonos
As I was walking, I saw another woman in a kimono and secretly took a photo from behind.
I wonder what that pedestal-like thing behind her was for…?
Kamo River in Kyoto
From Gion, I headed back to Kawaramachi Station.
On the way, there’s the Kamo River, which is quite famous in Kyoto.
It’s a place where my favorite author, Haruki Murakami, once ran along the river.
It’s also known for being the setting of the famous Japanese manga “Detective Conan.”
Kamo River at night
Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (2003)
The Kamo River (Kamogawa / Kamokawa / Kamogawa / Kamogawa), which served as the backdrop for Detective Conan’s 7th film, “Crossroad in the Ancient Capital.”
Recently, I think I watched a Japanese movie set in Kyoto.
“I Will Date Tomorrow’s You” (ぼくは明日、昨日のきみとデートする). I really enjoyed it.
Kyoto is a place I definitely want to visit again in the future.
Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
At 7:09 PM, I took the train back to Osaka from Kawaramachi.
Dec. 14. 2009.