Gion Geisha District Evening Walk

As the lanterns flicker on along Hanamikoji and the willow-lined Shirakawa canal, a guide walks you through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha quarter of wooden ochaya teahouses.

You learn the difference between a geiko and her apprentice maiko, the etiquette of these private houses, and — if the evening is kind — glimpse a kimono-clad figure hurrying to an engagement across the old stone bridges.