The fastest way from Kyoto Station to Gion is the Keihan Line, which runs from Tofukuji Station (a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Station) to Gion-Shijo Station and takes about 10 minutes, costing 200 yen. City buses are also convenient. Walking takes 25 to 30 minutes.
Quick Answer: Keihan Line from Tofukuji to Gion-Shijo Station: 10 minutes, approximately 200 yen. Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Line is a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Gion-Shijo Station is in the heart of Gion district on Hanamikoji Street. Fastest option.
Best Route
Keihan Line via Tofukuji (recommended): Walk 3 minutes east from Kyoto Station to Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Oto Line. Board the Keihan toward Osaka. 3 stops to Gion-Shijo (about 10 minutes). Not covered by the JR Pass, but fast and direct.
Bus 206 (convenient): From Kyoto Station bus terminal, Bus 206 goes toward Higashiyama and stops at Gion. About 15 minutes, 230 yen. Drops near Yasaka Shrine at the eastern end of Gion.
Walk: About 25 to 30 minutes from Kyoto Station along the Kawaramachi shopping area to Gion. Pleasant in good weather.
Step-by-Step Directions
Keihan route: Exit Kyoto Station from the south exit (Hachijo Exit) and walk east for about 3 minutes to Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Line. Board the Keihan Line toward the Osaka direction (Yodoyabashi/Demachiyanagi). 3 stops to Gion-Shijo. Exit 6 for Hanamikoji Street in the heart of Gion.
Bus route: From the Kyoto Station north bus terminal, board Bus 206 from Bay D2. Ride about 15 minutes to the Gion stop. The bus drops you near Yasaka Shrine, which is the eastern anchor of the Gion district.
Walk route: From Kyoto Station north exit, walk north along Karasuma-dori for about 10 minutes to Shijo-dori. Turn right (east) along Shijo-dori for 15 minutes to Gion. The main Hanamikoji Street is on the south side of Shijo-dori as you enter the Gion area.
Cost
Keihan Line: Approximately 200 yen. Not covered by JR Pass.
Bus 206: 230 yen.
Walk: Free.
Taxi: Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
Travel Time
Keihan Line: approximately 15 minutes total (3-minute walk to Tofukuji, 10 minutes train, 2 minutes from the station to Hanamikoji).
Bus: approximately 20-25 minutes.
Walk: approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Kyoto Station to Gion costs approximately 1,000 to 1,500 yen and takes about 10 minutes. Practical in wet weather or with bags. The driver should be directed to Hanamikoji Street (Hanamikoji-dori) or the Gion Kaburenjo Theatre as landmarks.
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi from Kyoto Station to Gion is the most convenient option with luggage. Store bags at Kyoto Station coin lockers and explore Gion without them. The Keihan Line is accessible but involves a 3-minute walk between stations.
Best Option Late at Night
Gion is best visited in the early evening (5 pm to 8 pm) for the best chance of seeing maiko. The Keihan Line from Gion-Shijo back to Tofukuji runs until after midnight. Bus service is reduced in the late evening.
Nearby Guides
- Gion Kyoto Guide
- Kiyomizudera Temple Guide
- Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary
- Fushimi Inari Guide
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Guide
FAQ
What is the main thing to see in Gion?
The Hanamikoji Street south of Shijo-dori is the most atmospheric part of Gion, with preserved ochaya (teahouse) buildings. The Shirakawa Minami-dori canal path and Ishibei-koji lane are also excellent. See the
When is the best time to be in Gion to see maiko?
Between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm on weekday evenings, maiko are most likely to be visible moving between engagements on Hanamikoji Street. Weekends are less predictable. Photography is permitted from a respectful distance.
Is Tofukuji Station the same as the temple?
Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Line is close to but not the same as Tofuku-ji Temple (one of Kyoto’s finest autumn foliage temples). If you want to visit the temple, exit at Tofukuji Station and walk 5 minutes. If going to Gion, stay on the train to Gion-Shijo.
