Kyoto Gion: Tatsumi-bashi Bridge + Hanamikoji Street + Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine + Yasaka-no-to Pagoda (2 Sep 2017)

Gion is indeed one of the liveliest area in Kyoto, a must-go to feel the real Kyoto.  The must-see sites include the Tatsumi-bashi Bridge and Hanamikoji Street.  We also took a stroll through Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine all the way to Yasaka Pagoda.

We dropped by Gion on our way back from Kibune. We stopped at Gion-shijo Station (Keihan Line) and took a short walk to Kawaramachi station where we'd a late lunch of spaghetti at Kamakura Pasta restaurant. A brand under the Saintmarc group, this is a popular pasta restaurant chain that offers more than 30 kinds of Japanese-Italian fusion pasta dishes at affordable prices. Its pasta is made of durum wheat which brings out the umami of pasta with its unique chewy texture.  Make sure to also try out the all-you-can-eat freshly baked mini bread rolls and pizza too.  See website for more: saint-marc-hd.com/kamakura/menu/309

 Location of Kamakura Pasta Kawaramachi outlet (B1, Kotocross Hankyu Mall)

After a hearty meal, we headed for Gion Tatsumi-bashi Bridge.  Along the way, we passed the Shijo-Dori (literally means Fourth Avenue) which is lined with interesting shops selling an array of traditional Kyoto food, snacks and souvenirs.

 Freshly-made Kyoto snacks

on the way to Tastumi-bashi Bridge

Shirakawa-minami Dori and Tatsumi-bashi Bridge:  This street run along the Shirakawa River, where willow trees sway in the wind.  The willow trees and the traditional Japanese wooden houses blend perfectly with the stone-paved street and made popular photo-shooting spots. 

 

Hanamikoji-Dori Street: This is the main street of Gion and a must-visit in Kyoto.  Enjoy the stroll along the street lined with traditional Japanese wooden buildings, housing Machiya cafes and souvenir shops.

Slow and relaxing stroll in the evening through Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine all the way to Yasaka  Pagoda:

Approaching Yasaka Pagoda:

Popular coffee house named % located just before the Pagoda. Long queue and packed inside:

This 5-storey high Yasaka Pagoda located up a slope, is an icon of Higashiyama:

Picturesque sunset views from the top of the slope where the Pagoda is.  Rickshaw just finished its round and returning to wait for the next client.

Shop near the top of the slope selling freshly-made warabi mochi:

                 
Wanted to try out the coffee at % on the way back around 6pm but cafe was already closed for the day.