Located near Shijo Avenue between the Kamogawa River and Yasaka Shrine, Gion is the city’s historic entertainment district and is still the best place to have a chance of spotting a maiko or geisha. Dozens of tea houses were built along Hanami-koji in the Edo Period (1603-1868), many of which have been lovingly preserved, although most now function as restaurants. The northern part of Gion is called the Shirakawa area and the charming buildings running alongside the canal create a picturesque scene day or night.