Hanamikoji Street, Kyoto

Hanamikoji, or "Blossom Viewing Lane", stands as a time capsule in Kyoto's historic landscape, situated east of Gion Shijo Station. Renowned for its traditional wooden machiya townhouses, the street is a haven for art enthusiasts, antique aficionados, and connoisseurs of traditional crafts. There is also an abundance of cafes and sweet shops, kaiseki restaurants, and inimitable boutiques.

Albeit very touristy, this part of the city is undeniably beautiful. Visitors flock here in search of winding side alleyways, elegant pagodas, and perhaps a fleeting glimpse of a geisha navigating the labyrinthine streets. Behind the façade of old wooden buildings, adorned with noren curtains and lanterns, lie some of Kyoto's most exclusive geisha teahouses and restaurants, accessible only to those with deep pockets and insider connections. However, amidst the exclusivity, there are hidden gems accessible to all.

Venture a hundred meters south from Shijo-dori, and you'll find Gion Tokuya, where anyone can enjoy green tea and sweets in a traditional tatami mat room. Further along, nestled within a charming two-story machiya, Leica's boutique and gallery provide a rare peek into such a building, alongside captivating glimpses of Kyoto captured through the lens. Adjacent lies Karyo, a traditional eatery offering delectable kaiseki lunches at relatively affordable prices—a tantalizing invitation to savor the essence of Gion without breaking the bank.