THE Gion Guide | A different world than you expect!

[@piqtourjapan]

Gyukatsu is BEEF not pork!! 🐄🐄🐄 I slipped up and said pork, definitely try both tho! Super yummy 😋

[@Caleb-90]

Such a great video! Visited Gion back in September and saw all of these places. Love hearing some backstory on these places that I saw with no background!

[@kaceebui1761]

stumbled onto your vid and loved it. I love how you add history to places, so we can learn too. Thank you for this. Your pace is nice, great history and narration, wonderful guidance for "visitors". Thank you very much! Looking forward to going to these places and will recall/associate your video about these places.

[@choulevy]

As always, thank you for such extensive and interesting informations !

[@jfdewoluwe]

I need to taste matcha beer next time. Great vlog you absolutely master your subject. I spend 12 days in Kyoto and will definitely come back. Kenninji is indeed a must see for the twin dragons and the god of wind and thunder. It's also worth mentioning Yasaka Shrine is open 24h and beautiful at night.

[@karenkawaguchi6992]

Love your informative, in-depth videos. Your love of Japan and Japanese culture shines brightly!

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@vuthien6960]

I really enjoy the back story and information about the shrine, history and local custom. Thank you.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you too!

[@byghostlight1]

Thanks, nice to see a content creator giving historical and social context for the things they see around them.

[@irenefornelius758]

Thanks!

[@vijaylesliediesh9007]

Just want to thank you Abey for all the wonderful advise and tips you provided us. We had a wonderful trip visiting Japan which we couldn’t have without your KZbin videos. Thank you

[@piqtourjapan]

Awesome, so happy to hear that!! 😊

[@matdrat]

2024. The Gion Kagai Art Museum is now open at Gion Corner. It displays the kimonos and artifacts associated with the karyukai. You can get tickets for daily performances by maiko or geiko. They have posters of all the active maiko (although not any geiko) in Gion.

[@piqtourjapan]

Awesome, thanks for the info!

[@ridgenorth1534]

So many Americans don't understand about the Geisha. I guess I should say Geiko. We enjoy all of your videos.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you! 👘

[@abeachweddingceremony4561]

I'm learning so much from all of your videos for my upcoming trip.

[@piqtourjapan]

So glad! Thank you!

[@christinefox9892]

"Not a pregnancy announcement"... poor Grandma! Loved this tour, taking notes xxx

[@mmcc1936]

I like that you don't add music over the video.

[@piqtourjapan]

Happy to know that! Some people enjoy music but I tend to get overwhelmed when there's too much going on in a video lol

[@patelhiteshpatel]

I like that you don’t add music over the video nice 😊

[@User7039]

Great video. It's crazy how well you know Kyoto. All that exploring really shows.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you! 😊

[@jenniferwillis2712]

Very informative. Thank you. I always learn so much from your videos.

[@piqtourjapan]

Glad to hear it!

[@patelhiteshpatel]

Beautiful all your videos

[@wissawac]

Big Thanks. Keep on posting vdo.

[@michellaneousmama]

So glad I found your videos 😄 we are going in two weeks and this is very helpful! Thank you! ❤️

[@amitranjan4052]

Quite informative. Thank you for sharing the details. Look forward..

[@jaynorartacho4149]

Very nice and informative video...that "taking you into a crime scene" statement really made me laugh.😂.that place is so hidden in narrow alley...thank you!👍👍👍

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you ! 😂

[@yasuyasu4624]

Kenninji Temple is located at the end of Hanamikoji Street, which is famous for geisha, so I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down Hanamikoji Street and then walking to Kenninji Temple (it's only a 5-minute walk, 400m, from the entrance to Hanamikoji Street). In particular, I personally think that the "Cloud Dragon" sliding door painting in the main hall is the most beautiful dragon painting in Japan. There is also the "Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen" painted by Japan's most famous painter, Tawaraya Sotatsu, which is a national treasure. However, since both are on display as they are, the originals are currently on loan to the Kyoto National Museum. At Kenninji Temple, both are displayed as high-definition reproductions using Japan's latest technology, and are comparable to the originals. Kenninji Temple has many other attractions, such as a beautiful garden and a magnificent painting of two dragons on the ceiling of the lecture hall, so it is a good deal to visit both places as well as Hanamikoji Street.

[@piqtourjapan]

I went there in the video. :) it was very lovely.

[@joankho419]

Awesome video blog!

[@suzy5166]

Informative, useful and interesting Video 👏👏👏

[@Shahzada.Hanafi]

beautiful all your videos

[@japanloversc]

I have been there. You did a great job of explaining. Thanks.

[@Feistiness]

I enjoyed your video so much! Ive already been to Kyoto and since it was my first time, i went to all the touristy spots with lots of people. But im visiting again in 2 days ( cant wait) and my plan is to just walk around without any fixed itinerary. Your video is very helpful for this purpose. Cheers from Manila!

[@piqtourjapan]

That's great!! Hope you have a lovely time!!

[@Feistiness]

@@piqtourjapan thank you!

[@richardsoane6192]

Extremely informative thus very entertaining. I have not been to Japan but I did buy a emma board on eBay. When discussing emma boards I would probably add that if they leave the board it will eventually be burnt but not in a bad way...

[@flyffpsy]

Last month I had the opportunity to have dinner with a geiko and a maiko. It was wonderful, but the time passed far too quickly. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to do it again one day.

[@RichardSudo-t6h]

Hi Abby- Just got back from checking out Kenninji on the way back from Kiyomizu. It was so great to be able to sit quietly at the rock garden after the madhouse that was Kiyomizu temple. Great recommendation. Love your videos - they have added great value to my short stay in Kyoto. (Also had breakfast at exCafe in Arashiyama- another terrific recommendation)

[@piqtourjapan]

Happy to hear it! Definitely a peaceful experience worth checking out. Glad you got to try both places. :)

[@massi818]

Thank you so much , your videos are so great and informative.

[@piqtourjapan]

You're very welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@bagheera3008]

What a nice route! Is it possible to plotthis on google maps, esp the side alleys you took toconnect to each area? That shirakawa canal looks great

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Amazing a lot of the informations I was craving for! Now I’m rethinking my entire trip! Leaving in 4 days! Woow this vlog blew me away along with all the others! I will definitely try this okonomiyaki next then as we are vegetarians / vegan and actually my Kyoto researches have not been very successful trying to find veg friendly places as I have seafood allergy. I’m wondering if you have any recommendations? And also do we have to book for this place? Thank you 🙏🏼 Take care Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@piqtourjapan]

You don't need to book! And Kyoto actually has quite a few good vegetarian/veggie-friendly restaurants. I like ramen uno Yokiko and Sugarhill a lot. :)

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

@ thank you Aby I’m tagging these places onto my Google map!

[@ericjohnson_72]

so glad your channel came up as a recommend this morning, best breakfast "tv" ever :) (yes, "Liked x Subscribed"!)

[@piqtourjapan]

You're the best, thanks for the support!!

[@rudygunawan5079]

Good and informative video on Gion Abi and thanks for it. Now I know where you get your beauty since you mentioned about the beauty water at Yasaka-jinja 😀. If you have limited time (around 1 day) to spend around Gion and Higashiyama, of course you'll have to hit Kiyomizu-dera, Sannen-zaka and Yasaka-jinja. If you have time only for 1 more temple, would you choose Kennin-ji or Kodai-ji ?

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you! And really hard choice..... Kodai-ji has more to see but Kennin-ji is more peaceful. :)

[@akiminato8445]

Wow! You are one smart cookie! How do you know so much about Japan? I'll be in Kyoto soon and I'll be rewatching this video

[@piqtourjapan]

Thanks! I just love learning about Japanese history and culture!

[@mmowpm]

京都いいですよね〜😊

[@NiccoloMachiavelli777]

Very good explanation lady

[@idi0t2]

What are those curved thingy outside of buildings? Looks like it's made of bamboo. What are those curved thingy used for?

[@chrismajewski7575]

Thank you you helped me with good info for my customers, also I believe Gyu Katsu is beef not pork

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you! And yep I've had a lot of people mention that 😂 I just slipped up with the wrong word lmao

[@馨-c7j]

In Kyoto, they are called kagai instead of hanamachi, geiko instead of geisha, and maiko if they are in the apprenticeship period before becoming a geiko. 5Kagai and Hanamikoji are not originally tourist destinations. So if you want to learn more about Kyoto's Kagai culture, please visit the Gion Kagai Museum. You can also experience making Ozasiki on a tour, so please take the family along. *The Geiko and Maiko coming and going from Kagai are in the middle of work or practice, so please do not chase them around to take photos or linger in front of the entrances to Ochaya and Okeya.

[@janeroberts1116]

I miss that sound. crossing the roads

[@SirapatBoonkrong]

Thanks for an excellent video of Gion. I am wondering if I were to take just one prime lens to Kyoto, should I take a 35mm or 50mm? Thanks.

[@piqtourjapan]

That's a hard one! For portraits, I'd go 50mm. Otherwise, 35mm! Lots of awesome big temple/shrine/etc buildings you'll want to capture.

[@SirapatBoonkrong]

@@piqtourjapan Thanks so much. 35mm f1.8 might be my choice then since I could shoot both portrait and attractions.

[@memejs87]

I loved all of the historical and cultural info you shared! What is the name of the street where you said you find high quality souvenirs?

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you!! And the street is Shijo Street, the area that connects Shijo bridge and Yasaka Shrine. :)

[@websitesbyali5383]

I was thinking of staying in Gion for 5 nights and making it my homebase while staying in Kyoto and doing my day trips to (Arashiyama, Nara and Osaka). What do you think?

[@piqtourjapan]

I think that sounds great!

[@AppasKitchen-1234]

I love your videos. I'm wondering if "gyukatsu" is beef and not pork. It looked like a picture of a cow on the sign, and I thought "gyu" was beef.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thank you!! Yes I accidentally said that and now I've had like a dozen comments about it 😭

[@AppasKitchen-1234]

@@piqtourjapan I just wanted to make sure, because I'm going to Kyoto soon and I want to try it. I love tonkatsu, but have never had gyukatsu.

[@LittleKahu]

Great video, really helpful! ☺

[@piqtourjapan]

Glad you think so!

[@kobiorama]

Thank you for such a grat video. Do you know of a place in Kyoto that serves pure Soba noodles Ramen? I'm wheat free...

[@piqtourjapan]

Hi! I personally like Gion Soy Milk Ramen Uno Yokiko (which is gf and vegan), and many of my gf customers have enjoyed Kyoto Engine Ramen. Hope this helps!

[@kobiorama]

@@piqtourjapan Thanks! it sure does help!

[@robbypolter6689]

A little tip: buy buckwheat flour and prepare your own pasta. Soba noodles in Nagano contain wheat flour.

[@play4serve959]

I’m new to your channel. It would be nice to hear and introduction about what Piqtour is about, who you are and background. It would help understand what credentials or knowledge base you have of Japan; instead of watching someone who just toured Japan for the first time and are vlogging about it.

[@piqtourjapan]

Thanks for your interest, there's actually more info on my website. :) I try to focus on the video content since that's what most people are here for

[@TUUKUU]

YASAKA(iyasaka) means ever prosperity in English.

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... you missed visiting Minamiza and, especially, the Kanji Museum ...

[@piqtourjapan]

Thanks for the comment! I only include things that I personally recommend and which my customers have enjoyed visiting. :) Both places are fun for me (who knows some Japanese) but I wouldn't recommend them to the average foreign tourist.

[@towada1066]

@@piqtourjapan ww! ... in that case ... for you ... hiking up to Doshisha Cemetery,... extremely beautiful but not for foreigners (^_^)

[@towada1066]

@@piqtourjapan hmmm,... without speaking Japanese I wonder why to visit Japan (^_^) ...

[@Dnttou0497]

Gyu-katsu is beef just for clarity

[@ericchristen2623]

I love geisha sushi 😅

[@trendingwwwandw]

👍 new sub (❁´◡`❁) Like 154 lovely Gion tour !

[@mylyfeonearth]

When you know now about the Japanese culture than a Japanese guy (me) haha but I’m living in the states so… my excuse xx

[@piqtourjapan]

Haha I doubt it! 😂

[@mylyfeonearth]

@@piqtourjapan you do know more about Shinto and Buddhism tho haha I didn’t know all that stuff xx I’ll be in Kyoto in 2.5 weeks!

[@piqtourjapan]

@mylyfeonearth well thank you! Haha 😆 and awesome, hope you have a lovely time!

[@mylyfeonearth]

@@piqtourjapan thank you!!

[@vabyish]

gyukatsu is beef not pork. gyu means beef. Tonkatsu is pork.

[@piqtourjapan]

I misspoke, thanks. :)

[@melocitysolo9574]

There are often mistaken interpretations about Shinto in online explanations, but technically speaking, Shinto is not a religion. The history of the concept of religion is much shorter compared to the history that Shinto has gone through. This fact also influences whether Shinto should be considered a religion or not. In ancient times, when the concept of religion didn’t exist, no one thought of Shinto as a religion. Shinto has no founder, no central scriptures, no religious leaders, and no concept of salvation. It is based on the belief that gods reside in all things, from natural phenomena to man-made objects. It’s a deep, mysterious, and undefinable "something" that unconsciously shapes the Japanese mindset. To categorize it simply as a religion is, in fact, a mistake.😀

[@Fealnographs1]

Ppl be careful in Gion do not to enter places tht your not allowed to enter dont harass the maiko/geiko with pictures be polite

[@MrHamburgerHelper]

Kyoto is fine but way too many tourists & too hyped. I’m all about seto uchi island hopping

[@piqtourjapan]

I love Kyoto but there's definitely sooo many amazing places throughout Japan that most people don't visit. I'm glad you found something special !

[@robbypolter6689]

It's time for the city to close large parts of Gion to foreign tourists. Then the maikos and geishas finally have the certainty that they will no longer be bothered by foreign tourists and can carry out their duties and tasks undisturbed. I've seen enough disgusting pictures of how foreign tourists behave, sometimes towards the maikos and geishas. Particularly disgusting was the incident involving an American tourist who threw money at a maiko's feet and asked her to follow him and be of service to him. To my satisfaction, I could see signs at some restaurants that only allowed Japanese guests. I hope that this example sets a precedent and that Japanese people are given preference again. In general, access to Japan for foreign tourists should be made much more difficult and the number should be drastically reduced. Many older Japanese, and increasingly younger ones, are in favor of new regulations for access to hotels, museums and the use of public transport for foreign tourists.

[@erniesandoval9669]

Have you ever seen the original King Kong movie the one made in 1933.

[@piqtourjapan]

No I haven't! Should I?

[@erniesandoval9669]

​@@piqtourjapannot really it's sort of a dumb move.