Pontocho or Gion?

Question

I will be staying in Kyoto for 2 nights and I am deciding that 1 night I will spend it at either Pontocho or Gion, while the other at Osaka’s Namba area.

Can anyone advice whether Pontocho or Gion I should choose? Lastly, is it accessible and convenient to travel from Kyoto to Namba?

Answer 1

♡You should do both! Daytime into evening... I have and was glad! (*^o^*) Take a look at this walking tour:
"Gion is the famous geisha and nightlife district of old Kyoto. Gion is located on the east side of the Kamo river. You can wander around Gion, which is packed with old houses, art galleries and antique shops. Best time to visit is around the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening. At this time you will have the best chance to see the maiko’s and geisha running around the streets getting ready for their appointments.

At night the best place to check out Kyoto’s nightlife is Pontocho, an entertainment strip running between the Kamo river and Kawaramachi-dori. Check out one of the restaurants that have verandas over the river, they have spectacular views."
http://www.jal.co.jp/walkingtour/kyoto/01.html
Hope this helps!
Also take a look at the Kyoto City tourism site for other ideas while there:
http://raku.city.kyoto.jp/sight_e.phtml
Hope this helps and have a wonderful time in Kyoto!♡

Answer 2

I don't think you could lose either way you choose though Pontocho might be a bit more noisy. Gion seemed rather quiet in comparison. Both are good for geisha spotting in the evening especially the crosswalk outside of Gion.

Answer 3

Pontocho. It is famous for the preservation of forms of traditional architecture and entertainment. Also, it is known for geisha and home to many geisha houses and traditional tea houses. Today the area, lit by traditional lanterns at night, contains a mix of very expensive restaurants -- often featuring outdoor riverside dining on wooden patios -- geisha houses and tea houses, brothels, bars, and cheap eateries.