Shimabara, Kyoto

Name: Shimabara
Address: Kyoto, Japan

#143 among attractions in Kyoto

Red-light district, Red light, Nightlife

Gallery (1)

Map

Map

Facts and practical information

Shimabara was the designated red light district in Kyoto, and was later also a geisha district. Established in 1640, Shimabara, following the outlawing of sex work in Japan became defunct as a red-light district in the 1950s; by the 1970s, no geisha were registered in Shimabara. Tayū, who never disappeared entirely from Shimabara, were allowed to register as a special type of geisha following the outlawing of prostitution, and continue to perform in the district to this day. Shimabara continues to operate as a tourist district, and operates one ochaya. ()

Local name: 島原 Coordinates: 34°59'33"N, 135°44'35"E

Address

Kyoto Japan

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Day trips

Shimabara – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Tō-ji, Kyoto Railway Museum, Shosei-en Garden, Kyoto Tower.

0.9 miS
Famed Buddhist temple with a tall pagoda
Tō-ji, Kyoto
23 min walk • Tō-ji Temple, a beacon of spiritual serenity, stands proudly in the southern part of Kyoto, Japan. This historic temple, also known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji, meaning "The Temple for the Defense of the Nation by Means of the King of Doctrines," is a testament to the city's...
0.4 miS
Museum, Specialty museum
Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto
11 min walk • The Kyoto Railway Museum is a testament to Japan's rich railway history and a must-visit for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Opened in April 2016, this comprehensive museum is situated in the heart of Kyoto, a city renowned for its blend of traditional...
1.1 miE
Park, Garden, Temple
Shosei-en Garden, Kyoto
28 min walk • Shosei-en Garden is a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This historical garden, also known as Kikoku-tei, is a designated cultural asset and has been a cherished part of Kyoto's cultural heritage...
1 miE
Observation deck with touch-screen guide
Kyoto Tower, Kyoto
25 min walk • Kyoto Tower stands as a beacon in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, offering a modern contrast to the city's ancient temples and shrines. This unmistakable landmark, which opened in 1964, is the tallest structure in the city at 131 meters.
0.9 miE
Buddhist temple with whimsical fountains
Higashi Hongan-ji, Kyoto
22 min walk • Higashi Hongan-ji, or, ″the Eastern Monastery of the Original Vow″, is one of two dominant sub-sects of Shin Buddhism in Japan and abroad, the other being Nishi Honganji.
0.5 miE
Temple
Hongan-ji, Kyoto
13 min walk • Hongan-ji, also archaically romanized as Hongwanji, is the collective name of the largest school of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. 'Hongan-ji' may also refer to any one of several actual temple buildings associated with the sect.
0.6 miE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Ryūkoku Museum, Kyoto
15 min walk • The Ryūkoku Museum is a museum of Buddhist art and history in Kyōto, Japan. Conceived as part of the 370th anniversary celebrations of the foundation of what is now Ryūkoku University, it opened facing Nishi Hongan-ji in 2011.
1.2 miNE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Kyoto Art Center, Kyoto
32 min walk • The Kyoto Art Center is a venue for promoting the arts which is located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The center, a three-story reinforced-concrete building, occupies the site of the former Meirin Elementary School.
1.4 miNE
Temple, Buddhist temple
Rokkaku-dō, Kyoto
37 min walk • The Rokkaku-dō, official name Chōhō-ji, is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, said to have been established by Prince Shōtoku. The name comes from its main hall's hexagonal shape. This temple is part of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
1 miW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Æon Mall Kyoto Gojō, Kyoto
25 min walk • AEON MALL Kyōto-Gojō, formerly known as Diamond City Hana, is a large shopping center and is part of the Japanese Æon Group chain of shopping centers. Æon Mall Kyoto Gojō houses a wide selection of popular retail stores, an Æon department store, numerous restaurants, fast food shops, and a large game center.
0.5 miE
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Nishi Hongan-ji, Kyoto
12 min walk • Nishi Hongan-ji is a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist temple in the Shimogyō ward of Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the head temple of the sub-sect Honganji-ha.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Shimabara?

Nearby attractions include Jiao wumotenashino wen hua mei shu guan, Kyoto (1 min walk), Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto (11 min walk), Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto (12 min walk), Nishi Hongan-ji, Kyoto (12 min walk).

How to get to Shimabara by public transport?

The nearest stations to Shimabara:

Train

Tambaguchi (6 min walk)
Umekoji-Kyotonishi (7 min walk)

Bus

梅小路公園・Jr梅小路京都西駅前 • Lines: 2 (6 min walk)
七条千本 • Lines: 2 (7 min walk)

Light rail

Shijō - ōmiya • Lines: A (21 min walk)
Sai • Lines: A (24 min walk)

Tram

Sai • Lines: A (24 min walk)

Metro

Gojō • Lines: K (25 min walk)
Kyōto • Lines: K (27 min walk)