I was so disappointed with Higashiyama and Gion. The guidebooks all sing the praises of these "preserved old Kyoto" sections of Kyoto. But I was disgusted.
We didn't even go at what would be considered a peak tourism season, yet Higashiyama was flooded with tourists. It was so congested with tourists that in some places we could barely move.
Tourists have become so badly behaved in that area that signs have been posted telling people to leave the geishas who work and walk in that area alone.
The event in Gion that burned itself in my memory was not a good one. We were walking down a street by beautiful old Japanese teahouses when I saw a geisha (not sure whether it was a geiko or a maiko). She had a look of discomfort on her face. Why? Because some pest was asking her for a photo of her and took it with his camera without her even consenting. Then he said thanks and walked away. I felt so sorry for her.
I got the impression that no Japanese even go to these areas anymore except to work in the shops, teahouses, and restaurants. Why would they when these places are infested with obnoxious tourists?
I shared my thoughts on Higashiyama and Gion with the wonderful proprietor of the ryokan where we lodged in Kyoto. She agreed with my sentiments and said the sanctity and tranquility of those areas have been ruined by tourists.
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