The romantic district of Gion is somewhat marred by the hordes of tourists who flock here to see the fascinating vestiges of the Japan of yesteryear. Old wooden houses, modest but charming, line lopsided stairways and little cobbled lanes leading to traditional-style inns, teahouses and ochaya, the geisha houses that used to abound here in the 19C. You may yet spot the odd furtive and elegant figure of a geisha, with face powdered white, as they are still in demand in well-established and wealthy circles.