Do people recommend a particular intersection and specific time in Gion where one could have a decent chance of seeing a Geisha?

We were able to see 708 at the corner of Hinami-koji and Shijo, (or near that intersection), there is a structure. It looks like a temple but it was probably a Tea House. Not sure, but we saw several geishas walk in there over a period of half an hour. I would say the time was 6ish.

<i>We were able to see 708 at the corner of Hinami-koji and Shijo<i>

That should read 7-8!</i></i>

From my trip report -

<i>We walk around a bit in the Gion area and we walk along the Hinami-koji road. This is a lovely street to walk along, especially in the evening after dark (around 6:00 pm or so). The traditional houses on both sides, the lanterns and curtains hanging in the doorway, the tasteful tiny shops kind of help to give an idea of what this street might have looked like a 100 years ago. Very enjoyable walk. At the corner of Hinami-koji and Shijo, (or near that intersection), there is a structure. Initially, we think it was a temple. We hang around for a bit and over the course of the next 20 minutes, we see about 7-8 geishas! We ask the locals if these are real geishas and they reply in the affirmative. Every time one walks by, people are taking pictures and video films. The geishas are not frazzled by any of this tourist attention and walk gracefully into the teahouse. The geishas are very elegant and charming. When I saw the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”, I thought that the white paint and the entire geisha get-up made the actress look kind of different and actually, a little scary. But these real-life geishas are exquisitely beautiful. The entire costume, with the make-up and the hair and everything, makes them look beautiful. They walk so gracefully and hold their heads so elegantly. I couldn’t get enough of them! </i>

Beware of faux geishas. Some locals dress up and do a walk around the block with their photos taken. Their costumes are usually more garish and they can't walk as well. The real ones tend to hurry to their destinations. Yes, early evening is best.

Good point - Cilla_Tey! Definitely something to watch out for.

We were fortunate enough to see the real ones because we asked several locals and they said these were real ones. They all walked into that one structure - so perhaps they were arriving for a party It was a very cool experience to witness them and their elegance/grace.

This is extremely useful, thank you!

&gt; Beware of faux geishas. Some locals dress up and do a walk around the block with their photos taken.

Actually they are Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto. There are places where they will dress and put make up on you so you can take a walk like a geisha for a few hours.