Miyagawa-chō is one of the hanamachi or geisha districts in Kyoto. 'Miya-gawa' means "Shrine River", referring to the nickname of the Kamo River just south of Shijō. During the Gion Festival the mikoshi of Yasaka Shrine used to be purified in the waters of this river. Miyagawa-chō trademark consists of three interconnected rings, symbolizing the unity of the shrine/temples, the townspeople, and the teahouses. What is now Miyagawa-chō was a place where entertainers gathered.