Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Free Cancellation
4.8 (143)
from
EUR 24.00

2 hours


E-voucher


English

Overview

With this Kyoto tour, you can discover the geisha district of Gion, without the worry of getting lost. Instead, have a guide to lead the way and explain fascinating insights about geisha culture and traditions. If you’re lucky, you may even have a chance to spot a geisha during your walk.

Operated by

Japan Wonder Travel

Ratings & Reviews

Average Rating

4.82

/ 5

121 traveller ratings

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Geiko learning

jpmartelli22, Apr 2025

Saeko was a great guide! We got to learn so much about the geiko culture and Japan’s culture in general. It was short and sweet, but a great intro to Kyoto.

Best tour guide experience

Mobile58183638193, Apr 2025

We had a brilliant guide, Akiko was so relaxed and very informative. The atmosphere she created was like walking the streets with friends but learning at the same time. Akiko was able to answer every question and really made the tour special. Highly recommend as a must do with her.

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Amazing experience!

georgialW4652QX, Apr 2025

Junko was such a gem and so knowledgable. It was nice to be shown around by a local. She also confirmed when it was okay to take photos which made us more comfortable. Would definitely recommend to other travellers!

This was a very...

Cynthia_Q, Apr 2025

This was a very informative and enjoyable tour. I was accompanying my parents who were visiting Japan, and even though I have lived in Japan for a long time, I learned many things about the history of Geiko and the Gion district. We also managed to see a lot in only two hours. On top of that, the tour guide was so pleasant and created a comfortable atmosphere in our group. I would highly recommend her tours to anyone who has an interest in Kyoto history and culture.

Itinerary

  • Yasaka Shrine

    Yasaka Shrine, located in Gion district, is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture, lanterns, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of its surroundings. This shrine is deeply related to geisha culture. You can find out what those connections are by joining our tour.

    40 minutes
  • Gion

    Gion is the most famous geisha district in Japan, known for its traditional wooden houses and narrow streets. As the sun goes down, the lights of the paper lanterns start dimly, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Gion has been the center of geisha culture for centuries, where visitors can experience the elegance and artistry of Geiko (Kyoto term of geisha) and Maiko (apprentice geiko) performances. While strolling through beautiful alleys, a guide will tell you about the history of geisha, how they are trained, and what their daily life is like. If you're lucky, you might even encounter geiko and maiko during a tour! Join our tour and delve deeper into the real geisha culture in this iconic district.

    20 minutes
  • Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine

    Tatsumi Daimyojin is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to a deity of protection, good fortune, and safety, especially for travelers and warriors. It was founded during the Heian period (794-1185) and is located in the Tatsumi area. Historically, it has been linked to the imperial family and samurai. The shrine features typical Shinto architecture and is known for its scenic beauty, particularly during cherry blossom season.

    5 minutes
  • Tatsumi Bridge

    Tatsumi Bridge is a small traditional bridge located in a corner of Gion that feels like stepping into a scene from a movie. The area around Tatsumi Bridge is filled with charming wooden machiya houses, traditional tea houses, and the tranquil Shirakawa Canal. The area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and in the evenings when the lanterns illuminate the historic streets, offering a magical atmosphere.

    10 minutes
  • Gion Shirakawa

    Gion Shirakawa, or Shirakawa Canal, is a picturesque and tranquil waterway that adds a touch of serene beauty to the area. Lined with well-preserved traditional wooden machiya houses and weeping cherry trees, the canal offers a scenic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

  • Gion

    The other area of Gion

    20 minutes
  • Hanamikoji Street

    Hanamikoji Street is a main street in Gion. This charming street is lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, shops and restaurants, exuding an atmosphere of old-world elegance. Hanami-koji is especially renowned for its well-preserved architecture and its association with Kyoto’s geisha culture, where you might spot geiko (geisha in Kyoto) and maiko gracefully walking.

    10 minutes
  • Gion Corner

    Gion Corner is a unique cultural venue which showcases a variety of traditional art performances that highlight Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. The venue provides a comprehensive introduction to the traditional arts, often performed by skilled practitioners. This venue is a beloved spot for both Japanese and international tourists, offering a convenient and accessible way to appreciate the depth of Kyoto’s artistic traditions.

Meeting Point Map

Location

Address

Japan, 〒605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Nakanochō, 216番地 祇園OKIビル 2階

Open Google Map

Experience

Highlights

  • Save hours of research time: Explore Gion with a guide
  • Commentary reveals stories about geisha culture
  • Lots of great photo opportunities of Shinto shrines and waterways
  • Intimate small-group experience, capped at 10 people
  • Inclusions

    • [For Kimono Option] Kimono*If you want to wear Kimono, Please choose Kimono Plan: Gion Walking Tour
    • Local guide
    • Guided walk of Gion

    Additional Information

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
    • Not suitable for the people with disability to go up and down stairs
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • The tour will take place rain or shine
    • Services not listed (for example: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from the meeting spot, Extra food and drink, Other personal expenses) are not included in the tour.
    • [For Kimono Plan] After Changing into Kimono, please go to the Japan Kanji Museum & Library by yourself. It's about 5min walk from the kimono rental store
    • [For Kimono Plan] After Finish the tour, please don't forget to return the Kimono by 5:30pm.

    Guide Languages

    • English

    Cancellation Policy

    • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    from
    EUR 24.00