Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Free Cancellation
4.8 (153)
from
EUR 25.00

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

4.84

/ 5

154 traveller ratings

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Centuries of history in one afternoon

gitanerose, Aug 2025

Although it was hotter than blazes the afternoon we booked our tour (98*F), our guide Yuko was such a gracious host! The tour was just my 18 yr old son and me, and Yuko first brought us into the air conditioned Japan Kanji Museum to get to know us and give us the history of the area. She gave us extra umbrellas to ward off the heat and we toured shrines, flower towns, tea houses, and finished at the kabuki theatre. We saw geishas (geiko san) arriving at the tea houses and heard their music in the background. All in all, a delightful trip through another era.

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Magical Gion

BETH_S, Jul 2025

A wonderful tour with a knowledgeable guide. We really enjoyed it. We even survived the heat. Xxxxxx

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear Geisha Gion tour was great tour experience for you! We are glad to hear you survived the heat! Thank you again.

Excellent walking tour

H8108IScameronm, Jul 2025

Yuji was very knowledgeable and answered all the questions from our group very well. He showed us lots of spots and provided the history and significance of each.

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review-image

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear Geisha Gion tour was great tour experience for you by Yuji! Thank you again.

Grate tour guide

sylviafL5174LJ, Jul 2025

Our tour guide was very nice and had a great sense of humor. He allowed us to adjust the length of the tour. He showed us grate spots, and even gave us food recommendations.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear Kyoto Geisha tour was great tour experience for you with our tour guide! We hope you or your friends can return soon again for another adventure with us! Thank you again.

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 25.00