Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience
･In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history.
･In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together.
*Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with leg problems.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
1.5-2 hours guiding in Gion, the geisha district
45-min Geisha meeting and show (An apprentice geisha dance with one or two songs)
Tip for Maiko, an apprentice geisha
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
What To Expect
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
Let's learn what Kabuki is and the feminine beginning of the theater. You maybe know the current Kabuki is performed just by men but you wouldn’t know the beginning was just by women.
Minamiza Theater
Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.
Options
Dinner with Geisha
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and dinner at the restaurant (2 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr).
Japanese dinner included: Sharing platters of Japanese food. *Vegetarian menu is not available.
*This is a group activity
Lunch with Geisha
Duration: 3 hours: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and lunch at the restaurant (1.5 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr).
Japanese lunch plate included: You could choose from those options: Karaage(Japanese fried chicken), Sashimi(Raw fish cut in pieces), Tempra, Daily special.
*This is a group activity.
Tea break with Geisha
Duration: 3 hours: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and tea break at the cafe (1.5 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr).
One drink included
*This is a group activity.
Reviews
432 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inspiring experience
mtapiago,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Kento was a wonderful guide, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese traditions and culture. The experience was very instructive and inspiring. 100% a must do to learn about this ancient y tradition
Unforgettable Geisha & Maiko Experience
gribernal,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was fantastic! We learned so many fascinating facts about geishas (geiko) and maiko. We even got to chat with a maiko, watch a performance, and enjoy a delicious meal. Our tour guide, Ken, was incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful—he even brought us water and menthol towels to help us cool off. Overall, an amazing tour and a wonderful experience!
Great maiko show
Valentins Z,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Learn on a go about geiko’s and maiko’s, and their shows. Very cool and unique experience with a maiko.
Highly recommend tour
David L,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very friendly and informative tour guide Akari explained the geisha/geiko culture in perfect detail and its significance to Kyoto and the rest of Japan. The lunch with we had with the geisha (more accurately, maiko) was entertaining and enlightening, while the food was outstanding.
Our guide Akari was such...
Lisa D,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide Akari was such a wonderful guide! She answered all of our questions and had such a great level of enthusiasm and passion for Kyoto. Even during the meal she helped serve us/get the waiters, she translated everything the Geisha said, she was fantastic! Our family had a wonderful time on this walking tour and we learned so much about the Geisha culture and history.
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Operated by Ken's Tours Kyoto