Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

Overview

Available languages

English

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

What To Expect

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Minamiza Theater

Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

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.

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.

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

Reviews

4.96

471 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

457

Outstanding Tour
Ozzy143,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was one of the most interesting and educational tours we’ve gone on, and our guide Kento was outstanding. We learned about the history of the Geisha and the culture and enjoyed walking throughout the Gion district. The highlight was meeting the Maiko for tea and watching her perform. Highly recommend this tour!
Memorable experience in Kyoto
C1765TIamandas,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the most memorable experiences I had in Japan. The tour was incredible valuable and Akari, our guide was super knowledgeable and willing to teach us about the Geiko culture, the meeting with the Maiko was beautiful and the dinner was delicious. Definitely a must do when in Kyoto.
Maiko dining and show
NL61,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Akari was very knowledgeable about the Gion district and the life of Gei ko. We had a good time, she is very friendly and always share and answer our questions. Thank you for being our guide.
Gei ko experience
Srinani L,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very unique experience to learn about the life of gei ko. Our guide Akari iwas well informed, she was very friendly and explained everything in details
Well worth the experience.
Ron B,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This actvitiy was of the highest quality and an experience that we recommend to do. Kenta, our Host/Tour guide was great and very informative throughout the experience even as our interpreter throughout the meet and greet with the Maiko. The meal included was of a high quality and delicious. Would highly recommend this activity.
Wonderful, authentic experience
Ross G,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highly recommend! Wonderful experience exploring geiko and maiko history and culture in a small group of eight. When the elegant maiko arrived, we enjoyed an engaging Q&A that gave real insight into her world. Ken, our excellent guide, explained, translated, and hosted beautifully.
A great way to learn about and appreciate Geisha culture in Japan
jamesmA3516IV,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great experience. Ken was very knowledgeable and explained the history of Geisha and Geiko culture very well, which helped us have a greater appreciation of the Maiko performance during dinner. The walk took us to interesting and beautiful sights with cultural significance. The tour was small group which made it feel less intrusive to the local life and made us very comfortable experiencing the geiko districts. The dinner was also excellent, with a wonderful selection of seafood and other fresh ingredients presented in a series of thoughtfully prepared dishes. I highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in learning about Geisha and Geiko culture in Japan/Kyoto.
Very enlightening!
Donna C,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ken did an amazing job of explaining the connection between Geisha and Kabuki culture. He took us through several different Geisha school areas and explained the Geisha life and culture. He arranged for us to visit with an apprentice Geisha (Maiko) and ask her questions. She also performed 2 dances for us which were so beautiful. We definitely came away from the tour with a much deeper understanding of the Geisha culture and how it differs from the fictional culture we have been led to believe. This tour is definitely worth it!
Great night out
Stephanie G,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Akari was great and had so much knowledge. Food was excellent and the meiko was amazing. You won't be disappointed.
I recommend!!!
shanghua,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience in the ancient capital of Japan. Akari is an adorable guide, very professional and helpful, I recommend 100%.