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
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.
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
437 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Kyoto Tour!
Karin K,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00This has been on the best group tours I've been on! Kenya was very kind and knowledgeable about the Geico/Geisha history and culture. I enjoyed the teaching and background tour before our group met the young Maiko. Definitely a wonderful experience only wish we could have talked with the lovely Maiko more about her journey and her life! Definitely a must tour if you are in Kyoto!
A lovely night walking...
Victoria B,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00A lovely night walking tour of Gion & other geiko/geisha districts. Ken did a great job explaining Japanese culture & traditions :)
Fun in a crazy thunderstorm!
Julianne L,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great informative and fun look into the Geiko culture in Kyoto! It's not what you've been led to believe. Our guide Kenta was excellent he came prepared with cold cloths for our necks and icy drinks, and then produced umbrellas and rain ponchos when a crazy storm caught us unaware. The maiko who entertained us was everything you'd expect beautiful and charming and funny and talented.
Ken is a very respectful...
Tatsiana S,
Aug 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Ken is a very respectful to Geisha/ Geiko/Maiko art guide. The tour was very interesting, deep, educational. We walk around Gion(geisha quarter), then discovered the second area where they live and work. Then we were invited to the restorable where we met Maiko ( geisha apprentice), asked her questions and watch 1 dances. The tour is a good option for those who want meet a real geisha! Recommended!
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
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Operated by Ken's Tours Kyoto