Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options
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 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.
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
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.
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.
Reviews
483 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
History of a Geisha
Kirsty S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fabulous experience. Our guide Akari was impressive. She had exceptional knowledge of the area and Geisha. She was also very passionate about sharing her knowledge and righting misconceptions. She was an amazing guide. The lunch was great and the meeting and question time with the Maliko was truly unforgettable. We highly recommend this activity.
Great experience!! Ken...
Sofia C,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience!! Ken was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and open to questions! The dinner was served family style with lots of options and considerate of dietary restrictions. Lovely Geisha performance and Q&A - highly recommend
Don’t take tours with meals
Manoj T,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The guide was amazing and the walking tour was really well planned. We paid a lot- almost more than £120.00 to include dinner but the food was very less. Very dissatisfied- feel very cheated. We have booked so many tours with you but will never book a meal again. Came out hungry.
Geisha tour and Dinner in Kyoto
Meander671457,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Geisha tour with our tour guide Akari in Kyoto. Akari was absolutely incredible! Being a local she was so knowledgeable about the Geisha culture and answered ALL of our questions very patiently. She had a great command of the English language, extremely engaged with the group and was very passionate that we left more educated regarding the Geisha culture. We enjoyed our meal, meeting with the Maiko and the two performances! Absolutely a must do when in Kyoto and ask for Akari!!
Gion walk & Maiko show
quemenerbeatrix,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Ken was really helpful, friendly and organized. We were 3 couples in the group, I believe it is perfect size for the experience. It was really interesting to learn about Kyoto's history and old temples with the help of a local tour guide. The lunch and meeting a young Maiko was an excellent plus! Thank you
Akari was the sweetest...
Neha B,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Akari was the sweetest and she made it a great experience! I wasn’t expecting to be the only solo traveler in the group but despite this, she made a lot of effort to make sure I feel included. It was really nice to see the maiko’s performance as well - it was so beautiful and nice to learn about their traditions.
Ken makes Maiko tours magnificent!
shannongW4GB,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ken was brilliant, funny, informative, and patient. I asked a billion annoying questions, but he graciously answered them all. The tour was lovely, the food excellent, and the Maiko performance was incredible. Highly recommend this tour for anyone with an interest in learning more about historical Japan. Well worth it all around.
Very nice tour in Gion, Kyoto.
ActionPG,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience in the old Kyoto neighborhood of Gion. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. We enjoyed walking around and seeing a lot of of the historic aspects of this centuries – old area. Meeting the Geiko was truly memorable, and she was such a wonderful performer and presenter. We appreciated getting a cool drink, and perhaps in the future there could be a small tea service and snack. All in all, highly recommended.
Informative and fun
584kristenh,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Akari, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable. This tour was not only informative but also very engaging, and she did a great job as translator between our tour group and the maiko. Well woth the money. I highly recommend this tour.
Kenta was an amazing...
Kim C,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenta was an amazing guide with a deep knowledge and understanding of geisha culture. The walking tour was a great way to get context and learn about the local geisha districts before going to enjoy the performance and Q&A. We really enjoyed the dinner and getting to interact with the maiko. Every aspect was done tastefully and with respect to geisha culture. It was a great experience well worth the ticket price. Highly recommend this tour! Kenta was the best!
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Operated by Ken's Tours Kyoto