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‘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
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.
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
466 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful, authentic experience
Ross G,
Nov 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Highly 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
- Tripadvisor
5.00This 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
- Viator
5.00Ken 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
- Viator
5.00Akari 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
- Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience in the ancient capital of Japan. Akari is an adorable guide, very professional and helpful, I recommend 100%.
Fantastic tour with great guide
stephaniegY4669OY,
Oct 24, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Akari was great and had so much knowledge. Food was excellent and the meiko was amazing. Won't be disappointed booking this tour
Amazing Gion tour and Geisha personal experience
moneymikekutch,
Oct 23, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Surpassed my expectations. It was amazing speaking with the Maiko and getting to know her, as well as seeing the beautiful dances. Kenta was a great host/guide, and provided some amazing information. Definitely recommend this tour to anyone planning to come to Kyoto. More intimate than large group tours.
Soo worth it!
Tootie0129,
Oct 23, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I booked a tour with Ken last April and it was absolutely amazing. We learned so much and lunch with the Maiko was so enjoyable. Highly recommend, totally worth the time and money!
Unique Kyoto experience
Fearless51095674812,
Oct 23, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to our guide Akari for heaps of knowledge, fun and unique experience. We enjoyed the tour. If you're in Kyoto, don't miss it.
The very enjoyable Geisha tour and dinner
D7586WFursulap,
Oct 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00We made a tour with Akari and enjoyed her interesting inputs and explanations very much. She gave valuable information about the city of Kyōto, especially the neighbourhood we walked through and had very good background information concerning the Geico and Maico life. She was always fun to listen to and motivated everyone. The Maico performance was very entertaining and she answered everything we asked about, the reason why she lives this life and her motivation. We really enjoyed the evening and can only recommend the tour with Akari to everybody.
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Operated by Ken's Tours Kyoto