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

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

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.

Reviews

4.96

475 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

461

Informative and fun
584kristenh,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Akari, 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
5.00
Kenta 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!
Memorable Geisha Experience
B9972AUkimc,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kenta 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!
Excellent Gion Tour!
Patty S,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ken was an amazing tour guide. He gave us a basic history of the Gion District and Geiko culture and built upon that. The crescendo of tea and performance by our meiko, was exceptional. I would recommend this tour to anyone who has a serious interest in learning about Gion and Geiko culture.
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.

From ¥18,300