Experience Authentic Kyoto Gion Geisha/Maiko Cultural Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a live performance of a traditional dance accompanied by authentic shamisen and singing by maiko or geiko and a former geiko who is also a teahouse owner, and a matcha green tea experience while learning the proper etiquette. As the tour is limited to 10 people, you can enjoy a leisurely conversation with the maiko or geiko and the owner of the teahouse. Feel free to take a commemorative photo with the maiko or geiko. This walking tour is accompanied by a English speaking guide. [Update as of March 2025] The Gion Kagai Art Museum is no longer part of the tour itinerary.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Gion Kagai Art Museum is NOT included in the tours from March 2025.
During the teahouse experience, customers will be accompanied by either a maiko or geiko along with a tea master depending on the day. Maiko and geiko cannot be selected.
Children 0-5 years old cannot join the tour.
Please be sure to wear socks. If your feet, clothes, or bag are wet such as on rainy days, please wipe the water off with a towel, etc. before entering the teahouse. Please kindly cooperate in keeping tatami spaces clean.
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
English Speaking Guide
Teahouse experience fee (maiko or geiko traditional dance viewing, tea ceremony, picture taking)
Fees other than those listed in Includes
[From March 2025] Entry to the Gion Kagai Art Museum
What To Expect
Hanamikoji Street
From the Gion Kagai Art Museum to Teahouse, your English-speaking guide will lead you through the charming streets of Gion, including the iconic Hanamikoji Street, offering fascinating insights into Gion's history and culture.
Gion
At Teahouse, watch a traditional dance performance by maiko or geiko, enjoy a matcha green tea experience, and take a commemorative photo with the maiko or geiko amidst the atmosphere of a tatami room meticulously designed with the architect's attention to detail.
Options
September 7:15 PM Departure
Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience
Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum
11:50AM Departure
11:50AM Meet-up: Gion Kagai Art Museum → Stroll → Teahouse Experience
3:15 PM Departure
Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience
Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum
1:15 PM Departure
Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience
Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum
2:30 PM Departure
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Itinerary: Gion Kagai Art Museum → Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience
2:45PM Departure
2:45PM Meet-up: Meet at Gion Kagai Art Museum → Teahouse Experience → Stroll → Gion Kagai Art Museum
September 5:15 PM Departure
Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience
Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Definitely worth your time
Amy R,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was such an interesting experience. We were able to meet and talk with a Maiko and ask her all our questions. The performance was beautiful and the tea and snacks were great. We really learned a lot!
Highlight of our trip!
Meagan K,
May 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Hands down our favorite part of our Japan trip. The tour guide was punctual, informative, friendly, and down to earth. She kept things interesting and at a moving pace. The tea house was new construction, so it was extremely clean and smelled fresh. It was the perfect setting. The maiko that entertained us was like an angel on Earth! She was so sweet and welcoming of all of our questions. She served us tea and performed a dance which was beautiful to see. Nothing like it. We hands down recommend this experience with your time in Kyoto!
Japan Birthday Trip
Kendra C,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an experience that was absolutely out of the world!! The walking was not a lot, the immersion with my maiko was beyond my dreams. The sweets and tea were great tasting. To be allowed a small glimpse into this ancient cultural artistry was a cherished memory I will never forget. I would definitely recommend putting this experience on your list. Upon my return, I will be doing this again. Thank you very much to our guide. ( can't remember her name, except "sister")
Best experience in Japan
Corey K,
May 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was probably our favorite in all of Japan. Our guide, Tomato-Sun (her nickname) was absolutely amazing. She was informative, entertaining and spoke excellent English. The experience with Meiko-Sun (apprentice Geisha, called Geiko in Kyoto) was second to none. We were very lucky my in that it was just my wife and I on this tour, so our experience was very personal. Meiko-Sun performed the tea ceremony for us, engaged in a lot of chatting and then performed two dances for us. The entertainment house mother was also excellent. She was once a Geiko, and also able to answer many questions we had. We could not recommend this experience highly enough.
An absolute must do!!
Georgia K,
Apr 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Unforgettable Maiko Experience in Gion - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our maiko/geisha experience today was absolutely incredible and well worth every yen spent. The experience included several wonderful components that made for a truly immersive cultural journey: - A traditional tea ceremony that showcased the elegance and precision of Japanese hospitality - A guided walking tour through the historic Gion district - An authentic maiko performance with traditional dance and music - Photo opportunities both of the maiko and with her - A Q&A session where we could learn more about this secretive and fascinating profession Our guide Youko deserves special recognition. Her knowledge was extensive, and her friendly demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable. She pointed out countless interesting details about Gion that we would have completely missed on our own. For anyone visiting Kyoto who wants to experience a genuine piece of traditional Japanese culture, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It provides a respectful and educational glimpse into the world of maiko and geiko that goes far beyond what you could discover independently.
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