Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Two Times Available: 12:00noon DAY or 5:20pm NIGHT Tour
Let's explore the Gion District geisha streets and take a deep dive into the "real Kyoto" in this magical, night walking tour. The expert guide will share with you all the hidden details of the closed world of geishas and mysterious Shinto shrines.
This is a walking tour going through several geisha districts, shrines, and beautifully preserved historic districts of Kyoto's Higashiyama area. The tour is about 3hr 30m.
The guide is an expert, speaking very clear & easy to understand, native English. The guide is extremely knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions in detail.
The guide will select a refreshing Kyoto snack during the break. (a small snack, not a full meal...will make every effort to cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan as well)
You will get deep insight into the Japanese way-of thinking, culture, and traditions that can't be experienced on other tours.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
For strollers, there are some steps and unpaved rocky paths which have to be manoeuvred during the tour
The 3.5 hour walking tour is not suitable for anyone having walking issues
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Expert guide speaking clear, native English
Walking tour
a refreshing Kyoto snack during our short break
Personal Expenses
Gratuities/Tips: never an obligation, but always appreciated (if you had a good time))
Minamiza Theater
We will make a stop by the Kabuki theater while guide will explain interesting details of this traditional Japanese entertainment.
Hanamikoji Street
We will explore the Gion District geisha streets (Hanamikoji) and alleys while the expert guide will explain the geisha arts & traditions in detail. We will pass by geisha living quarters and working geisha houses where the wealthy are entertained.
127 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Puja K,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
Our tour of Kyoto’s geisha district with Richard was unforgettable. His deep knowledge of geisha culture and history brought the district vividly to life and helped us notice details we would have missed. Richard’s enthusiasm was contagious, making each story engaging and memorable. He was also incredibly flexible, adjusting the tour to our pace and interests so everyone felt involved. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting both insight and an authentic experience in Kyoto.
Lori P,
Sep 6, 2025
- Viator
This tour was absolutely awesome! Richard, our guide was very knowledgable and fun. Not only did he teach us a lot about the geisha culture and Shintoism, but he provided a lot of very interesting information about the way of life in Kyoto. This is a absolutely must do tour!
Lisney b,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
Incredible night! Seeing the city at night is a must! Everything was great and amazing places to explore and we learn a lot about the history!
Christina T,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
Best tour we went on in Kyoto! I cannot recommend this tour enough. We learned so much about the geisha districts in Kyoto, the process to become a geisha, and got to explore Kyoto at night. We particularly loved visiting beautiful shrines at night and having a delicious Japanese dessert break. Richard our guide was particularly amazing; we learned so much from him and got recommendations from him for the rest of our time in Kyoto. If you like exploring cities at night, learning about history and customs, and meeting cool people this tour is for you!
Carlos P,
Aug 23, 2025
- Viator
I recently took the Geisha district night tour and it was fascinating! The district came alive at night with its beautifully lit streets and traditional architecture. It was great for taking night pictures, and the guide provided interesting insights into the history and culture of the area. A must-visit for anyone looking to experience Kyoto's unique charm after dark. Highly recommend!
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