Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Night (w/Kyoto Snack)
Overview
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
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))
What To Expect
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.
Options
Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Night (w/Kyoto Snack)
Reviews
152 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing and insightful
Samu C,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience! Richard was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly insightful. The tour takes you through Kyoto's rich history, and he shares fascinating knowledge at every stop. We highly recommend it!
Beautiful places
Yolanda R,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful places and landscapes that traveling without a guide we would not have gone. I show Richard very professional and communicative guide. I recommend it. Thank you.
Lovely night with Kyoto history
SUZY C,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a lovely night! Every part of the tour left such a strong impression. The stories and explanations—from geishas to Yasaka Shrine—made the whole experience amazing. I loved it so much ❤️ Richard is super knowledgeable and has great cultural insight. His explanations were fantastic!
The best Giesha tour ever!
Tracey L,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing tour! Richard just knows so much and is fun to spend the evening with. Absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.
Fantastic Night Walking Tour and a Great Introduction to Kyoto.
M1363AMbrianh,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had booked the Geisha Streets and Real Kyoto Magical Night walking tour for our first night in Kyoto and we not disappointed. We were very lucky to have had Richard as our guide as his knowledge of his home town and construction of the tour were excellent. His interesting and intelligent delivery was enthralling and gave us an insight into the history of Kyoto and traditional Japanese culture. It was a real bonus to do this tour at night as it avoids the daytime crowds.The Udon noodles with tofu were absolutely delicious as were the skewered rice dumplings (Mitarashi Dango). I would rate this tour easily 10 out of 10 and would highly recommend it.
Fabulous tour!
Doris Y,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We decided to take this tour during the first night of our stay in Kyoto and we are glad we did! Richard was excellent in providing us not only interesting facts about the geishas but also about Japan history, architecture, and culture. This helped provide us context for the balance of our stay. Richard was engaging, knowledgeable, and open to any questions we had. He even provided restaurant suggestions upon request. We would highly recommend this tour.
Great overview of Gion and the Giesha culture
Michele B,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was a phenomenal tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the area and we learned so much about the Gion area and Giesha's. It's a long tour, we even went over our time but you hardly notice because you are so immersed in what you are learning and the sites.
Wonderful Insight!
Catherine M,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our group of 4 enjoyed a wonderful evening touring with Richard in Kyoto. His knowledge of the history and culture of Kyoto was incredible! We very much enjoyed learning more about this beautiful city and the artisans who make Kyoto unique. The tour included a delicious snack along the journey. Our trip was timed around the fall leaves and so there were some wonderful photo opportunities.
Excellent tour
Sue M,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was a fantastic guide; really interedting and knowledgeable, about geisha culture, Japanese history and much more. The area at night is particularly beautiful and the tour was a highlight of my time in Kyoto.
Great tour!
Bobbi B,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with Richard. Very informative of all the goings on in Gion district. We walked to areas I would probably never would have on my own. A great time of day as areas were not tourist busy.
From US$120.00
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