Private Tour
Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Gion & Higashiyama(Private opt)
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us and experience Kyoto at its most peaceful, creating unforgettable memories before the city awakens!
Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll journey through two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas: Gion, the historic district famed as the home of the geisha, and Higashiyama, where charming streets lead to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, plenty of time on foot to explore Kyoto.
If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and preserved historic streets. It’s a place where visitors can experience the charm of old Kyoto and sometimes catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
Hanamikoji Street
Hanami-koji is a famous street in Kyoto's Gion district where you may have the chance to encounter geisha and maiko. Known for its traditional teahouses, historic ambiance, and wooden machiya houses, it offers a glimpse into Kyoto's elegant past and geisha culture.
What‘s Included
Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!
Admission Fee: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Food and Drinks
Options
Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour: Our small group tour provides a fun and engaging Kyoto experience with a well-planned itinerary!
Private Tour
Private Tour: Our private tour offers a flexible schedule and a relaxed pace for a personalized experience!
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto Tour
J2161TBmichaels,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We highly recommend our experience in Kyoto on this tour. Our guide Ikki was very knowledgeable, spoke good English and was very patient with two older people. The tour was very enjoyable
Our guide was very...
Michael S,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable, spoke very good English and was patient with us as we are older. We would highly recommend Ikki Kataoka.
We did the 7am morning...
VickiAnne G,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the 7am morning tour before the crowds. Our guide Ikki was not only a guide but also our professional photographer for the morning. He explained everything in detail and his knowledge was amazing. The photos he took turned out amazing
Brilliant
rockb483,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ikki was a brilliant tour guide today,very very informative & interactive tour. Lovly sites & views great coffee at %.. everything advertised on tour guide was above and beyond what I was expecting. Totally amazing
Brilliant
vicki-anne g,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ikki was very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable explaining every detail. We were taken to all the places that were advertised on the tour
Lovely and relaxed morning through Kyoto
alves93joana,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was above my expectation. We had to wake up early to get to see, on a relaxed way, all the good spots on Kyoto. But it was definitly worth it. Ikki-san was a wonderful and joyful tour guide. We had a great time visiting the main spots of Kyoto.
The best morning tour of Gion and Higashiyama!
F4288OLgabrielm,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time on the Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Morning Tour with Ikki. We went early in the morning before the crowds showed up, the photos turned out amazing. Ikki was patient, explained everything in detail and was very knowledgeable. He also took incredible photos and videos, helped me collect lots of Goshuin stamps, and even found my jacket after I had misplaced it. Great guide and a fantastic experience. 10 out of 10, would highly recommend to anyone!
The best morning tour!
Gabriel M,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing time on the Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Morning Tour with Ikki. We went early in the morning before the crowds showed up, the photos turned out amazing. Ikki was patient, explained everything in detail and was very knowledgeable. He also took incredible photos and videos, helped me collect lots of Goshuin stamps, and even found my jacket after I had misplaced it. Great guide and a fantastic experience. 10 out of 10, would highly recommend to anyone!
Great souvenirs can be found on this tour!
emilycV6785YU,,Dec 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When Ikki guided us on another tour, he mentioned how amazing this Nishiki Market tour was, so we decided to give it a try, and it exceeded our expectations! At Nishiki Market, we finally found the beautiful Japanese knife we had been longing for. Thanks to Ikki's thoughtful advice to bring enough cash, as the shop only accepted cash, the purchase was seamless. Now, we can’t wait to go home and start cooking with it! Ikki’s expert guidance and recommendations made this tour an unforgettable experience.
Great food tour in Kyoto!
yoonseoc410,,Dec 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Ikki was fantastic on the early motning tour, so we decided to join this afternoon tour as well. It turns out be a great decision! if you love eating local fresh foods, this tour is MUST!
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