Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gion
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the enchanting streets of Gion, Kyoto’s iconic Geisha district, and immerse yourself in its rich culture and history with insights from an expert guide who knows the area like the back of their hand.
On this small-group cultural tour, you will explore two geisha districts in Gion, gaining a sense of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and traditional charm. Learn about the lifestyle of Geisha and uncover the fascinating history of this renowned geisha district through captivating stories told by a local guide. Delve deeper into the real geisha culture in this iconic district. Geisha are most likely to been during this tour, so if you're lucky, you might even encounter geishas during a tour! Your guide will also share tips on where you can see maiko in action.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Not suitable for the people with disability to go up and down stairs
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The tour will take place rain or shine
Services not listed (for example: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from the meeting spot, Extra food and drink, Other personal expenses) are not included in the tour.
[For Kimono Plan] After Changing into Kimono, please go to the Japan Kanji Museum & Library by yourself. It's about 5min walk from the kimono rental store
[For Kimono Plan] After Finish the tour, please don't forget to return the Kimono by 5:30pm.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, located in Gion district, is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture, lanterns, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of its surroundings. This shrine is deeply related to geisha culture. You can find out what those connections are by joining our tour.
Gion
Gion is the most famous geisha district in Japan, known for its traditional wooden houses and narrow streets. As the sun goes down, the lights of the paper lanterns start dimly, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Gion has been the center of geisha culture for centuries, where visitors can experience the elegance and artistry of Geiko (Kyoto term of geisha) and Maiko (apprentice geiko) performances. While strolling through beautiful alleys, a guide will tell you about the history of geisha, how they are trained, and what their daily life is like. If you're lucky, you might even encounter geiko and maiko during a tour! Join our tour and delve deeper into the real geisha culture in this iconic district.
What‘s Included
[For Kimono Option] Kimono*If you want to wear Kimono, Please choose Kimono Plan: Gion Walking Tour
Local guide
Guided walk of Gion
Options
Gion Walk with Kimono
You can enjoy the walking tour with Japanese traditional clothes "Kimono". *Please return Kimono by 5:30pm
Starting point:
Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo Kyoto Gion Store, Japan, 605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Nakanochō, ２１６ 祇園OKIビル 2階
Gion Walking Tour (Basic)
Duration: 2 hours
Starting point:
Japan Kanji Museum & Library, 551 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Gion Walk with Maiko Show
You can enjoy walking at Gion district with guide. After that, we will go to the tea house and see and talk to Maiko
Duration: 3 hours
Starting point:
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan
Reviews
240 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Geisha walking tour 5/5
504rizzyr,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuko was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about kyoto’s different geisha districts and their unique histories. She made the tour a true 5/5 star experience.
Lovely guide and knowledgeable. Fascinating tour
juliecL9091BM,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely guide and very knowledgeable. Fascinating tour of the Geisha districts. Which we would not have discovered alone
Recommend Miho.
michikoh863,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Miho.Really enjoyed the tour. Miho is knowledgeable and shared interesting stories at the best timing we were at. We learned a lot and laughed a lot. Her English is soooo good and she showcased what the hospitality all about.re
An outstanding afternoon!
Navigate370536,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An extremely good tour! It was my first time in Kyoto despite having lived in Japan for a couple of years and I found the tour to be an excellent introduction to the old city and the Geiko/Geisha subculture. Our guide, Kikuchi was a Kyoto local who knew a lot about the area and its history. We were fortunate enough to see two Maiko (apprentice Geishas) making their first rounds around Gion, with a gaggle of tourists and photographers in tow! We got to see a Maiko perform some dances for us. A very special thanks to Kame-san for her performance! The form was impeccable particularly while wearing a very elegant kimono. Afterwords she answered questions for our group about her career and craft. It was a fascinating experience all around. If you have a few hours to spare in Kyoto, it is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended.
Sensational
jackgE5355XU,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Toshi was very informative and kind. I recommend to everyone.
Did it all and then some in 2 hours
andrewgS1783RE,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Our tour guide Toshi was very nice and knowledgeable
Gion Geisha tour
110karlv,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ayu was a fantastic host for us! She lead us well off the beaten path and taught/showed us some amazing historical sites. We highly recommend having her as a tour guide!
Geisha walking tour in Kyoto
W5034OTtiffanyg,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Yuko, was excellent! She gave us a great tour, and explained things really well. It was very interesting. The length was perfect, and there was no admission fee.
Tour guide is a must to have the best Kyoto experience
S8426NAjanem,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mana san was our tour guide yesterday. The trip has been very informative and fun. She was patient, very knowledgeable and had lots of interesting stories along the way. We enjoyed the Gion walking tour with her.
Awesome Geisha Walking Tour!
Resort691183,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annie was a very knowledgeable tour guide. We learned a lot about Kyoto's maiko and geiko' culture. We went back to Gion Corner the following night. Everything we learned n the tour made the show much more memorable. Thank you Annie!
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