Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gion

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Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

What To Expect

1

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.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kimono Plan: Gion Walking Tour

You can enjoy the walking tour with Japanese traditional clothes "Kimono". *Please return Kimono by 5:30pm
Starting point:
wargo Kyoto Kimono Rental Kyoto Gion Store, Japan, 605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Nakanochō, 216 祇園OKIビル 2階

Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gion

Starting point:
Japan Kanji Museum & Library, 551 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

Reviews

4.85

164 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

145
16
1
1
1
  • We had a knowledgeable...

    Vikas K,

    Aug 10, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We had a knowledgeable guide who walked us through Gion streets which we would not have otherwise seen.

  • Magical Gion

    BETH S,

    Jul 30, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    A wonderful tour with a knowledgeable guide. We really enjoyed it. We even survived the heat. Xxxxxx

  • Our family of 4,...

    Anne S,

    Jul 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Our family of 4, including 10- and 13-year-old daughters, did this together. Great guide, small group, great itinerary! We’re so glad we did it.

  • Great Geisha walking tour in Kyoto !

    Christiane L,

    Jun 25, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Super informative , fun walking tour through Kyotos Geisha district - our guide Takuma was the best : really knowledgeable , friendly yet professional with lots of interesting facts , we even caught some Geishas heading to their nights entertainment activities - would highly recommend !

  • Geisha Tour

    Candice G,

    Jun 23, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Yoko provided us with a wonderful experience in the Geisha district. She educated our group on the history of the district, Geisha and shrine. A must do.

From ¥4,500

4.85
164 reviews