Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

[Highlights]

・Chance to Spot a Geisha

・Visit a 1,000-Year-Old Shrine

・See Edo-Period Townhouses

・Get Local Tips & Recommendations

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a real geisha.Gion is a district where Japan's traditional culture is still deeply preserved. With a local expert guide, you won’t just visit famous tourist spots but also explore hidden alleys.

First, we will visit Hanamikoji Street, known as the heart of the geisha district. Here, you will learn about the strict training of geisha, their graceful dances, and the craftsmanship behind their beautiful kimonos and hairstyles, giving you a glimpse into Gion’s traditional culture.

Next, we will walk through quiet backstreets with fewer tourists. These hidden paths lead to small shrines and historical spots.

You will also see wooden townhouses from the Edo period. Your guide will share the stories behind these buildings, allowing you to appreciate Kyoto’s old-town charm and rich history.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local Guide

What To Expect

Hanamikoji Street

A street where you might have a chance to see a geisha. Your guide will share the history and hidden stories behind the world of geisha.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

If you don’t take a photo on this street, it might feel like you haven’t really been to Kyoto. They say if you fall here, you’ll die in two years — but your guide will explain the truth behind this eerie rumor. Plus, there are plenty of great shops along the way!

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour

Reviews

4.97

533 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

521

Best walking tour
A6860YPgabrielam,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went with my husband and daughter, our guide Oliver knows a lot of the culture and also the places and he helped us to take great pictures and in the right moments.
Geisha tour
164myak,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour from Oliver! Learned a lot of history and saw beautiful sites of Kyoto, me and my friends loved the tour very much
Great Experience
laurins876,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My friends and I booked this tour, and it was amazing. Oliver was our guide, and he was so helpful, insightful, and very friendly. As we were staying in Kyoto for a day, I think we saw the best places you can see in a day. Thank you for this tour Oliver
Kyoto Geisha Tour
Stephen F,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mai was the perfect tour guide. Very knowledgeable and made the experience memorable. A great history lesson on Geishas throughout Kyoto.
Memorable and cultural history
micahs227,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I enjoyed the tour so much. Mai was very informative about Kyoto and she made the tour very fun. She’s very down to earth which made the experience more memorable.
amazing
Dream14212766056,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing Night Tour in Kyoto – Absolutely Worth It! We joined the night tour in Kyoto and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of our entire trip. The tour was extremely interesting, full of insights, and included stories and details we would have never discovered on our own. Kyoto at night is truly magical, and every stop on the route was beautiful and atmospheric. Our guide, Kenta Suzuki, was exceptional – professional, friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. His storytelling skills and deep understanding of Kyoto’s history and culture made the tour even more engaging. You can really feel how passionate he is about what he does. Overall, this was a fantastic tour and absolutely worth it. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Clear night for Gion
Extraordinary577005,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kenta was a wonderful guide. So much knowledge and highly recommend the night tour for an almost private tour of Gion. We didn't see get lucky to see any geishas but learned so much about them
An enjoyable history of geishas and Kyoto
matthaim2025,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience with Kenta. He was knowledgeable and engaging. The tour was paced well and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it.
Amazing walk with Kenta
Kheble,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing walk in the streets of gion. He showed a lot of shrines kyo matchiya houses. A lot of shrines and its history as well.MUST DO If you’re interested know about japanese culture
Gion evening walking tour
Andrew P,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kentu was our guide today. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. The tour covered some beautiful areas of Gion, and we learned a lot about life today and in the past, especially about the Geisha.