Kyoto Gion Early Morning Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights before the crowds arrive! Our early morning walking tour takes you through the historic streets of Gion, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka with a knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guide.
⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our guide will contact you through these platforms.
✅ English Guided Walking Tour – Walking through Kyoto’s most scenic streets.
✅ Visit Five Must-See Locations – Explore Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion’s historic streets, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka.
✅ Learn Kyoto’s History & Culture – Discover the stories behind Kyoto’s geisha district, samurai history, and old temples with our expert guide.
✅ Capture Stunning Photos – Enjoy a crowd-free Kyoto and take beautiful photos in its most picturesque locations.
✅ Get Local Tips & Recommendations – Our guide will share insider tips to explore after the tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
English-Speaking Guide
Approximately 3 hours
Hotel Pick-Up
The Admission Fee: Kiyomizudera-Temple
What To Expect
Gion Shirakawa
Strolling through Gion Shirakawa, you’ll experience Kyoto’s old-world charm in a peaceful, early-morning setting. The Shirakawa River, lined with traditional machiya houses and weeping willows, creates a picture-perfect scene. Crossing the Tatsumi Bridge, you’ll pass historic teahouses where geisha and maiko still perform.
Hanamikoji Street
Walking down Hanamikoji Street, you’ll step into Kyoto’s geisha district, lined with historic wooden machiya houses and traditional teahouses (ochaya). This iconic street is where geisha and maiko gracefully walk to their evening engagements, preserving centuries-old traditions.
Options
Kyoto Gion Early Morning Walking Tour
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very much worth waking up early!!
Nataly B,
Oct 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour with Caleb was really good, he is super friendly and made this tour a very good experience. In general, its great to wake up so early to beat the crowds, and being able to walk around and learn about current and historical facts of Gion & surrounding area. In this specific tour, since I was the only one, I appreciated the customisation where we would stop a little longer in shrines and temples, and Caleb would explain at the best of his knowledge the key relevant facts. Would recommend this experience!
Wonderful experience with Hiro
skdhal,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Hiro was fantastic! He showed us around parts of Kyoto that we would not have discovered ourselves. The shrines and temples are amazing. His command of the English language was very good as well. We highly recommend Hiro to be your tour guide!
Vincent gave us a great...
MaryMargaret S,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Vincent gave us a great tour of the Gion. It was a lot of information, but he always was happy to answer questions. I would have been happy if the tour started an hour earlier to avoid the crowds. The Kiyomizu Temple was swarming with people by the time we arrived there. I thought the idea was to avoid the crowds.
Vincent was an amazing tour guide so informative.
Christine R,
Jun 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Vincent was amazing. Taking his time to explain everything to us along the way. He would even answer questions that we had not even pertaining to the tour. Vincent loves showing his city and sharing the history with visitors. We would book any tour Vincent was the host for.
5 Star Guide
Jeanette C,
May 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Hiro is a five star tour guy. He is very knowledgeable in the history of Japan and also understands how if it’s in the global context. He will give you an enriching experience all around! This morning tour is also excellent to beat the crowds and enjoy the sceneries and temples.
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Operated by Tomodachi Tours