Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Kyoto's captivating Geisha culture with the Kyoto Night Walking Tour. Led by local guides steeped in tradition, this journey unveils the world of Geisha and Maiko.
Stroll through Kyoto's night, where elegance and grace come to life. Learn Geisha secrets, their training, and artistry. Encounter Geisha and Maiko en route to appointments, offering a rare glimpse into their world.
In an intimate setting, ask questions and engage with this enthralling tradition. The Kyoto Night Walking Tour immerses you authentically, connecting you to Kyoto's Geisha culture.
Join us on this enchanting journey to illuminate the captivating world of Geisha, revealing the history and thriving traditions that come alive in Kyoto after dark.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Izumono Okuni Statue in Kyoto is a bronze sculpture dedicated to Okuni, a legendary figure considered the founder of Kabuki theater. Located in the Gion district, this statue pays homage to Okuni's pioneering contributions to Japanese performing arts. Okuni is believed to have originated Kabuki in the early 17th century, and her statue serves as a symbol of the art form's rich history in Kyoto. Visitors to the Gion district can admire this iconic statue as they explore the area's cultural and historical attractions.
Minamiza Theater
Minamiza is a historic theater in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for hosting traditional Kabuki performances. Kabuki is a unique Japanese theater art known for elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling, often featuring historical themes. At Minamiza, visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of Kabuki in a historic setting, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese culture and theater.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Bottled water
Options
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Reviews
1,390 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting and engaging
Geraldine S,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Ben was very informative, interesting and engaging. We learnt alot on Geisha history through to present day practices. A v interesting evening.
Gion Geisha Walking Tour - 5/5!
81mikaylah,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a wonderful tour!! Our guide Mannny was so knowledgeable and answered all our questions in detail (even not related to the Geisha!). Even on a cold night it was very enjoyable and interesting. Thank you!
Extraordinary Gion tour experience
davidgA9906JD,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Akari was a wonderful tour guide. Very informative and knowledgeable about the Gion district. Showing us historic spots while explaining about what makes them so historic, or what the buildings/ signs/ etc represented or meant. If you have Akari as your tour guide, you are sure to have an exciting and enriching tour.
Great walking tour in gorgeous kyoto neighborhoods. Tour guide Nami was so sweet and knowledgeable.
Kelsey O,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great walking tour in gorgeous kyoto neighborhoods. Tour guide Nami was so sweet and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend
Great tour!
Jivan G,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great introduction to the history of geishas in Kyoto! Super friendly! Nice short tour to get us acquainted with some of the sights L.
The Geisha Walking Tour...
Bianca C,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Geisha Walking Tour was very insightful. Our tour guide Nami was very kind and friendly. She is very knowledgeable about the Geisha History in Kyoto.
Tommy is a great guide!
Cassie B,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tommy was a lovely guide who intertwined local history and cultural information with personal stories and experiences. We all thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Tommy this evening, and would highly recommend it to others. Thank you so much!
Incredibly informative!
Chirag L,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Manny was incredibly clear and detailed. I walked away knowing a lot more about the evolution of Geisha, Geiko, Maiko, than I had previously known. Thank you for an incredible tour.
Amazing tour and history of the geisha in Kyoto
David U,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was Manny and he was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a detailed background of the cases in their history in Kyoto. We really enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend recommended to others.
Fascinating geisha walking tour with the best guide!
Relax37863022938,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicki is the BEST tour guide we came across during our trip in Japan this year. She’s organised, well-spoken and is so knowledgeable about geisha culture. We learnt so much about maiko (the student learning to be geisha) and geiko (geisha in Kyoto), the training program, their earnings and common misconceptions about geisha outside of Japan. It’s fascinating! During the tour, we started in one of the geisha districts, visited the outside of a maiko dormitory, and continued on to the maiko/ geisha dance school and performance house where we saw one of the geisha walked past our group. On the way to the Yasaka shrine, we walked along the quiet streets where another geisha walked past us to visit a tea house. What a lucky night to spot two geishas on a tour. Nicki even gave each of us two hand warmers to keep us warm during the evening tour. If we can give her more than 5/5, we would!
From US$25.00
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