Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into the hidden world of Kyoto’s geisha culture on this unforgettable tour. Begin with a guided walk through the atmospheric streets of Gion, where maiko and Geiko live, train, and perform. Your local guide will unveil the deep history and customs of this mysterious world, enriching your understanding before the main experience begins. In the second half, gain ultra-rare access to a private Ochaya (teahouse) — a place so exclusive that even most Japanese people are never allowed to enter. There, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a maiko and a former Geiko. Enjoy a graceful live performance, take photos, and engage in personal conversation. The true highlight is hearing their candid stories and cultural insights — a rare, authentic connection with Japan’s living traditions.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No children under 10 years old
You MUST wear socks at the venue of the performance.
Photography and video recording are allowed only during the performance and the photo session. If you wish to upload any photos on social media, please obtain direct permission from the Maiko beforehand.
As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
The tour will take place rain or shine.
No wet cloth and socks are allowed at the venue on rainy days (Please use an umbrella during the walk).
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.
Refundable for cancellations due to organizers' reasons; no refunds for incidental hotel or bullet train costs.
The tour may be a bit longer than expected depending on the day
The Maiko performance will held on at exclusive private house’s 2nd floor, we can only access there with stairs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gion Shirakawa
While walking through this beautiful part of Gion, a guide will tell you about who geishas in Kyoto are and their lifestyle .
Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
Tatsumi Daimyojin is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to a deity of protection, good fortune, and safety, especially for travelers and warriors. It was founded during the Heian period (794-1185) and is located in the Tatsumi area. Historically, it has been linked to the imperial family and samurai. The shrine features typical Shinto architecture and is known for its scenic beauty, particularly during cherry blossom season.
What‘s Included
Conversation with a maiko and a venue owner
Photo session with a maiko
Local guide
Gion walking tour (about 70-80 minutes)
Live performance by Maiko and a former Geiko (1-2 dances)
Q&A session
Options
Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour
Starting point:
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan
Reviews
419 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A glimpse into the world of Maiko-san
snxo7,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best time with our guide Naomi-san, who took us around the flower district where maiko and geiko live, practice, and entertain guests. I learned so much as we toured through Kyoto before arrive at a tea house for a special performance! I couldn’t recommend this tour enough if you are enamoured by Japanese traditional arts!
Very interesting tour! Recommend it!
Happiness05091786634,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was not our first time in Kyoto, but this tour was still absolute gem and full of surprises. Harumi is great, very knowledgeable guide. We have learnt a lot about Maiko, Geiko and Gion history. Would highly recommend it!
True hidden gem! 🤍
juliasT3964EK,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely fantastic experience! Harumi is really great guide, she speaks English without heavy accent and is really warm and professional. The streets of Gion hide a lot of secrets and it feels like Harumi knows them all! We usually don’t do any guided tours, as we prefer relaxed pace and cozy atmosphere, without ticking off most popular tourist attractions, but this tour was just perfect 🤍 Small group, nice pace and true hidden gems. Highly recommend it!
Incredibly rare experience
Curiosity398629,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible experience! The guide was knowledgeable and informative. We learned a lot about Maiko and Geiko culture in Kyoto. We stopped at some very interesting spots. We were also o luck to catch a Geiko debut! Two Maiko becoming geisha! It was incredible! Our guide said she’s never seen it before! After the beautiful walk through Gion, we went inside an ochya and watched a Maiko dance. It is really rare to get that type of access. We got to ask questions and leaned even more. The Maiko, Hide Kame, was absolutely gorgeous. Take this tour if you can!
Truly unforgettable and unique experience
Discover41593511867,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko experience was truly unforgettable. From the very beginning, walking through the lantern-lit streets of Gion felt like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is magical — traditional wooden machiya houses, quiet alleyways, and that unmistakable Kyoto charm. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, sharing fascinating stories about geisha culture, history, and the traditions that are still preserved today. It made the walk so much more meaningful than simply sightseeing. The highlight, of course, was meeting a real maiko. Seeing her graceful movements, elegant kimono, and beautifully styled hair up close was mesmerizing. She answered questions, demonstrated traditional arts, and created such a special, intimate moment that felt authentic and respectful. This experience is perfect if you want something cultural, refined, and truly unique in Kyoto. It’s not just a tour — it’s a glimpse into a living tradition that feels both rare and magical. 🌸✨
Recommended
tomasmV467GS,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic tour with Yuji, a rare chance to meet with a Maiko.
A glimpse into the life of Geisha in Kyoto
jefferym422,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took my family to this exclusive Geisha tour and we had a great time. Not only did we get to know the long-standing traditions of Maiko and Geiko of Kyoto through private dance performances, we also got to see their living quarters called Geisha districts. Our guide Takuma-san was so great at explaining things in English and answered all our questions well. This tour was one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Japan.
Experience worth to attend!!!
234justynap,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting tour! Lots of information about Geisha dostrict and may facts about their life. The experience to meet Maiko in person and okasan was more interesting than expected. But please keep in mind it’s because wyje whole tour was guided by Takuma. Excellent english and fun person ! Thank you
The best Kyoto experience
602teacherm,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guided walking tour in Kyoto was such a treat. Learning about the history of the hanamachi (flower districts), gaining deeper insight into geisha and maiko culture, and even having the rare opportunity to meet and interact with a maiko in person made the experience truly unforgettable. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared fascinating stories that brought Kyoto’s traditions to life. The pace was comfortable, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming throughout. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants a more authentic and meaningful cultural experience in Kyoto. It was a highlight of my trip.
Good tour, horrible experience at Gion
Sightseer11278221301,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The Miko experience was good and learned a lot about the flower town culture of Kyoto. This is something anyone who is not from The least pleasant part of the tour was walking through the Gion area as privately hired traffic controllers kept shouting and intimidating pedestrians. Pedestrian paths were not clearly marked in accordance with Japanese traffic law and those privately hired traffic controllers had no legal right to intimidate pedestrians and confine their passage to a narrow space on the side of a public road when there was not enough space. The cars and vehicles were driving very fast on these narrow roads. Yet those controllers said nothing about those. Completely unacceptable safety standards. Other than the unpleasant experience at Gion it was a good tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by Japan Wonder Travel