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Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

Photo session with a maiko

Local guide

Gion walking tour

Live performance by Maiko and a former Geiko

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan
[Meet up] the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni (at the Exit 4 of Keihan Gion Shijo station) Please find your guide who holds a green board written Japan Wonder Travel. *Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before tour start time.

What To Expect

1

Gion Shirakawa

While walking through this beautiful part of Gion, a guide will tell you about who geishas in Kyoto are and their lifestyle .

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour

Starting point:
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan

Reviews

4.87

329 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

304
16
3
3
3
  • It was very informative...

    Paula C,

    Aug 13, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    It was very informative and we learned a lot, however the translation fell short and we had to put a lot of effort hearing the story and understanding what was being said. The tea hose, the hosts and the Maiko were amazing but it seems a lot was missed because of the translation. Our expectations were exceeded and will recommend it provided that the translation is improved.

  • Awesome

    Dinesh B,

    Jun 12, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The guide Ellie was excellent and the performance awesome. The information shared on Geisha and their lifestyle was amazing. Truly great experience.

  • The three hour experience...

    Roz C,

    May 25, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The three hour experience was wonderful. Our tour guide around the geisha district was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a geisha in the streets before we watched a beautiful geisha performance.

  • An amazing experience!...

    Andrew S,

    May 18, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    An amazing experience! Everyone from the tour company was kind and helpful. This was a very unique opportunity and made our trip to Japan extra special.

  • Authentic maiko experience

    James L,

    May 13, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The walking tour itself was good but not exceptional; focused more on geisha/geiko culture than broader history, although guide was knowledgeable and answered some questions about Kyoto. Meeting the maiko was the real deal; was very intimate (maybe 10 tourists); we learned about geisha/geiko culture from the teahouse owner, and then the maiko performed a dance and we were able to ask questions. Very authentic, very real--was a great way to get a taste of the "geisha experience" without breaking the bank.

From ¥17,300

4.87
329 reviews
Check availability

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