Anytime
Guided tour

Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour

4.8  / 5236 reviews
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Guided tour
Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour
4.8  / 5236 reviews

Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 - 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

A
Anthony – Australia

Wonderful tour, topped off by a lifetime experience of watching a Maiko perform & then learn more & talk with her. Well worth the experience

A
Anthony – Australia
R
Rebecca – United Kingdom

Amazing opportunity to meet a Maiko. Chiko was a great guide. She walked us around the Gion area and explained it’s history and then we watched a dance and had a Q&A session with a Maiko. We felt very lucky to have this experience and an opportunity to ask questions about life as a Maiko. I would highly recommend this experience.

R
Rebecca – United Kingdom

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    3 starting location options:

    7-ELEVEN Kyoto Higashiyama Donguribashi Store, 出雲阿国像, wargo Kyoto Kimno Rental-Gionshijo Store

  • Kenninji Temple

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Miyagawasuji

    Photo stop, Visit (1.5 hours)

  • Finish at:

    Miyagawasuji

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy an authentic live performance by a Maiko and a former Geiko
  • Conversation with a maiko and a teahouse owner for firsthand insights
  • Capture memorable photos with with Maiko
  • Explore the charming streets of Gion
  • Discover the real world of geisha with fascinating stories from a local guide

Full description

Discover Kyoto’s captivating geisha district, Gion, with a professional guide who knows every corner of this historic area. Wander through picturesque alleys, admire timeless architecture, and discover hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Kyoto's historic geisha district. In the first half of this group cultural tour, walking through the charming streets of Gion. Gain insight into Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and traditional charm. Learn about the lifestyle of Maiko (an apprentice Geisha) and Geisha (we call them Geiko in Kyoto) and uncover the fascinating history of this renowned geisha district from a knowledgeable local guide. In the second half of the tour, visit a special private house where you will be warmly welcomed by a Maiko and a teahouse owner (a former geiko). Enjoy their fascinating live performance, engage in conversation and take pictures with the maiko. Experience the true essence of geisha culture and create unforgettable memories with this tour.

Includes

  • Guide
  • Gion walking tour
  • Live performance by a maiko and a former geiko
  • Photo session with a maiko

Not suitable for

  • Children under 10 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Socks

Know before you go

  • *For the Kimono Rental Option, please note that if you do not arrive by the meeting time, the kimono rental will be canceled. However, you will still be able to join the tour.
  • *For the Kimono Rental Option, After Changing into Kimono, please go to the Izumo-no-Okuni statue by yourself. It's about 3min walk from the kimono rental store.
  • You MUST wear socks at the performance venue
  • Photography & video recording are allowed only during the performance and the photo session. If you wish to upload any photos of Maiko or videos 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 clothes & socks are allowed at the venue on rainy days (Please use an umbrella during the walk).
  • 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

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 236 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
+30

Filter

By star rating

Sort by:
Recommended
A
Anthony – AustraliaJanuary 10, 2025  – Verified booking
Wonderful tour, topped off by a lifetime experience of watching a Maiko perform & then learn more & talk with her. Well worth the experience
Helpful?
R
Rebecca – United KingdomDecember 11, 2024  – Verified booking
Amazing opportunity to meet a Maiko. Chiko was a great guide. She walked us around the Gion area and explained it’s history and then we watched a dance and had a Q&A session with a Maiko. We felt very lucky to have this experience and an opportunity to ask questions about life as a Maiko. I would highly recommend this experience.
Helpful?
D
Diogo – PortugalNovember 23, 2024  – Verified booking
Naomi was a fantastic guide, excellent communication and story telling. Can't recommend this experience more, worth every cent.
Helpful?

Product ID: 529454

Activity provider:Japan Wonder Travel

Top Attractions in Kyoto

Experiences in Kyoto

Tours in Japan

Things to do in Japan

Top destinations

Popular on GetYourGuide

Popular Attractions