Guided tour

Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour

Top rated
4.669216 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.669216 out of 5 stars
1569 reviews
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Guided tour
Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.669216 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.669216 out of 5 stars
1569 reviews

Discover Kyoto's geisha culture on a guided walking tour after dark. Explore the city's old geisha district with a local guide and learn about this captivating culture.

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 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

R
Ruth – United Kingdom

An informative tour around some sights we wouldn’t have found ourselves. As a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers we all really enjoyed it

A
Alexander – Germany

A Fantastic Tour with Melanie! We had an amazing experience on the Gion Geisha District Tour thanks to our incredible guide, Melanie. From the start, she was warm, approachable, and full of positive energy that made the whole tour so enjoyable. She was happy to answer all of our questions and shared fascinating insights into the history and culture of Geishas in Kyoto. Melanie’s storytelling was engaging, and she provided great tips and tricks that enhanced our experience even beyond the tour itself. Her passion and knowledge really shone through, and she made everyone feel welcome and involved. You can truly consider yourself lucky if she’s your guide – highly recommended!

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Ben's Cookies Kyoto Shijo

  • Ben's Cookies Kyoto Shijo

    Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pontocho Alley

    Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni

    Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gion

    Guided tour (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Yasaka Shrine

    Visit, Guided tour (25 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gion Corner

    Visit, Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Hanamikoji Street

    Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)

  • Finish at:

    Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Get a glimpse into the world of Kyoto's geisha culture on a nighttime tour
  • Explore the old geisha districts of Gion and Pontocho with a local guide
  • Wander along narrow alleyways and see the districts come to life at night
  • Encounter geisha and maiko en route to appointments as you explore
  • Gain deeper insight into this fascinating world and its thriving traditions

Full description

Meet your guide in a central location and set out on your nighttime tour of Gion and Pontocho, the city's famous geisha entertainment districts.

Step back in time as you stroll through narrow alleyways and along streets lined with old wooden teahouses built in the classic Japanese style.

Wander down Pontocho Alley, a popular street lined with traditional Japanese eateries and elite clubs before crossing the river and stopping at the statue of Izumo-no-Okuni to learn about the woman who invented the art of kabuki.

Then, continue your tour as you explore Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Discover the famous Yasaka Shrine and take a walk along Hanamikoji, keeping an eye out for geishas as they make their way to their appointments.

Feel free to ask your guide any questions you may have as you walk and leave your tour with a deeper appreciation for the art of geisha as you discover more about their history and training.

Includes

  • Walking tour
  • Local guide
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Children under 15 years

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Ben's Cookies Kyoto Shijo shop. Your guide will be holding a sign board.

Open in Google Maps

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1569 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
R
Ruth – United KingdomApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
An informative tour around some sights we wouldn’t have found ourselves. As a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers we all really enjoyed it
A
Alexander – GermanyApril 21, 2025 – Verified booking
A Fantastic Tour with Melanie! We had an amazing experience on the Gion Geisha District Tour thanks to our incredible guide, Melanie. From the start, she was warm, approachable, and full of positive energy that made the whole tour so enjoyable. She was happy to answer all of our questions and shared fascinating insights into the history and culture of Geishas in Kyoto. Melanie’s storytelling was engaging, and she provided great tips and tricks that enhanced our experience even beyond the tour itself. Her passion and knowledge really shone through, and she made everyone feel welcome and involved. You can truly consider yourself lucky if she’s your guide – highly recommended!
J
Jack – CanadaApril 21, 2025 – Verified booking
The tour was absolutely fantastic! Saki is clearly incredibly passionate about the lives of the Geisha in Kyoto. We learned so much about the culture and were even fortunate enough to see some actual geisha walking the streets of Gion too. Look no further than Saki’s Geisha tour of Gion, you will not be disappointed!!

Product ID: 563565

Activity provider:Localized Walking & Food Tours

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