Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour | 3 hours

219 Reviews | Kyoto
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (10-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour
2 Adults x $131.00
$262.00
Approx Total
$262.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Professional guide
  • Gion walking tour
  • Live performance by Maiko and Geiko
  • Photo session

Overview

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 (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 venue's 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.

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0801, Japan

Open in Google Maps

End a tour at a special private house (venue)

Itinerary

  • 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

  • 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

  • Tatsumi Bridge (Pass By)

    Tatsumi Bridge is a small traditional bridge located in a corner of Gion that feels like stepping into a scene from a movie. The area around Tatsumi Bridge is filled with charming wooden machiya houses, traditional tea houses, and the tranquil Shirakawa Canal. The area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and in the evenings when the lanterns illuminate the historic streets, offering a magical atmosphere.

  • Hanamikoji Street

    Hanamikoji Street is a main street in Gion. This charming street is lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, shops and restaurants, exuding an atmosphere of old-world elegance. Hanami-koji is especially renowned for its well-preserved architecture and its association with Kyoto’s geisha culture, where you might spot geiko (geisha in Kyoto) and maiko gracefully walking.

    10 minutes

  • Gion Corner (Pass By)

    Gion Corner is a unique cultural venue which showcases a variety of traditional art performances that highlight Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. The venue provides a comprehensive introduction to the traditional arts, often performed by skilled practitioners. This venue is a beloved spot for both Japanese and international tourists, offering a convenient and accessible way to appreciate the depth of Kyoto’s artistic traditions.

  • Kennin-ji Temple (Pass By)

    The oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto located next to a geisha district Gion. We will not enter the temple buildings but walk through the temple precinct like locals and feel Zen.

  • N/A

    Enjoy the professional performance at a traditional tea house. The tour guide will translate for you, so you can understand the culture, and history deeper, also you'll be able to have a conversation with Maiko and a teahouse owner to know the real voice.

    1 hour 30 minutes

Sample Menu

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

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

219 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    210
  • 4 stars
    6
  • 3 stars
    1
  • 2 stars
    1
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 210 reviews with 5 stars

An amazing experience!...

Published on May, 2025

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.

Geisha/ Maiko - the importance of their history.

Published on May, 2025

A great experience with a well informed guide named Takuma. Takuma had a wealth of knowledge that he shared with our small group. It was great to get an opportunity to walk down small alleys and to hear about the history of these boarding houses and tea houses. A must do experience that gives a visitor an opportunity to speak with Maiko and to watch a traditional performance.

Amazing Geisha Tour.

Published on May, 2025

If you're looking for an exceptional Meika tour experience, look no further than Takuma! From beginning to end, the tour was absolutely delightful and exceeded all expectations. I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you for a very special cultural experience!

Published on May, 2025

Wonderful tour with an absolutely amazing performance. It was truly special to experience the history and traditions. Our guide, Ayako, was truly special, very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun looking after visitors in a very caring manner.

Authentic maiko experience

Published on May, 2025

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.

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