Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour | 3 hours

219 Reviews | Kyoto
From $119.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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 $119.00
$238.00
Approx Total
$238.00

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

April 29100% refund
April 30No 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.
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

incredible Geisha experience

Published on Dec, 2024

Amazing tour with a super knowledgeable guide Ayako! I recommend requesting her as your tour guide! Talking to Geiko-san and Maiko-san and seeing them perform was just incredible!

You can have an amazing experience!

Published on Dec, 2024

It was an amazing tour! Our guide, Mika, had extensive knowledge about Gion, and we were able to enjoy walking through the area with great insight. Additionally, visiting a teahouse, watching a maiko's dance, and having the chance to talk with her was a rare and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this tour.

Great day in Gion

Published on Dec, 2024

This tour was amazing! Naomi N was our guide and she was so wonderful. Her guided tour through Gion was so informational and she was also funny and helped us take some great pictures. Then having the chance to meet a Maiko and see a performance was a once in a lifetime experience. We were lucky our group was small, so we had a lot of chances to talk about their history and culture.

One of the best experiences in Japan

Published on Nov, 2024

Absolutely fantastic tour! I would highly recommend. Our guide, Naomi, was knowledgeable and fun. The most amazing experience was getting to see a show and getting to ask questions and learn about the life and experiences of such and interesting culture.

An essential introduction to Geisha Culture in Kyoto

Published on Nov, 2024

An informative and engaging introduction to geisha culture and traditions in Japan, and specifically Kyoto. Our guide Naomi was knowledgeable and gracious. Thank you.

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
219
From
$119 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,172
From
$76 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
From
$150 /   Person
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
451
From
$102 /   Person
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
356
From
$117 /   Person
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
232
From
$633 /   Group
time

4 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
80
From
$93 /   Person
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
50
From
$198 /   Person
time

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
44
From
$75 /   Person
New On TravelOne
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
32
From
$120 /   Person
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
30
From
$287 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
26
From
$198 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
20
From
$150 /   Person
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
time

3 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,277
From
$126 /   Person
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,260
From
$162 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,172
From
$76 /   Person
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,030
From
$102 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
From
$150 /   Person
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
698
From
$84 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
673
From
$63 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
625
From
$184 /   Person
time

9 hours to 12 hours

time Free Cancellation
572
From
$128 /   Person
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
504
From
$122 /   Person
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
467
From
$27 /   Person
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
451
From
$102 /   Person
Recently Viewed
New On TravelOne
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
30
From
$28 /   Person
New On TravelOne
time

2 hours 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
18
From
$15 /   Person
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
672
From
$71 /   Person
time

4 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
77
From
$25 /   Person
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
7
From
$42 /   Person
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
From
$212 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
105
From
$147 /   Person
Likely To Sell Out
time

384 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$6,067 /   Person
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
150
From
$23 /   Person
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
6
From
$70 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

City Breakup

Remove
+ Add New

Choose Travel Dates / Flexible and Fixed / Number of Days

What's your ideal trip length?

Days

Your trip length is 0 day


Travel Dates / Flexible and Fixed / Number of Days


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Preferred Star Rating?

Accommodation Preferences

Property Preference?

Accommodation Preferences

Property Location?

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Accommodation Preferences

Meal At The Hotel?

Accommodation Preferences

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Preferences

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

Transfers & Internal Transportation

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Transfers & Internal Transportation

Are you celebrating any special occasion?

Travel Activities & Experiences

Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!