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Kyoto Gion Walking Tour Discovering the Secret World of Geisha

Location Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kansai, Japan
$31.26
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

Explore the enchanting streets of Kyoto’s Gion district on this walking tour, delving into the fascinating world of geisha. Learn about their history, culture, and refined lifestyle as you stroll past traditional machiya houses and exclusive teahouses where Geisha entertain. Discover the rich history of Gion, a district that has preserved Kyoto’s elegant traditions for centuries. You may even see a Geisha or Maiko heading to an evening appointment, enhancing your experience.
Kyoto Gion Walking Tour Discovering the Secret World of Geisha
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes

Availability depends on seasonality and number of participants. Bookings can not be made for the same day. Please read our TnC’s.

When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
Check available dates by emailing us at [email protected]
  • Professional, friendly English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities

Meeting point
Please meet in front of McDonald's. Our guide will be holding a sign. Please be sure to arrive early. Our guide cannot make the other guest wait for late comers.
Return details
Please meet in front of McDonald's. Our guide will be holding a sign. Please be sure to arrive early. Our guide cannot make the other guest wait for late comers.

  • Pontocho District
    Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most enchanting districts, known for its narrow, lantern-lit alleyways lined with traditional wooden buildings. Situated along the Kamo River, it offers an intimate glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Famous for its teahouses, upscale dining, and connections to geisha culture, Pontocho is a vibrant blend of history, artistry, and timeless elegance.
  • Kamogawa River
    Izumo no Okuni was a legendary 17th-century performer and the founder of kabuki theater. She is thought to have begun performing her new art style of kabuki on the dry riverbed of Kamo River. Originally a shrine maiden from Izumo, she gained fame in Kyoto for her bold and innovative dances, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Her performances often featured dramatic storytelling and humor, captivating audiences and shaping Japanese theater. Okuni’s legacy lives on as a cultural icon of artistic innovation.
  • Founded in 1610, Minamiza was one of the first officially-licensed Kabuki theatres in Japan. The current theatre was built in 1929. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater art known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic storytelling, and stylized performances. Originating in the 17th century, it blends dance and drama, captivating audiences with its vibrant energy and cultural richness. In 2005, kabuki theatre was proclaimed by UNESCO as an intangible heritage possessing outstanding universal value. In 2008, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (pass by)
  • Gion Shirakawa
    Gion Shirakawa is a picturesque area in Kyoto, featuring a serene canal lined with weeping willows, stone-paved streets, and traditional machiya townhouses. These machiya often house exclusive tea houses where geisha and maiko entertain clients through refined performances of music, dance, and conversation. The district’s timeless charm and connection to Kyoto’s geisha culture make it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic glimpse into Japan’s heritage.
  • Hanamikoji Street
    Hanamikoji Street is the heart of Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district. This historic street is lined with beautifully preserved machiya townhouses that host exclusive teahouses where geisha and maiko perform traditional arts for private guests. Visitors may catch a glimpse of elegantly dressed geisha or maiko hurrying between appointments, adding to the district’s allure. With its stone-paved paths, lantern-lit ambiance, and deep cultural roots, Hanamikoji offers an unforgettable journey into Japan’s refined traditions.
  • Yasaka Shrine
    Yasaka Shrine, founded over 1,350 years ago, is a historic Shinto shrine in Gion, known for its festivals, including the famous Gion Matsuri. Known as the “Gion Shrine,” it plays a central role in the district’s culture and traditions. Geisha often visit to pray for success in their art and well-being.

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a walking tour.
  • Wheel chair not accessible
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Kyoto Gion Walking Tour Discovering the Secret World of Geisha

    Location Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kansai, Japan
    $31.26
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
    Delivery options
    eVoucher
    • Free
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    • Environmentally friendly
    Physical Gift Box
    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
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