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 Kyotoā€™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 .

    40 minutes

  • Hanamikoji Street

    The main street of Gion, where traditional houses are lined up. Let's walk through a cinematic townscape!

    25 minutes

  • 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.

  • Miyagawasuji

    Visit a special private house (venue) and meet Geisha (Maiko and Geiko in Kyoto). Please savor the special experiences unique to this tour, including live performance by Maiko and Geiko, a conversation with them and taking memorable photos with them.

    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

February 06100% refund
February 07No 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 experienceā€™s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experienceā€™s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experienceā€™s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experienceā€™s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If itā€™s canceled due to poor weather, youā€™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

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 experienceļ¼

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.

Personalize Your Destination Experience
Japan

Japan

6781 tours

View
Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion ...
21490P132
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
219
From
$119 /   Person
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,172
From
$76 /   Person
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P55
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
From
$150 /   Person
Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
92136P37
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
451
From
$102 /   Person
Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk ...
108515P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
356
From
$117 /   Person
Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licen ...
92136P49
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
232
From
$633 /   Group
[W/Lunch] Kyoto Highlights Bike Tour wit ...
63670P30
time

4 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
80
From
$93 /   Person
1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide
Likely To Sell Out
22178P23
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
53
From
$150 /   Person
Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka depar ...
92136P56
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
50
From
$198 /   Person
Secret Eastern Kyoto Biking Adventure
123462P1
time

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
44
From
$75 /   Person
Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, ...
Likely To Sell Out
21490P133
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
34
From
$55 /   Person
Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Ni ...
New On TravelOne
478373P5
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
32
From
$120 /   Person
Private car tour Let's uncover secrets o ...
419208P2
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
30
From
$287 /   Person
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour
Skip The Line
28575P18
time

8 hours to 9 hours

time Free Cancellation
6,948
From
$119 /   Person
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
63670P28
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,299
From
$74 /   Person
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
38922P1
time

3 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,277
From
$126 /   Person
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
63670P6
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,260
From
$162 /   Person
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,172
From
$76 /   Person
Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lun ...
90162P2
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,030
From
$102 /   Person
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P55
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
From
$150 /   Person
Kyoto Samurai Experience
44484P1
time

1 hour 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
905
From
$123 /   Person
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
63670P22
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
870
From
$57 /   Person
3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
68250P1
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
698
From
$84 /   Person
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NI ...
Likely To Sell Out
51440P61
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
673
From
$63 /   Person
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Priva ...
Likely To Sell Out
285124P1
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
625
From
$184 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
travelone
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
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 ourĀ privacy policy.