Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk

Embark on a captivating tour of Kyoto’s Gion district and delve into the enchanting world of geisha culture. Discover the living traditions, history, and lifestyle of geishas, and even meet an apprentice geisha for an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni - Let’s learn what Kabuki is and the feminine beginning of the theater. You maybe know the current Kabuki is performed just by men but you wouldn’t know the beginning was just by women.
  • Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto - Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the…
What's Included
  • 1.5-2 hours guiding in Gion, the geisha district
  • 45-min Geisha meeting and show (An apprentice geisha dance with one or two songs)
What's Not Included
  • Tip for Maiko, an apprentice geisha
Additional Information

Embark on a journey through Kyoto’s renowned Gion district and gain knowledge about the enigmatic geisha traditions prevalent in the region. Your local guide will impart insights about these traditions from a unique insider viewpoint on Geisha culture. Concurrently, you’ll traverse the picturesque lanes, temples, shrines, and shops of Gion, providing a…

Location
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
I'll be at the Exit 4 of Gion Shijo station aboveground right in front of Izumo-no-Okuni statue and right next to Shijo bridge. You will find me with a signboard "WALKING TOUR".
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(431 Ratings)
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Mtapiago
Aug 10, 2025
Inspiring experience - Kento was a wonderful guide, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese traditions and culture. The experience was very instructive and inspiring. 100% a must do to learn about this ancient y tradition
Review provided by Viator
Gribernal
Aug 9, 2025
Unforgettable Geisha & Maiko Experience - It was fantastic! We learned so many fascinating facts about geishas (geiko) and maiko. We even got to chat with a maiko, watch a performance, and enjoy a delicious meal. Our tour guide, Ken, was incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful—he even brought us water and menthol towels to help us cool off. Overall, an amazing tour and a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Viator
178divinem
Jul 31, 2025
Perfect way to learn and have chance to interact with a geisha. - We all had a great time and Gion cultural walk and the time spent at dinner with the maiko (apprentice geisha) was magical. Our guide was charming, fun, obviously knowledgeable and enthusiastic for the topic. She facilitated the interactions with the maiko and it was apparent she helped the maiko be at ease and relaxed and made the whole evening fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valentins_z
Jul 18, 2025
Great maiko show - Learn on a go about geiko’s and maiko’s, and their shows. Very cool and unique experience with a maiko.
Review provided by Viator
David_l
Jul 18, 2025
Highly recommend tour - Very friendly and informative tour guide Akari explained the geisha/geiko culture in perfect detail and its significance to Kyoto and the rest of Japan. The lunch with we had with the geisha (more accurately, maiko) was entertaining and enlightening, while the food was outstanding.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_d
Jul 17, 2025
Our guide Akari was such... - Our guide Akari was such a wonderful guide! She answered all of our questions and had such a great level of enthusiasm and passion for Kyoto. Even during the meal she helped serve us/get the waiters, she translated everything the Geisha said, she was fantastic! Our family had a wonderful time on this walking tour and we learned so much about the Geisha culture and history.
Review provided by Viator
Juanjose_i
Jul 5, 2025
The experience was... - The experience was wonderful! Truly an amazing experience, specially thanks to Ken, he was the best guide one can expect. So kind and helpful, and he knew so much about the culture and Kyoto. I would definitely repeat.
Review provided by Viator
Mia_t
Jun 29, 2025
Truly memorable cultural experience - This was a really interesting and unforgettable experience. I totally recommend it. Having the opportunity to actually sit and speak with a Maiko (apprentice geisha) was a once in a lifetime cultural opportunity. I'm so very glad I booked this experience. It is something my son and I will never, ever forget. The only downside I would say or feedback I would give, is that it's a shame we were not allowed to share pictures from our experience on social media so that we can spread the word more widely, to more people, about this incredibly special opportunity.
Review provided by Viator
Tina_t
Jun 14, 2025
beautiful - our guide Kenta was so knowledgeable and informative. The tour was so interesting in the beautiful Gion district. The show was so nice and enlightening.
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_l
Jun 14, 2025
Great Tour! - Kenta is most knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese tradition and culture. We had a great time. Would recommend this tour to others.
Review provided by Viator
From $124
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).