Gion District Tour: An Insightful Journey into the Geisha Culture in Historic Kyoto
5.0
289 Ratings
Kyoto
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: 1 day learn more
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 impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.
  • Gion Shirakawa - The largest Geisha district called “Gion”. Gion Shirakawa is the most beautiful part of Gion, old fashioned streets, buildings and traditional theaters on the beautiful riverside. Let’s learn what the mysterious female entertainer “Geisha” is.
  • Tatsumi-jinja Shrine (Tatsumi Dai-myojin) - At this Shinto shrine let’s learn what Japanese native religion “Shinto” is. It is said in Japan there are 8 million gods.
  • Hanamikoji Street - The main street of Gion. If you are lucky you would be able to see geisha walking around.
  • Kennin-ji Temple - Zen Buddhist temple was built in 1202. Let’s talk about what Zen Buddhism is.
  • Kyoto Ebisu Shrine - Mr. Ebisu, the god of wealth in Shinto resides in the shrine that was built in 1202 and has been worshipped by local business owners.
What's Included
  • 1.5-hour guided tour in Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district
  • 45-minute live Geisha performance featuring a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha
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 holistic understanding of historic Kyoto. Although the cryptic world of Geisha might appear inaccessible and difficult to penetrate,

In the primary segment, we’ll stroll through Gion and delve into discussing the enduring traditions, their way of life and ancestry. The latter segment will entail an encounter with a trainee geisha, known as a Maiko. Initially, we will converse with her and inquiry her. Moreover, we’ll observe her dance, whilst also sharing a cup of tea, lunch, or dinner.

*Photography and filming of the Geisha is permissible, but public posting of the same is prohibited.

  • Not recommended for travelers with leg problems.
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
(289 Ratings)
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Cynthia_c
Jun 11, 2024
Really appreciate Ken... - Really appreciate Ken taking us around the Geisha district Gion, learned a lot about the Geisha history and culture. The food was great, and the chance to meet up with a Maiko and see the dance performance was unbeatable. The conversation with the Maiko enabled us to learn and admire the dedication and efforts each girl put in to perfect the arts to become a Geisha.
Review provided by Viator
Heathers
Jun 6, 2024
Very Unique Experience - What a wonderful once in a lifetime experience. Everything was perfect and we learned so much. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Dgray1989
Jun 5, 2024
AMAZING TOUR! - Amazing tour and guide! So happy we were able to have access to the various Geisha Districts and spend time with a lovely young artist. The information and insight gained were amazing. Definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dominique_g
Jun 4, 2024
Amazing tour! - First off, thank you for the opportunity. This was. Truly an amazing experience and learned a lot from the guide. The dinner was great and the conversation was even better. Definitely recommend this tour,
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_s
Jun 3, 2024
Excellent and informative tour of Gion - Ken was a great and knowledgeable guide. He taught us about Geisha culture and it was very special to meet and chat with a Maiko over a delicious lunch.
Review provided by Viator
Ricky39
May 29, 2024
Gion is a must - Gion was very special. It is one part of Kyoto that has been so well preserved. You need a guide to explain the significance of the signs and buildings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elliott_s
May 24, 2024
AMAZING EXPERIENCE - This tour was amazing! We got to speak with a Maiko and have delicious lunch. The streets of Gion were very beautiful. Ken had a wealth of knowledge and his passion for Gion was out of the world! I would reccommend this tour to EVERYONE in kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Sophia_j
May 22, 2024
Amazing Cultural Experience - I can’t stress this enough but this was one the best and most memorable experiences we have been on! Our guide Ken was excellent, engaging and so incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area and Geisha culture. Our Maiko was extremely gracious and beautiful, it was lovely to be able to interact with her and get an insight into her daily life. Would absolutely recommend this tour, you will definitely not be disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
Shannon_b
May 15, 2024
Brilliant, beautiful and amazing - What an amazing tour, the guide has so much knowledge on the Geishas and history of the area. We booked this tour from the excellent reviews this tour had and even then it was so much better than we had hoped. We highly recommend this tour, you will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
Henri_t
May 27, 2024
Lot of great infromation... - Lot of great infromation about Gion area, really good lunch, and it was super nice see and ask lot questions to mai-ko
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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