Kyoto

Explore Gion, the iconic Geisha district; Private Walking Tour

Kyoto, Japan
EXPLORE GION KYOTOS HISTORIC GEISHA DISTRICT

From $88.08

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 2 to 3 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

For outsiders, Japanese culture can be difficult to grasp but this guided tour offers the chance to get a locals' eye view of one of the most traditional of Japanese settings. Accompanied by a guide, stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto's Gion district, famed for its scenic cobbled streets lit by paper lanterns, traditional architecture, and association with geiko and maiko culture. Visit Pontocho alley, one of Japan's oldest nightlife areas, and stroll by teahouses as your guide offers insights into local culture.
  • Private tour ensures your guide's undivided attention
  • Get insights into local culture and history from your guide
  • Stroll through one of Japan's most traditional neighborhoods
  • Learn about the historic entertainment district of Gion as you walk past traditional teahouses

What's Included

  • Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local
  • 2-3 hours walking tour, exploring highlights and hidden gems
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
    103-2 Hashimotochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8011, Japan

    (The host will be waiting in front of the shop, under the roof covered area) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Shijo Dori (Pass By)

Gion (Pass By)

Hanamikoji Street (Pass By)

Tatsumi Bridge (Pass By)

Shinbashi Dori (Pass By)

Yasaka Shrine (Pass By)

Pontocho District (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

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.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.0
32 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 32 reviews
Gion Tour
Stephen_B, Apr 2024
Great tour through Gion with Takaya-san. We enjoyed hanging out in a tiny coffee shop in the Gion district and chatting with the owner.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Your positive review is incredibly valuable to us and Takaya. Thank you sincerely!
Excellent tour!
Stacy_M, Mar 2024
Great tour with Brenda, she was able to really immerse us in the local area. She was informative and interesting. Well worth it!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Your positive review is incredibly valuable to us and Brenda. Thank you sincerely!
Enjoyable
Michael_B, Dec 2023
Kenya was knowledgeable and an effective communicator. The only thing that might have made it better was that I would do it during the day instead of at night.
Nice intro to Gion
Ann_P, Oct 2023
Brenda was awesome. We arrived late and she changed her schedule and made dinner reservation for us. She is very knowledgeable and fun to be with. Thank you Brenda!
Not value for money unfortunately
Gavin_B, Oct 2023
Taichi was a very nice person, however he was not a qualified, knowledgeable guide and thus unfortunately did not take us anywhere or provide us with any info we could not source for ourselves. We booked the tour on the basis we would possibly see and learn about the Geisha - this was not addressed at all on the walk. Other than having a general three hour chat with a nice person we got nothing of substance out of the experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Gavin, I'm glad to hear that you found Taichi to be a pleasant company. However, I must apologize that the tour did not meet your expectations in terms of the knowledge and insights provided. Your feedback about wanting to learn more about the Geisha and other specifics is essential for us and will use your input to enhance our future tours. We have already reached out to you directly to discuss your experience further and find a way to make amends. Our team hopes to have another opportunity to show you the depth and quality of experiences we aim to provide. Warm regards, Ruslan and the City Unscripted Team
Secrets of Gion
Rashed_A, Oct 2023
Highly recommended tour with a local guide.. We had fun walking through gion .. we see some temples and zen garden also which was interesting.. The guide (KOKORO) was the best ..
Embraced the culture
NGAIRE_T, Oct 2023
Got to see Geisha district and a few Geisha walking past Beautiful temple and shrines inside and out Brenda our tour guide was so lovely and knowledgeable!
Lovely and exciting tour
Claudia_L, Sep 2023
Tess was knowledgeable, engaging and professional. She slso met me at my hotel which I really appreciated.
Morning in Kyoto Gion Ward
Michael_T, Aug 2023
Our guide Michael was incredibly knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot about Old Gion, New Gion, and Japanese culture in general. And the sites of shrines, temples, shops, restaurants and gardens were both beautiful and interesting. Thanks again Michael for a great time!
It's a tour worth taking
Chamath_K, Apr 2023
This tour was absolutely worth it, primarily because of the quality of the guide. He personalized the tour at very short notice and spent a lot of time with us explaining the location and the activities surrounding the location. He even showed us the nice restaurants in the area to eat.
No show guide
Chun_L, Apr 2023
My failt and i Waited in the lobby for an hour. Guide did nit show up. Called, texted and remembered booked another similar tour for 90 minutes later and that guide also again was no show. Luckily the VIP tour the following day was fantastic
Amazing tour of Kyoto from a knowledgeable English speaking guide
Shreyas_G, Mar 2023
Ada was the best guide. She was very prepared, explained things very nicely and thoroughly, she spoke perfect English, and customized the tour based on our interests. Highly recommend and had a great experience!
Big disappointment
Kim_D, Mar 2023
Tour guide never showed up. Nor did they email or text that they weren't coming. Wasted my valuable vacation time.
Maiko sighting!
Kristen_A, Dec 2022
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English well. The parts of Japanese culture he explained to us were specific. And we saw a maiko!!!

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