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
(375 Ratings)
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Olivia
Mar 15, 2025
Brilliant tour - Very friendly, enthusiastic tour guide! We found the tour fascinating and really enjoyed meeting a real life apprentice geisha!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geneva_c
Mar 14, 2025
Lunch with a Maiko in Gion - A fun walk through the Gion district and a quick history into the difference between geico, Maiko and geisha. Good small lunch and lovely visit with an apprentice Geico. Loved her!!
Review provided by Viator
Maryam_h
Mar 12, 2025
Must do in Kyoto - Really enjoyed the tour and learned a little re Kyoto and its art/entertainment history. Lunch was good and the maika was so sweet and nice. She was like soul of old Japan.
Review provided by Viator
Courtney_o
Mar 8, 2025
Once in a lifetime experience - Kenta thank you for my favorite experience in Kyoto. Your love of the history of the Geisha is beautiful. My daughter and I appreciate your hospitality and kindness. The performance was so elegant and the food delicious. The evening will forever hold an intimate place in my heart. We love Kyoto! Cheers!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_k
Mar 8, 2025
Not be missed - I've been going to japan since i was a small child and this was the best experience i've had. this is a not to miss type of activity and Ken was a great tour guide/host/translator. I still tell my friends and family to find this tour & book it!
Review provided by Viator
Sarajane_m
Mar 8, 2025
Amazing Geisha tour - This was a fascinating tour showcasing the history of Kyoto and the Geisha tradition. Kenta was a fabulous guide with a lot of knowledge which he delivered as we were walking the streets of Gion. Being able to meet and chat to an apprentice Geisha was such a rare experience and her dancing was exquisite too. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Experience543186
Mar 7, 2025
A must do experience - The guide was exceptional with her knowledge, presentation and friendliness. The experience was informative, colorful and a joy to be part of.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luise
Mar 4, 2025
Very knowledgeable guide and lovely tour. Will book again!! - As I have been interested in Geiko culture and Kyoto for many years I have been quite picky about choosing this tour. Our tour guide was Akari who apparently did this tour the first time on her own and she did great! 10:30am was also a really good time to start the tour as the streets are still empty and we could actually take lovely photos. Akari took us to places we would have usually probably not come across, gave Tipps for other places to visit after the tour and was very knowledgeable about Geisha and Gion culture. For lunch we got to choose from mixed Tempura, Sashimi or tori Karaage which tasted great and after that we got to see Maiko Fumiyui-san dance, ask her questions and take pictures with her. The atmosphere of the restaurant was amazing though, beware! You have to sit down/kneel on the floor during the restaurant visit but it gives the whole thing a completely different feeling and I highly recommend it if you can do so. I'm already planning on booking with this agency again next time I visit Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natesometimestravel
Feb 24, 2025
A fascinating Geisha experience - This is one of the most fascinating tours I’ve done. Our tour guide Kenta was so knowledgeable about the Geisha, Geiko and Maiko history and how they live today. Getting to have a question and answer session with a Maiko then watch a performance was mesmerising.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathy_x
Feb 17, 2025
Incredible small group Maiko meeting & informative walking tour! - The best tour I've been on in Kyoto! Ken is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain the history and culture of Gion. We get to visit iconic streets and temples and shrines, and visit multiple Gion neighborhoods. Lunch was delicious and filling, but the best part is meeting the Maiko Fukumitsu who performed two dances and spent time answering our questions. We never felt rushed and were encouraged to interact with her. We were allowed to take photos and videos with Fukumitsu but were asked not to post any that show her face to protect her privacy. The group size was small enough that it didn't feel crowded and we all got to clearly see and talk with Fukumitsu. I cannot recommend Ken's tours enough!
Review provided by Viator
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