Gion by Night: Discover Traditional Kyoto with Expert Guide

Experience the magic of Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district, with an expert guide. Learn about the culture of Maiko-san and Geiko-san, explore the backstreets, and choose between a real or virtual tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gion - Participate in one of Japan’s most popular walking tours, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, attracting around 5000 visitors annually. This 2-hour tour begins with an exploration of the hidden streets in the Geisha district. Stroll along the classic cobblestone paths beside the Shirakawa River, a setting featured in the novel and…
What's Included
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
Additional Information

One of the most popular walking tours in Japan. As the pioneer of such walking tours, it has long been loved by people since 2007, and more than 100,000 guests have joined since then. Gion is Kyoto’s most traditional district where the culture of Kagai, the world of Maiko-san and Geiko-san is still alive. Though many tourists come to Gion, it can be…

Location
井筒八ッ橋本舗北座祇園本店
Reception starts at 5:30PM. Text the key word "gion omoide museum" in Google Map. It is small museum, and not familiar among people. If you ask locals about its location, please ask "Izutsu Yatsuhashi Gion Honten" the traditional pastry shop. The museum is located in the same building.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.4
(417 Ratings)
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Mausumi_g
May 3, 2025
Great cultural tour! - Excellent tour. Got to know a lot about the history and culture of Geisha and Gion area. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Marie_l
Apr 14, 2025
Highly recommend - Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She made the tour entertaining and exciting. She also knew most of the geiko san and maiko sans we came across. We all learnt a lot
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_m
Apr 14, 2025
Excellent walking tour in Kyoto - Cheko was the guide and she was great. We learned so much that we had no idea about and even saw a couple Makio walking to their first evening parties. One thing to note is that in the terms/conditions there is conflicting information. It both says this is a walking group of less than 15 and it says no more than 20 however our group was larger than 20 which I thought would deter from the experience. However, we stood close to the guide and were able to hear fine. Just something to take note of that this is a large group walking tour.
Review provided by Viator
V5656xcjoep
Apr 12, 2025
Great tour - highly recommend - Great tour - Patrick really explained the history and significance of the area in an entertaining and engaging way. Lovely to see everything at dusk when it was less busy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicola
Apr 8, 2025
Great tour! - Great tour with Vincent. Learnt a lot about the area which was worth visiting at dusk when it was far less busy. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angelawdyer
Apr 5, 2025
Well worth it.. learnt a lot - Our guide Mia was fantastic.. she was passionate, professional and gave us a few laughs through the again district. Her knowledge about Kyoto .. its history and geishas and Maikos was amazing and we really enjoyed the two hours on this night tour through the back streets. So fortunate we spotted some geishas too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_b
Apr 2, 2025
Geisha girls - After meeting up we followed the tour guide throughout the different geisha districts. Our guide made many stops along the way and pointed out history.
Review provided by Viator
Liamhd3160ib
Mar 29, 2025
Highly recommend - Our guide Mia was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! We learnt a lot and the views at night were amazing. Would recommend to anyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gerard_g
Feb 28, 2025
Cheko was a great tour... - Cheko was a great tour guide! Good value, good tour. Would definitely recommend this tour for anyone going go kyoto
Review provided by Viator
Camillebt9031cy
Apr 18, 2025
Good experience to understand Geisha life - The tour is very interesting and the guide gave many explanations and anecdotes about the geikos and maikos of the Gion neighborhood. We are very happy. Small scams: the crowds were dense almost everywhere on our route, and the fact that the guide did not speak very loud when we were many (more than 20 people). With an audiophone, it would have been ideal 😁
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $21
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).