Kyoto Gion Tour: Discover Geisha Traditions

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 - Discover the origins of Kabuki and its feminine roots. While today’s Kabuki is exclusively performed by men, it originally began with women.
  • Minamiza: The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto - Explore the architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and learn about the fascinating collaboration between VR and Kabuki.
  • **Gion…
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
We, your guide will be waiting aboveground at Exit 4 of Gion-Shijo Station, right in front of the Izumo-no-Okuni statue, next to Shijo Bridge. You will recognize us by a signboard with an origami crane logo and the text “Ken’s Tours Kyoto.”
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(464 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Donna_c
Oct 28, 2025
Very enlightening! - Ken did an amazing job of explaining the connection between Geisha and Kabuki culture. He took us through several different Geisha school areas and explained the Geisha life and culture. He arranged for us to visit with an apprentice Geisha (Maiko) and ask her questions. She also performed 2 dances for us which were so beautiful. We definitely came away from the tour with a much deeper understanding of the Geisha culture and how it differs from the fictional culture we have been led to believe. This tour is definitely worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie_g
Oct 24, 2025
Great night out - Akari was great and had so much knowledge. Food was excellent and the meiko was amazing. You won't be disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
Shanghua
Oct 24, 2025
I recommend!!! - Excellent experience in the ancient capital of Japan. Akari is an adorable guide, very professional and helpful, I recommend 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephaniegy4669oy
Oct 24, 2025
Fantastic tour with great guide - Akari was great and had so much knowledge. Food was excellent and the meiko was amazing. Won't be disappointed booking this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moneymikekutch
Oct 23, 2025
Amazing Gion tour and Geisha personal experience - Amazing tour! Surpassed my expectations. It was amazing speaking with the Maiko and getting to know her, as well as seeing the beautiful dances. Kenta was a great host/guide, and provided some amazing information. Definitely recommend this tour to anyone planning to come to Kyoto. More intimate than large group tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tootie0129
Oct 23, 2025
Soo worth it! - I booked a tour with Ken last April and it was absolutely amazing. We learned so much and lunch with the Maiko was so enjoyable. Highly recommend, totally worth the time and money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless51095674812
Oct 23, 2025
Unique Kyoto experience - Thanks to our guide Akari for heaps of knowledge, fun and unique experience. We enjoyed the tour. If you're in Kyoto, don't miss it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D7586wfursulap
Oct 22, 2025
The very enjoyable Geisha tour and dinner - We made a tour with Akari and enjoyed her interesting inputs and explanations very much. She gave valuable information about the city of Kyōto, especially the neighbourhood we walked through and had very good background information concerning the Geico and Maico life. She was always fun to listen to and motivated everyone. The Maico performance was very entertaining and she answered everything we asked about, the reason why she lives this life and her motivation. We really enjoyed the evening and can only recommend the tour with Akari to everybody.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps330349
Oct 21, 2025
. - An exciting tour where you really learn a lot of background information about this part of Japanese culture. Possibility to drink tea with a Maiko, ask questions about her life, take photos with her incl. a small taste of 2 dances, Akari is a great and hearty Guidin. With a lot of knowledge and very authentic. Recommend this tour without hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dine_mandarine
Oct 21, 2025
Appreciative tour of the Geisha neighborhoods with performance - We participated in the event “Discover the Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show”. First, there was a 90-minute guided tour of the geisha neighborhoods of Gion and Higashiyama. Then we went to the restaurant. There, a Maiko (budding geisha) was added. In an open question and answer session we learned a lot about her life. Afterwards there was a performance of two songs and we were able to take photos with the Maiko. Our guide Akari has everything beautifully moderated and explained in detail. I am very grateful that individual wishes and also regarding the food (vegetarian food was no problem!) were taken into account. All in all a very enriching experience and a very appreciative way to get to know the culture and art of the geishas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $120
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).