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
(414 Ratings)
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60amag
May 27, 2025
Highly recommend if you want to experience real authentic Japanese Geiko culture - This was one of the most insightful and welcoming experiences I have ever had. Thank you Ken for your knowledge and for the positive welcoming atmosphere you created. Thank you also to the wonderful Maiko performer for her poised and professional performance
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahcy5232ty
May 24, 2025
Recommended Tour - The walking tour was great! Our guide Akari was kind and incredibly knowledgeable. The meiko experience was also incredible, and she graciously answered our group's questions. Highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francisco_c
May 23, 2025
Amaizing Tour with Ken! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Our tour guide, Ken, was fantastic! He was kind, patient, and explained everything clearly. He answered all our questions and made the experience really enjoyable. It was a great tour, and Ken made it even better. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Juval_s
May 20, 2025
Great experience - Lovely tour dinner and a Geisha experience in the Gion district. Ken was an amazing tour guide. We learned so much and we will definitely recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Mikevets
May 20, 2025
The must do essence of Kyoto and Gion - Wow wow wow this is a must do experience for visitors to Kyoto. You not only discover Gion at night, but you are educated and informed about history, the present and future for the Geiko and Maiko communities in Kyoto. Ken was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this Japanese culture. The dinner was one of the best we had in Japan and our truly beautiful Maiko was simply stunning. What an opportunity Ken provided to us, interacting and asking questions and seeking a better understanding and respect for this professional artist and her community. We will never forget this experience and it truly left us with an appreciation of the Japanese culture. Thank you Ken for sharing your passion and that of your friends and artists in the Gion district.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timothy_o
May 19, 2025
Definitely recommend! - Very informative and fun. Walking pace was comfortable and we got to see a lot. Our tour guide Akari was very knowledgeable and answered many questions. Geisha performance was beautiful and felt like we had special access.
Review provided by Viator
Asami_p
May 14, 2025
Geiko culture and history - We spent the first hour and a half on a walking tour. Saw lots of cool scenery and learned a lot about geiko history, culture and lifestyle. Then we arrived at the restaurant where we were served delicious food! Then a maiko came into our room and answered all our questions regarding her lifestyle. Afterwards we watched her perform two songs so beautifully and skillfully. Ken was very knowledgeable and passionate about geiko and Japanese culture. It was such a fun tour, I recommend this tour for everyone!
Review provided by Viator
Dreamer13958886027
May 14, 2025
A night with classical traditional culture - The guide is so friendly, he told us about the culture and truth traditions of geisha. We experienced a lovely night
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larisa_d
May 13, 2025
A delightful experience. Highly recommend. - A great mixture of Japanese history, culture, and geisha industry. Ken was very passionate about the mission, professional and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_m
May 6, 2025
Loved this tour !!! - It was sooooo amazing. We loved the tour guide and especially the maiko who said she wanted some Crumble Cookies from California! We can ship them back to you! It was so fun! What an experience !!!
Review provided by Viator
From $119
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).