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 5PM. Text the key word "gion omoide museum" in Google Map. It is a 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 in the same building.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(425 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jessica_b
Oct 1, 2025
Great tour with excellent... - Great tour with excellent tour guide Mia Gave such great insight into the culture Must do on your trip to Kyoto
Review provided by Viator
Edipreta
Sep 14, 2025
Fabulous. - Our tour with Shin was fabulous. Conversational English was perfection. Interesting stops at sites. Totally worth going with this group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_h
Aug 15, 2025
A perfect evening! - A wonderful experience not to be missed! Our guide, Mai, was incredibly knowledgeable about Geiko and Meiko culture and the area. She shared many wonderful stories and we were even lucky enough to spot both a Geiko and Maiko in all their beautiful refinery. A perfect first night in Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Margie
Jul 1, 2025
Best tour in Gion with Mia - Our tour guide Mia was so knowledgeable, and her enthusiasm for Japan, Gion, Geikosan, and Meikosan was contagious. Highly recommend! Educational, and enjoyable. We were lucky enough to see several Geisha and Meiko on our tour. Gion is such a beautiful place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wasifzaman
Jun 21, 2025
Geiko and Maiko life and exclusivity of Gesiha is what Gion is all about. Simply magical - Our guide was the most experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to Gion and Geiko Maiko and their life and history which is amazing. Mia was very sweet and seemed to know what she is talking about. I was so mesmerized by her stories I signed up for a private dinner with Maiko San the very next day.
Review provided by Viator
Claire_f
Jun 11, 2025
Book this tour! - Totally worth it! Interesting, factual and fascinating. Our guide was amazing and we discovered parts of Kyoto we never would have found by ourselves.
Review provided by Viator
Peyton_r
Jun 2, 2025
This was one of the best... - This was one of the best tour guides I have experienced. She was knowledgeable and funny! Loved learning about the Gion district!
Review provided by Viator
Luis_s
May 30, 2025
Gion experience - Joyful knowledge and entertaining. The lady know the history and background of Geiko-San. Very pleasant tour.
Review provided by Viator
Karengw1032hh
May 16, 2025
Wonderful experience! - The tour was so informative! We learnt so much about the history and about Geishas. Mie the tour guide was wonderful! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharonmatt
Sep 25, 2025
Great location, mediocre guide - While Gion was gorgeous, I’d choose a different tour. The guide was young and inexperienced. She gave incorrect information regarding geishas and was unaware of some traditions (for example, she thought shrine employees taped over a wish plaque because “it was something bad” but we learned at another shrine that some people believe keeping your wish hidden made it more likely to come true).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $20
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).