Explore Gion the iconic Geisha district on a Private Custom Tour

Join our Kyoto Geisha Tour and uncover the hidden world of geishas in the enchanting district of Gion. Explore Pontocho alley and Shimbashi street with a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Shijo Dori - Explore the shops along Shijo Avenue

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and tailored experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those mentioned and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.

  • Gion - A renowned area in Kyoto where you can delve into the distinctive Maiko and Geisha culture. The streets are lined with shops, eateries, and tea houses, creating an enchanting ambiance. *Please note: sightings of Geisha are not guaranteed.

Important: As this is a private and tailored experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those mentioned and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.

  • Hanamikoji Street - Wander through Hanami-koji Street and receive recommendations from your host on the best local dining spots.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and tailored experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those mentioned and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.

  • Tatsumi Bridge - Uncover the timeless charm of Tatsumi Bridge in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama-ku, a picturesque location along Hanamikojidori Shimbashi Nishi Iru.
  • Shinbashi Dori - Discover Shimbashi, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful streets.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and tailored experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those mentioned and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.

  • Yasaka Shrine - Immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Kyoto at Yasaka Shrine, a sacred site in Higashiyama-ku that combines rich history with stunning architecture in a tranquil environment.
  • Pontocho District - Explore Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane filled with bars, restaurants, and traditional tea houses.
What's Included
  • 2-3 hours walking tour, exploring highlights and hidden gems
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

The life of a geisha is shrouded in secrecy, but you’ll be offered a rare glimpse into this ‘Floating World’ as you explore Gion with one of our hosts. Visit the famous Pontocho alley; a narrow passageway lined with bars, restaurants, and traditional geisha tea houses. You’ll also explore the scenic street of Shimbashi. Enjoy this ethereal evening with your host, as you travel back in time together (figuratively, of course).

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you’ll be assigned a like-minded host who will personalize the itinerary to your requests and interests.

Location
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
(The host will be waiting in front of the shop, under the roof covered area) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.2
(36 Ratings)
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Mara_d
Jul 8, 2024
Amazing tour, beautiful walks and great time with Ai the tour guide - We had the best of times in this tour. Our tour guide Ai, was really exceptional, she covered all the sites of interest we had, provided us with really interesting information and a really great time, she's adorable! We walked through amazing and beautiful places as well. Ai, was also very flexible and attentive to our needs and interests, she really made the best of this tour knowing what we were interested in and it was great to have her since we met her in a tour the previous day and she already knew a little bit of us. Ask for Ai if you're having this tour, we highly recommend her, we would ask for her everytime if we ever go again!
Review provided by Viator
Pam_b
Jun 2, 2024
Exceptional knowledge - Our tour guide Milo was exceptional. His ability to adopt the tour to our interests was a real winner. At no time did he not include all of us (that being 5) into the tour. His knowledge of Kyoto and its history was awesome. We would highly recommend Milo as your tour guide!!
Review provided by Viator
Eric_t
May 24, 2024
Great tour with Toga! - Excellent and special tour with Toga! He was great, friendly, and super knowledgeable! Highly recommended to any Kyoto visitor!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_b
May 23, 2024
Excellent tour. Kenta was fantastic communicator and help us greatly. Thank you. - All the tour was excellent. And Kenta finished the tour at the Gion Corner Geisha Show as we had bookings.
Review provided by Viator
Stephen_b
Apr 1, 2024
Gion Tour - Great tour through Gion with Takaya-san. We enjoyed hanging out in a tiny coffee shop in the Gion district and chatting with the owner.
Review provided by Viator
Stacy_m
Mar 13, 2024
Excellent tour! - Great tour with Brenda, she was able to really immerse us in the local area. She was informative and interesting. Well worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Bradcj4512nl
Nov 15, 2023
We learned about the history of the area visiting temples, shrines, and geisha area. - Very knowledgeable guide and she planned the tour to our interests. Pair guide spoke very good English and wanted to make sure we were happy. She even sent an email with suggestions for our next day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_b
Dec 31, 2023
Enjoyable - Kenya was knowledgeable and an effective communicator. The only thing that might have made it better was that I would do it during the day instead of at night.
Review provided by Viator
Quest02284419718
Mar 25, 2024
Friendly tour guide and fun area - Our tour guide was extremely friendly and nice. English was good, but was hoping for a bit more of the Geisha knowledge and history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tusya11
Dec 28, 2023
No geisha, no see - Not really a geisha tour at all. In geisha district you spend only about 30-40 minutes. Another hour is temple tour at night. The third hour is more like a shopping experience. Though our guide was very good and she gave us some info about geiko and mayko. We would like to thank her for that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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