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Geisha Streets & Real Kyoto Magical Night
5.0
33 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems on a magical night tour through geisha streets and shrines. Uncover secrets with an expert guide. Book now!
Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems on a magical night tour through geisha streets and shrines. Uncover secrets with an expert guide. Book now!
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto - We will make a stop by the Kabuki theater while guide will explain interesting details of this traditional Japanese entertainment.
- Hanamikoji Street - We will explore the Gion District geisha streets (Hanamikoji) and alleys while the expert guide will explain the geisha arts & traditions in detail. We…
- Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto - We will make a stop by the Kabuki theater while guide will explain interesting details of this traditional Japanese entertainment.
- Hanamikoji Street - We will explore the Gion District geisha streets (Hanamikoji) and alleys while the expert guide will explain the geisha arts & traditions in detail. We will pass by geisha living quarters and working geisha houses where the wealthy are entertained.
- Gion Corner - We will pass by Gion Corner where the Geisha study and train.
- Kennin-ji Temple - We will walk by the oldest Temple in Kyoto while the guide provides insight into Japanese Zen.
- Yasui-Konpiragu - The guide will share the ancient traditions of Shinto while we explore this intimate Japanese shrine.
- Hōkan-ji Temple - Let’s explore one of the most beautiful historic areas of Kyoto at night. Excellent spot for the best photos!
- Ninenzaka - We will walk through this magical alleyway especially beautiful at night
- Nene-no-Michi - Enjoy a refreshing Kyoto snack (included in the tour) while we take a nice break
- Yasaka Shrine - This amazing shrine is one of the top shrines in Japan. The guide will share some of the important features of this fascinating spot.
- Tatsumi Bridge - A picturesque spot which can’t be missed while exploring the Geisha districts.
- Shinbashi Dori - The guide will take you through this lesser known Geisha street
- Pontocho District - We will explore the narrow and lively Pontocho Geisha District. This area has an amazing mixture of Geisha houses, bars, and nightlife.
What's Included
- Expert guide speaking clear, native English
- Walking tour
- Snacks
- Expert guide speaking clear, native English
- Walking tour
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Additional Information
Let’s explore the Gion District geisha streets and take a deep dive into the “real Kyoto” in this magical, night walking tour. The expert guide will share with you all the hidden details of the closed world of geishas and mysterious Shinto shrines.
This is a walking tour going through several geisha districts, shrines, and beautifully preserved historic…
Let’s explore the Gion District geisha streets and take a deep dive into the “real Kyoto” in this magical, night walking tour. The expert guide will share with you all the hidden details of the closed world of geishas and mysterious Shinto shrines.
This is a walking tour going through several geisha districts, shrines, and beautifully preserved historic districts of Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. The tour is about 3hr 30m.
The guide is an expert, speaking very clear & easy to understand, native English. The guide is extremely knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions in detail.
The guide will select a refreshing Kyoto snack during the break. (a small snack, not a full meal…will make every effort to cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan as well)
You will get deep insight into the Japanese way-of thinking, culture, and traditions that can’t be experienced on other tours.
- For strollers, there are some steps and unpaved rocky paths which have to be manoeuvred during the tour
- The 3.5 hour walking tour is not suitable for anyone having walking issues
Location
Disney Store - Kyoto Shijo-Kawaramachi
Guide will meet you in the area in front of the Disney Store. To keep in touch easily, please download WHATSAPP app before you come.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(33 Ratings)
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Yvonne_e
Oct 26, 2024
Fantastic evening tour - Our guide. Richard, was excellent and went out of his way to show us as much of the area as possible. His depth of knowledge and enthusiasm about the area was superb. We were very lucky as we were the only two on the tour so had the chance to see so much of the Gion area. The included snack that Richard had arranged was also very good. He also gave us some suggestions where we could eat later during our stay in Kyoto and also helped us to hail a cab back to our hotel. Outstanding tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Teamshanghai
Oct 22, 2024
Great evening in Kyoto - We had a great time. The streets were beautiful. Richard-san was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. A wonderful night for the whole family!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Omar_f
Oct 19, 2024
Geisha and so much more! - Richard was very proactive in reaching out to us ahead of the tour. The tour was extremely informative, not only about geishas but also about Kyoto, Japan, and its many traditions. He was well-prepared and even had pictures that complemented the tour. He answered many questions for the group. I loved his explanation of Shinto traditions and the demonstration and meaning behind attending a shrine. We were lucky to see geishas on the street. This is a must-do in Kyoto! The timing is perfect as Kyoto's attractions looked magical at night.
Review provided by Viator
304050
Oct 17, 2024
A Kyoto Tourguide second to none - Born and raised in Kyoto, Richard is not only a friendly and likeable person, but is also a man with an excellent command of English due to his American family background. The best prerequisites for a tour with him through Kyoto at night. We experienced the entire tour in the same way as our first impression: he provided us with excellent knowledge about Kyoto of yesterday and today, a broad background knowledge and amusing illustrations. A stopover with a snack surprise (great!), good tips for photo spots and the lucky coincidence of seeing a maiko scurry past us round off the extremely positive picture - it simply doesn't get any better than this. Our absolute recommendation!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allen_k
Oct 14, 2024
Wonderful night - Very informative and the guide was very knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed doing the tour at night. I would have never been able to see so much on my own.
Review provided by Viator
Talitha_b
Oct 6, 2024
Informative Tour, Great Guide - I highly recommend this tour. Richard was knowledgeable, kind, interesting, and knew all the good spots, often avoiding crowded areas and taking you through quieter more interesting spots. We visited part of the main downtown area of Kyoto, the Gion district, famous shrines and buildings, a nice restaurant for a high quality desert, and Ponto-Cho. The real value was Richard’s extensive knowledge of local history, geisha history/training/practices, all of the local artisan work that goes into the geisha traditions, an intro to the Shinto religion, and a side of samurai history. This was so much more valuable than wandering these places on my own without much understanding of the history and significance. For English speakers, he is fluent and easy to understand. I got lucky probably because of the rain, and ended up with a private tour with some extra stops- thank you Richard for an amazing experience! I would recommend this tour if you want to enjoy the evening and understand what you are seeing in these parts of Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Christopherrm1608lw
Oct 2, 2024
Highly recommend if you love the culture and history. - We had a blast. Our tour guide (Richard) was knowledgeable, humorous, and flexible. Lots of history, culture & walking
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_f
Sep 28, 2024
Fantastic experience, great guide - Richard was great. His knowledge and guidance were perfect. We were a bit tired and he was understanding and worked with us throughout the tour. Seeing the sights at night with fewer crowds was magical. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Stuart_m
Sep 24, 2024
Enchanting & Informative - Richard was one of the most caring and helpful people we met in Japan. He anticipated every need and showed us places we never would find on our own. While crowds rushed by, Richard showed us tucked away alleys, secret sections, and told us stories that we’ll remember forever. This is the tour to experience the magical world of the geisha and the serenity respect of the Japanese culture balanced with the modernity of Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_b
Sep 16, 2024
Wonderful Geisha Insights in Historic Kyoto - We had our tour with Richard who is from Japan and speaks perfect English too as he has spent time in the US. Richard is incredibly knowledgeable and his delivery of history and insights during the tour was amazing.
The tour takes you from the modern part of Kyoto across the bridge to the breathtaking historic part of the city.
The journey from Shikomi to Geisha is fascinating and Richard also describes the microeconomy that this beautiful tradition supports. We travelled through a number of Geisha areas and learned of how the tradition is supported by Japanese society. You’ll need to take the tour to know more!
The walking tour takes you through beautiful historic laneways, historic shrines and Pagodas and over beautiful bridges and the pristine river.
The time went so fast as we learnt of the various shoguns and also Japanese culture and the real meaning of Shinto.
Richard is an amazing guide and we highly recommend him and the amazing tour he has put together!
Review provided by Viator
