Geisha Streets & Real Kyoto Magical Night

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: 1 day learn more
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 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
What's Not Included
  • 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 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.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Lynda_z
Aug 30, 2024
Fantastic Kyoto by night tour. - We had an amazing experience with Richard on his Geisha Streets and Night Tour of Kyoto! From the moment we met him, it was clear that Richard is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Kyoto. He took us through the enchanting streets of the Gion district, where he shared fascinating stories about the geisha tradition, their lives, and the history of the area. Richard's insights brought the history to life, making the tour not just a walk through the streets but a deep dive into Kyoto's cultural heritage. The night tour aspect added an extra layer of magic. Richard knew all the best spots for viewing Kyoto at night, and his storytelling made the city feel alive with history and mystery. He was also very considerate and ensured the tour was engaging for everyone, including our three children. If you're looking for a knowledgeable guide who can offer a captivating look into Kyoto's geisha culture and nightlife, Richard is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Pete_s
Aug 18, 2024
Fantastic way to see beautiful Kyoto - A great tour, even with young kids. Kyoto is a magical place especially in the evening, and we saw a load of amazing things hugely enriched by having Richard as our guide to take us around. Highly recommend, thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Celia_r
Aug 18, 2024
Gion and Yasaka in kyoto - The most memorable was the guide Richard from Trip Tomo, absolutly great how well done he explains everything, each detail of the city 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Review provided by Viator
Peteracer26
Aug 17, 2024
A great tour for all the family - We had a fantastic tour with Richard through the beautiful evening streets of Kyoto, with my girlfriend and my two young children who all had a great time. It's a fascinating place and we were lucky that the Obon festival was on as we toured so we got to see some things we otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_g
Aug 4, 2024
Must do tour in Kyoto! - This experience is truly magical. Richard, the owner of the business and our guide, has curated a wonderful experience. We strolled the streets of Kyoto at dusk learning about Geisha, temples, shrines, Japanese culture and more. The sights were magical in the evening with the reflection of lights. He also treated us to a cool dessert on a hot summer night. He is the best guide! Absolutely recommend this experience!
Review provided by Viator
Luis_g
Aug 3, 2024
Do recommend, loved it. - I rarely take tours, even more unlikely private ones... that being said, i was very happy with Richard's private tour. He is very knowledgeable and the whole thing felt like a casual stroll through Gion and the surroundings. No rushing around... i felt like i had the time to take in all the beauty of the place and information Richard provided (which was substantial). In the end, I do recommend this tour to anyone who wants something better. I did this as a gift to my special other, i was very pleased to see a smile in her face throughout and after. I also want to add that Richard as a guide is very kind and responsive. Tip: take this tour on your first days in kyoto, it will really help you understand better the city and culture. Plus pointers for restaurants.
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_p
Jul 22, 2024
Excellent, knowledgeable guide in a beautiful part of town. - Richard is the perfect guide, raised in Japan but also lived in California so native English and Japanese speaker. He is extremely knowledgeable about the culture and gives you insight into why things are done a certain way instead of simply showing you the sights. The tour has those quaint streets you expect to see in Japan, on the outskirts of town. You feel immersed in the Geisha scene, and then you see a shrine and temple, then walk other alleys. It felt like an insider’s guide (I guess it basically is!), and the streets were not crowded like the rest of the city. When I go back to visit Kyoto I will definitely request Richard again, and explore a different part of the city. This is a terrific tour, highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Maria_j
Jul 20, 2024
Fun and very interesting tour - Richard is an excellent tour guide. Besides being a very knowledgeable native English speaker, he makes his tours really fun and interesting. Definitely the best tours we have taken in Japan so far . We also did the Nija Castle and Imperial Palace tour with him and it was amazing .
Review provided by Viator
Lunasprinks
Jul 20, 2024
Excellent, knowledgeable guide in a beautiful part of town - Richard is the perfect guide, raised in Japan but also lived in California so native English and Japanese speaker. He is extremely knowledgeable about the culture and gives you insight into why things are done a certain way instead of simply showing you the sights. The tour has those quaint streets you expect to see in Japan, on the outskirts of town. You feel immersed in the Geisha scene, and then you see a shrine and temple, then walk other alleys. It felt like an insider’s guide (I guess it basically is!), and the streets were not crowded like the rest of the city. When I go back to visit Kyoto I will definitely request Richard again, and explore a different part of the city. This is a terrific tour, highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kirk_b
Jul 14, 2024
Connect the dots between the Shogun era and Geisha culture - We spent a fascinating 3+ hours with Richard as our guide. As a Westerner, my knowledge of the history of feudal era Japan was very limited. This tour will make the connection between the geisha culture in the Gion district of Kyoto and the adjacent area where the shogun and Emperor lived. You will have a new perspective on the streets of Gion and appreciate what most passerby do not notice. At dusk, the hilly streets are magical around Yasaka Pagoda. Richard covered a lot more as well regarding Shinto shrine traditions and traditional architectural styles. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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