Recently Viewed
Gion Walking Tour: Explore Historic Alleys
5.0
13 Ratings
Kyoto
Join us for an incredible stroll through Gion’s historic alleys, where Kyoto’s rich history and lively culture come alive. Discover the timeless allure of this iconic district. Gion TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS!
Join us for an incredible stroll through Gion’s historic alleys, where Kyoto’s rich history and lively culture come alive. Discover the timeless allure of this iconic district. Gion TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS!
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gion - The Gion District in Kyoto is celebrated for its traditional wooden architecture, teahouses, and as the city’s geisha district. Its historic streets, often illuminated by lanterns at night, provide a glimpse into ancient Japan and are popular for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
- Hanamikoji Street - Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto…
- Gion - The Gion District in Kyoto is celebrated for its traditional wooden architecture, teahouses, and as the city’s geisha district. Its historic streets, often illuminated by lanterns at night, provide a glimpse into ancient Japan and are popular for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
- Hanamikoji Street - Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto is a captivating destination known for its traditional charm and cultural importance. This historic street is lined with quaint tea houses, traditional machiya, and artisanal shops, creating a picturesque atmosphere that transports visitors to old Japan. A highlight is the geisha district, where sightings of geiko and maiko enhance the street’s allure. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone path, admiring the well-preserved architecture and immersing themselves in traditional Japanese cuisine and crafts. Hanamikoji Street offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, inviting travelers to enjoy Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage with every step.
- Kennin-ji Temple Garden - Kenninji Temple, situated in the Gion district of Kyoto, is one of Japan’s oldest Zen temples, established in 1202 by the monk Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism to the country. The temple is famous for its tranquil rock gardens, stunning fusuma (sliding door) paintings, and the renowned twin dragon ceiling artwork. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere while exploring its historic halls and beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Hōkan-ji Temple - The Hokanji Temple, also known as the Yasaka Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. This five-story pagoda, standing approximately 46 meters tall, is a prominent landmark and symbol of Kyoto. Dating back to the 6th century, it is one of the city’s oldest structures, although the current pagoda was rebuilt in the 15th century after a fire. Its architecture is notable for its elegant wooden design and towering, graceful form, visible from various points in the city. The temple and pagoda are especially popular during cherry blossom season and are associated with Japanese cultural heritage and Buddhism.
- Kiyomizu-dera - Kiyomizudera, officially known as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, founded in 778. Perched on the hillside of Higashiyama, it offers stunning views of the city, especially from its famous wooden stage, which extends from the main hall. The temple is named after the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to have wish-granting powers. Kiyomizudera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is particularly popular during cherry blossom season and autumn when the surrounding trees burst into vibrant colors.
- Ninenzaka - Ninenzaka is a charming, historical street in Kyoto, Japan, known for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden buildings, quaint shops, and teahouses. Located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this pedestrian-only path offers visitors a glimpse into Kyoto’s past with its stone-paved steps and atmospheric ambiance. Strolling through Ninenzaka, visitors will find a delightful array of souvenirs, local crafts, and traditional sweets, making it a perfect spot to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Yasaka Shrine - Yasaka Jinja, also known as Yasaka Shrine, is a renowned Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan. Located at the end of Shijo Street in the Gion District, it’s famous for its vibrant festivals, particularly the Gion Matsuri in July. The shrine, with its iconic vermilion gates and lanterns, is a symbol of Kyoto and a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It’s steeped in history, originally founded over 1350 years ago, and plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the city.

What's Included
- Kiyumizudera
- Geisha might be seen, though they’re quite rare.
- Japanese Present
- Kenninji Temple
- Yasaka Shrine - Yasaka Pagoda
- Gion District - Hanamikoji
- Kiyumizudera
- Geisha might be seen, though they’re quite rare.
- Japanese Present
- Kenninji Temple
- Yasaka Shrine - Yasaka Pagoda
- Gion District - Hanamikoji
What's Not Included
- Tips for the guide (WELCOMED)
- Pick up service (not available)
- Dinner
- Tips for the guide (WELCOMED)
- Pick up service (not available)
- Dinner
Additional Information
- Geisha might be seen, though they’re quite rare.
- GERMAN AND ITALIAN AVAILABLE: While some of our guides speak languages beyond English and Japanese, we can only guarantee English for shared tours. To confirm the availability of German, Italian, or another language on your preferred tour date, please contact us before booking.
- Geisha might be seen, though they’re quite rare.
- GERMAN AND ITALIAN AVAILABLE: While some of our guides speak languages beyond English and Japanese, we can only guarantee English for shared tours. To confirm the availability of German, Italian, or another language on your preferred tour date, please contact us before booking.
Location
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
We will in front of the Izumi no Okuni statue
Please arrive 15 MINUTES before the meeting time.
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
(13 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Herohehoholiday
Oct 30, 2024
Wonderful experience - Aron was a special guide, prepared and nice. We spent a wonderful day in his company and visited special places in the Gion district. We highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Havaholiday
Oct 20, 2024
Exceptional day, seeing the sights and sites in the Gion area and more. - Our tour with Erin was a really exceptional day visiting the Gion highlights and beautiful zen temples and many shrines. Our tour was in mid-September 2024 during very hot weather, and Erin ensured that we were managing this and enjoying the itinerary. His connection to his adopted country and also his knowledge and love of the history and customs made our tour really special. Erin was kind and a great communicator, which enhanced the whole experience. It was a particularly busy day being a public holiday however, Erin ensured that an early start allowed some peaceful visits and also led us through some interesting & welcome shortcuts as we traversed the area as a break from the crowds also finding some quieter options later in the day. I highly recommend this tour to thoroughly cover the highlights around this area, both spiritual and cultural.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ianwj7664ie
Oct 15, 2024
A great day with a great local! - A great way to see the Gion and surrounding areas, with a great guide. Aron has been a long term expat here and his knowledge of Kyoto and his humor made the tour seem like taking a stroll with an old friend.
We did ask a lot of questions and he was all too happy to answer them. I am very glad we had him with us as we navigated Kyoto together and he made the day all the more enjoyable. Thank you Aron and thank you Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yangbeel
Sep 28, 2024
The best walking tour in Kyoto! - Marie was amazing! She is very knowledgeable and fun. We many times stopped to take pictures and Marie was patient and she took nice pictures for us. We learned about and enjoyed the beautiful and unique culture of Japan and Marie was such an amazing storyteller ✨
We highly recommend Marie's walking tour in Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y6661cptims
Sep 20, 2024
All top - Very great experience for me and my family.I will book again and highly recommend.So far the most beautiful trip in Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascalpp2957wm
Sep 19, 2024
Really interesting and friendly tourguide - It was really an amazing toud and our tour guide was very helpful. We saw many interesting parts of the country and hope to come back as soon as possible. I can truely recommend this friendly tourguide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L8728udelenab
Sep 17, 2024
Absolutely recommendable! - The tour with Aaron was absolutely great!
His extensive knowledge of Japanese culture and history and the enthusiasm with which he leads the tour made this experience very special. Every question was answered patiently and there was plenty of time to explore the neighborhood in peace, without haste.
The geisha performance gave us an insight into an art of the past.
For us Aaron directed the tour in German, which we were very happy about, because it is not so easy to find German tours. English, Italian and Japanese are no problem for him either 😀
We have become, even humanly,
very comfortable and would absolutely recommend the tour.
Keep it up!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless536210
Jul 19, 2024
Fabulous Scenic Gion Tour - Aron was an amazing host and tour guide. We had a wonderful 4 hour scenic tour through the Gion district of Kyoto. We saw several temples, shrines and fascinating buildings along the route. Aron was very friendly and had wonderful stories and information to share. He bought water for us and showed concern for our comfort in the hot weather. He took photos of our group and sent them via What's App. We were so happy that we signed up for this tour, given limited time in Kyoto. Highly recommend if you don't mind a lot of walking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y3754tcsimonep
May 8, 2024
An afternoon around Gion - We spent a truly exceptional afternoon with Aron, our very competent and very nice guide. The afternoon passed without realizing the time. Aron took us to many magical places, giving us experiences of Japanese culture. If you come to these parts we highly recommend you try his tour. Thanks and Great Aron
Review provided by Tripadvisor
132giedred
Apr 11, 2024
Night in Gion - Guide proved our theory, that a foreigner is usually a more knowledhable and enterntainable guide. Fun hat, great conversations and amazing Kyoto after sun down!
Review provided by Tripadvisor