Kyoto Gion Night Walk: Deep Dive into Japanese Culture with a Small Group Guided Tour

Experience the enchanting Gion district at night with a small group guided tour. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, visit hidden gems, and maybe spot a geiko or maiko!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gion - Enjoy the enchanting nightlife of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. As the sun sets, the streets come to life with beautifully illuminated lanterns, elegant restaurants, charming bars, and traditional teahouses. Wander around the traditional backstreets, visit offbeat temples and shrines, and may even get to catch a glimpse of a geiko…
What's Included
  • Drinking water
  • Snack
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Walking tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Meals and other drinks
  • Personal expenses
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambience of the Gion district after sundown
Learn more about the rich cultural heritage and customs of Japan, guided by an amiable and well-informed host
Stroll through quaint alleyways, explore unconventional temples and shrines, and you may even spot a geiko or maiko (geiko apprentice)
Reservations can be made at any…

Location
Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden
Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden corner, under the Food Hall Edon sign (next to the mall entrance). Your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(286 Ratings)
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Deb_c
Dec 15, 2024
Fabulous tour to get to know Kyoto - The highlight of this tour was definitely our guide Jasmine, who was so warm and friendly, knowledgeable about Kyoto and happy to answer all the questions we asked. The pace was perfect, not too hard to get around and doing it at night meant it was quiter.
Review provided by Viator
Qoolbyte
Dec 15, 2024
Awesome tour ! - The Kyoto Night Tour was an unforgettable experience, made even better by our amazing guide, Alex. His deep knowledge of Kyoto’s history, geisha culture, and hidden gems brought the city to life. Alex’s storytelling and passion for Kyoto made the evening both fascinating and inspiring. He went above and beyond to engage the group and shared great tips for exploring the city. The tour’s highlight was the serene Yasaka Shrine, glowing beautifully at night. If you’re visiting Kyoto, don’t miss this tour—and ask for Alex! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Facundoe366
Dec 14, 2024
Best thing to do! - Alex a total genius. Highly recommended. Know perfectly every place we pass through. Plus the time was perfect to enjoy even more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronald_r
Dec 13, 2024
Best way to learn about Gion! - Kats (Katsuhiko) was the best guide ever! He grew up in the neighborhood so he had so much knowledge and perspective, and was able to tell us some really cool stories about how the place has evolved. The walk at night was beautiful and far more quiet so it was a great way to see the neighborhood away from the daytime crowds! If you're going to do a tour in Kyoto this is the one to chose! And ask for Kats!
Review provided by Viator
Stacy_m
Dec 12, 2024
We had a wonderful time... - We had a wonderful time on our tour. Vincent was very knowledgeable and shared great history of the Gion region and the geisha society. The snack stop provided a great respite from the winter weather, a delicious treat and a chance to chat with the tour group participants. I cannot imagine a better way to experience the magical Gion district!
Review provided by Viator
Shashitha
Dec 12, 2024
Enjoyable - Really enjoyed this tour on my first night in Kyoto. Our guide, Katsuhiko, was very knowledgeable in the area and communicated well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_s
Dec 11, 2024
Fun tour - Fun interesting tour. Yuko was excellent explaining everything about Geishas, shrines and temples. Learned about the history and culture.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth
Dec 10, 2024
Awesome Experience! - Yuko was very knowledgeable , professional and friendly. We enjoyed the places we visited and we learned a lot about Kyoto’s history and culture. We strongly recommend Yuko for your next tour in Kyoto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christina
Dec 7, 2024
Must do your. - Highly recommended! We really enjoyed this tour. We visited a lot of sights and learned things about the Gion area we would not have if not for this tour. our guide spoke english well and was very knowledgeable. We had a rest and matcha snack included which was great. We took some beautiful photos .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4865tzbelindab
Dec 16, 2024
Guided Night Walk in Gion: A Cultural Delight - The night walk through Gion was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto. The walk was not only beautifully atmospheric but also incredibly educational. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Gion. He provided fascinating insights into the world of Maiko (apprentice geisha) and the journey they undertake to become Geisha. The explanations were detailed yet engaging, and it was eye-opening to learn about the discipline, artistry, and traditions that define this unique way of life. The walk also gave us a much deeper appreciation of Gion itself, with its historic streets, traditional wooden townhouses, and tranquil ambiance. The guide shared stories about the area’s long-standing customs and the importance of preserving this heritage, fostering a genuine respect for the culture. The experience felt immersive and respectful, allowing us to gain a true understanding of a world that often remains hidden to outsiders. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Japan’s cultural richness, this tour offers a meaningful and memorable perspective on Gion’s traditions. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Kyoto beyond its surface beauty!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
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December 2024
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