Tour Details
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Hanami-koji
- Gion Kobu
- Minamiza Kabuki Theater
- Shirakawa Canal
Photos & Highlights
- Experience Geisha traditions in their birthplace and learn how they have shaped a large part of Japan's culture
- Led by a Kyoto local and expert
Select a date
Tour Description
The scent of incense mingles with the warm glow of lanterns, casting long shadows on the cobblestones, still warm from the day. As you enter the heart of Kyoto’s geisha culture, you hear laughter spilling from hidden tea houses. Welcome to Gion, a district that draws you in with its traditional wooden machiya merchant houses, stunning shrines and temples, and centuries-old geisha and kabuki traditions.
- Begin at Yasaka Shrine, one of the most iconic and revered Shinto shrines. Here you will learn about Omikuji, fortunes written on strips of paper, and see its reverant prayer facilities.Â
- Step into the serenity of Kennin-ji, the city's oldest Zen temple and location of the burial site of Eisai, the monk who introduced Zen to Japan. Can you feel the weight of history as you walk in the footsteps of the past?
- Allow Miyagawa-cho to unfold before you: the heart of geisha Kyoto. Here, the chance to glimpse a maiko, a geisha apprentice, flitting through the streets and alleyways becomes a reality.
- Visit Minamiza Kabuki Theater, the main destination for kabuki. Unfamiliar with kabuki? You’re in for a treat. Let your guide unlock the secrets of this dramatic theater, igniting your imagination with tales of captivating costumes in a kaleidoscope of colors and intense, acrobatic movements from the actors, all in the name of portraying tales of love or betrayal.Â
- Move into Gion Higashi, a district built on the former residence of the Zeze samurai clan. Slow down among the graceful willows that line a serene canal, and if you’re lucky, take in the iconic cherry blossoms that dance in the spring breeze. Cinema fans will appreciate the stop on Tatsumi Bridge, a destination that was replicated in Memoirs of a Geisha.
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Cross the river to ascend Pontocho, a geisha district pulsating with life. This sleepy town by day comes alive at night. Don’t be surprised if you feel drawn, as if by an invisible force, to the aroma of delicious food and the shouts of lively chatter. Here, Kyoto invites you to linger and explore long after the tour ends.
Here your tour ends, but the magic of Gion beckons you to explore further, to lose yourself in its enchanting alleyways and discover your own hidden stories.Â
- You crave uncovering hidden gems and can’t wait to wander forgotten alleyways, stumbling upon quaint shops brimming with local treasures and discovering charming details that show themselves only to those who venture off the beaten path.
- You want to explore awe-inspiring shrines and temples, guided by a local who feels like a friend. Gain local insight to Kyoto’s cultural tapestry through its iconic architecture.Â
- You would like a respectful and cultural initiation to geisha culture, offering you the chance to witness a glimpse of the elegant and artistic geisha or maiko as they go to and from their engagements.Â
Can this walk be scheduled at a different time?
For private walks, if you would prefer an earlier start time, please contact us or leave a note during booking and we can arrange this for you.
Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
Where You'll Start
167 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
John was entertaining and informative. We had a great evening learning about the past and current Geisha culture. He kept our teen boys engaged and was a wealth of knowledge!
Laura
Mar. 28, 2024
What an amazing tour. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Kyoto.
John
Mar. 24, 2024
John was a great guide. The tour of Gion was very informative and interesting. We learned about the history of the Maiko and Geiko. We even got to see 2 Geikos walk by! 5/5 would recommend, John kept it educational while having fun. We got to visit a few of the Geiko districts as well as the Zen Buddhist temple. You won’t be disappointed!
Nicholas
Mar. 9, 2024
