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  • Walking Tours
  • Historical Tours
  • Weather Dependent - Moderate
  • Private and Luxury

Private 2-Hour Guided Gion Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Geisha District

4.4(16 reviews)Kyoto, JapanOperated by Japan Experiences and Tours
  • Duration2 hours
  • GroupPrivate tour
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesArabic, English
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

This is a 2 hours walking tour in the historic area of Gion that is well known for preserving the old architecture. In Gion, you can see the traditional houses, tea houses and old streets of Gion.

What makes this tour unique?

1- Within 2 hours, you can experience the historic and cultural essense beauty of of Kyoto historic area of Gion in a private tour.

2- This tour is a walking private tour and can be customized based on your request.

3- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective.

Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top spots of Gion. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide.

17:00 Meeting at the pickup place (or in Gion area). 17:30 Izumo no Okuni statue and Kaboki drama explanation 18:00 Shinbashi street, Geisha and Maiko explanation, Chionin temple gate 18:30 Maruyama Park and Yasaka shrine 18:45 Hanamikoji Street, Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko spotting areas 19:00 Pontocho and tour finish

What to expect

2 hours6 stopsPrivate tour

  1. Gion

    Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0074, Japan

    1 hour

    Gion area in Kyoto is a very famous old and historic area, as it is well known for preserving the old architecture and beauty. You may be lucky to catch up a Geisha in Hanami street. Highlights Chionin temple gate, Maruyama park, Yasaka shrine , Haname Street and Shinbashi street. Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko explanation and spotting areas, Minamiza Kabuki Theatre

  2. Statue of Izumo no Okuni

    Kawabatacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0076, Japan

    15 minutes

    Discover the cultural heritage of Kyoto with a visit to the Izumo no Okuni Statue, dedicated to the pioneering figure who founded Kabuki theater. Izumo no Okuni revolutionized Japanese performing arts in the early 17th century, and her statue stands as a tribute to her legacy. Experience a fascinating explanation of Kabuki Drama, a traditional Japanese theater form known for its dramatic storytelling, elaborate costumes, and dynamic performances. Learn about its historical origins, unique performance style, and its significant impact on Japanese culture. This tour offers an insightful glimpse into the world of Kabuki and its influential founder.

  3. Chion-in Temple

    400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Chion-in Temple, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-8686, Japan

    15 minutes

    Visit the impressive Chionin Temple Gate, a grand entrance to one of Kyoto's most revered Zen temples. Admire its massive wooden structure and intricate carvings, which reflect the temple's rich heritage and spiritual importance.

  4. Yasaka Shrine

    625 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0073, Japan

    10 minutes

    Just a short walk away, explore Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine renowned for its lively festivals and stunning lantern-lit pathways. This historic shrine is a focal point of Kyoto’s cultural and spiritual life, providing a rich and immersive experience into traditional Japanese heritage.

  5. Maruyama Park

    473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0071, Japan

    10 minutes

    Discover the serene beauty of Maruyama Park, a lush green oasis in Kyoto perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break. The park features picturesque ponds, seasonal cherry blossoms, and tranquil paths, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

  6. Hanamikoji Street

    Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

    10 minutes

    Wander down Hanamikoji Street, the charming heart of Kyoto’s historic geisha district. This picturesque street is lined with traditional teahouses and elegant wooden machiya houses, offering a glimpse into the city's cultural past. Enjoy a visit to a classic teahouse, where you can experience the authentic ambiance and appreciate the art of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Explore popular geisha and maiko spotting areas, where you might catch a glimpse of these graceful performers in their elaborate costumes. This tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Kyoto's enchanting traditional culture and the world of geisha.

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup is included for all travellers.

Pickup starts about 10 minutes before the departure time.

You can request a pickup location of your own.

Pickup locations82

The operator lists 82 pickup points. 40 are shown here; choose yours from the full list when you book.

Hotels & residences40

  • Ryokan Sanga526 Asakuracho, Sanjosagaru, Tominokojidori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8074, Japan
  • Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo Kamogawa509 Kamiosakacho, Kiyamachidori Sanjo Agaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8001, Japan
  • Ryokan Kinsuikan531 Asakuracho Sanjo Sagaru Tominokoji, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8074, Japan
  • Watazen Ryokan413 Izutsuyacho, Yanaginobaba Rokkaku Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8113, Japan
  • Ryokan Kohro114 Horinouecho, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8117, Japan
  • Kyo no yado gion seiunan323-8 Furunishicho, Higashiyamaku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0065, Japan
  • Dhawa Yura Kyoto84 Ohashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0009, Japan
  • Matsui Honkan Ryokan405 Izutsuyacho Nakagyo-ku, (Yanagino Banba Rokkaku Sagaru), Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8113, Japan
  • HiiragiyaNakahakusancho Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8094, Japan
  • The Screen640-1 Shimogoryomae-Cho, Tera-Machi, Maruta-Cho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0995, Japan
  • STITCH HOTEL Kyoto119 Saitocho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8012, Japan
  • Mikihan Ryokan96, 97 Yaoyacho, Rokkakudori Fuyacho Higashi-Iru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 060-8072, Japan
  • HirashinTakoyakushidori, Takakura Nishiiru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8141, Japan
  • Matsui Bekkan HanakanzashiRokkaku Takakura Higashi Iru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8117, Japan
  • The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo74 Nakajimacho, Higashiiru Kawaramachi Sanjodori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8004, Japan
  • Sumiya RyokanFuyachodori Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8075, Japan
  • Yoshiya489 Kiyamachi Nijo Shimo Higashiikesu, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0922, Japan
  • Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo59-1 Daikokucho, Sanjo-sagaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8031, Japan
  • Oyado IshichoKawaramachidori Takeyacho Higashi Iru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0901, Japan
  • Kyoto Garden Hotel351 Empukujicho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8175, Japan
  • Hotel Gran MS Kyoto410-3 Shimomaruyacho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8006, Japan
  • Kagihei481 Umeyacho, Fuyachodori Nishikiagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8057, Japan
  • KazukiRokkakudori Higashinotoin Higashiiru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8133, Japan
  • Tawaraya Ryokan278 Nakahakusan-cho, Fuyacho-dori Aneyakoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8094, Japan
  • The Ritz-Carlton, KyotoKamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0902, Japan
  • Watanabe Ryokan534 Shimokawaracho Shimokawaradori Yasakatoriimae Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0825, Japan
  • Kamogawa-kan Inn104 Nakajimacho Sanjodori Kawaramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8004, Japan
  • Nissho Besso13 Nakanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8083, Japan
  • ART MON ZEN KYOTO391 Motomachi Furumonzendori Yamato-Oji Higashi Iru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0089, Japan
  • Gozan Hotel & Service Apartment Higashiyama Sanjo35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0005, Japan
  • Miru Kyoto Nishiki424 Izutsuyacho Yanaginobambadori Rokkaku Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8113, Japan
  • TOKYU STAY Kyoto Sakaiza557 Nakanocho, Shinkyogokudori Shijo Agaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8042, Japan
  • Mume261 Shinmonzen dori, Umemotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0064, Japan
  • Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Kyoto-Karasumaoike339 Nushiyacho Kurumayachodori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0843, Japan
  • Hotel Monterey Kyoto604 Manjuyacho, Karasumadori Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8161, Japan
  • Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto Nijo Takakura58 Matsuyacho Nijodori Takakura Nishiiru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0831, Japan
  • Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo420 Sakuranocho, Rokkakudori Teramachi Higashiiru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8035, Japan
  • Ishicho ShogikuenKawamachidori Takeyacho Higashi Iru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0901, Japan
  • Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjokarasuma392 Kakimotocho Ryogaemachidori Anekoji Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8173, Japan
  • Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto249 Kamihakusancho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-0943, Japan
  • You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.

Pickup instructions

*Meeting Point: Any place inside Kyoto, including your hotel. If outside, please let us know. *We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule & preferences.

What's included

Included

  • Guiding and management fee

Not included

  • Gratuities

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 15 travellers per booking
  • Age bands: Traveler (0–120)

Languages

Guide
Arabic, English

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Product code
229125P6

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Your preferred pickup point
  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.4/ 516 reviews
  • 511
  • 43
  • 22

Ratings aggregated from Viator (9) and Tripadvisor (7).

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Ready to book Private 2-Hour Guided Gion Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Geisha District?

From USD 350 per group · Free cancellation available

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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