Kyoto Gion Cultural Walking Tour and Apprentice Geisha Show with Dining Options
by Ken's Tours Kyoto
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥36,600Overview
This three-hour tour takes place in Kyoto's Gion district, known for its geisha culture and traditional streets. The first part lasts about one and a half to two hours and includes a guided cultural walk through Gion. The tour begins with a 15-minute introduction to Kabuki theater, explaining its origins as a female art form. Next, the group visits Minamiza Theater for 10 minutes to observe the architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and learn about its connection to modern technology. The walk continues for 15 minutes in Gion Shirakawa, a picturesque riverside area with old streets, buildings, and theaters, where the guide explains the role and traditions of geisha. After that, there is a 15-minute stop at a Shinto shrine to learn about Japan's native religion and its many gods. The tour proceeds to Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion, for 10 minutes, where participants may see geisha walking by. Then the group visits Kennin-ji Temple for 15 minutes to learn about Zen Buddhism. The final stop in the walk is a 15-minute visit to Zenkyoan, a subtemple of Kennin-ji, known for its boar guardians and associations with luck and safety. The second part of the tour lasts about 45 minutes and features a cultural show with an apprentice geisha, called a Maiko. Participants meet the Maiko, have the opportunity to ask questions, and watch her perform one or two traditional dance songs. A cup of tea is served during this time. There are optional dining choices available, including lunch or dinner instead of tea. Photography and filming of the Maiko are allowed, but sharing images publicly is prohibited. Tips for the Maiko are not included in the tour price. This tour involves a significant amount of walking and is not recommended for travelers with leg problems.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kabuki Theater Origins
Learn about Kabuki theater's beginnings with women performers and how it later became an all-male art form.
15 min
Minamiza Theater
View the architecture of Japan’s oldest Kabuki theater and hear about the integration of virtual reality with Kabuki performances.
10 min
Gion Shirakawa
Explore the largest geisha district in Kyoto, known as Gion Shirakawa, with its riverside streets, traditional buildings, and theaters. Learn about the role of geisha in this area.
15 min
Shinto Shrine
Visit a Shinto shrine to understand the native Japanese religion and its belief in around eight million gods.
15 min
Hanamikoji Street
Walk along the main street of Gion where geisha are often seen moving between appointments.
10 min
Kennin-ji Temple
Visit this Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1202 and learn about the principles of Zen Buddhism.
15 min
Zenkyoan
See Zenkyo-an, a subtemple of Kennin-ji in Gion, known for its boar statues that symbolize luck and safety.
15 min
Meeting point
We, your guide will be waiting aboveground at Exit 4 of Gion-Shijo Station, right in front of the Izumo-no-Okuni statue, next to Shijo Bridge. You will recognize us by a signboard with an origami crane logo and the text “Ken’s Tours Kyoto.”
End point
If you choose "Dinner with Geisha", we'll take dinner with Geisha at the restaurant. Maiko, an apprentice geisha will show up, talk and dance.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Kyoto Gion Cultural Walking Tour and Apprentice Geisha Show with Dining Options
by Ken's Tours Kyoto
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥36,600Overview
This three-hour tour takes place in Kyoto's Gion district, known for its geisha culture and traditional streets. The first part lasts about one and a half to two hours and includes a guided cultural walk through Gion. The tour begins with a 15-minute introduction to Kabuki theater, explaining its origins as a female art form. Next, the group visits Minamiza Theater for 10 minutes to observe the architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and learn about its connection to modern technology. The walk continues for 15 minutes in Gion Shirakawa, a picturesque riverside area with old streets, buildings, and theaters, where the guide explains the role and traditions of geisha. After that, there is a 15-minute stop at a Shinto shrine to learn about Japan's native religion and its many gods. The tour proceeds to Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion, for 10 minutes, where participants may see geisha walking by. Then the group visits Kennin-ji Temple for 15 minutes to learn about Zen Buddhism. The final stop in the walk is a 15-minute visit to Zenkyoan, a subtemple of Kennin-ji, known for its boar guardians and associations with luck and safety. The second part of the tour lasts about 45 minutes and features a cultural show with an apprentice geisha, called a Maiko. Participants meet the Maiko, have the opportunity to ask questions, and watch her perform one or two traditional dance songs. A cup of tea is served during this time. There are optional dining choices available, including lunch or dinner instead of tea. Photography and filming of the Maiko are allowed, but sharing images publicly is prohibited. Tips for the Maiko are not included in the tour price. This tour involves a significant amount of walking and is not recommended for travelers with leg problems.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kabuki Theater Origins
Learn about Kabuki theater's beginnings with women performers and how it later became an all-male art form.
15 min
Minamiza Theater
View the architecture of Japan’s oldest Kabuki theater and hear about the integration of virtual reality with Kabuki performances.
10 min
Gion Shirakawa
Explore the largest geisha district in Kyoto, known as Gion Shirakawa, with its riverside streets, traditional buildings, and theaters. Learn about the role of geisha in this area.
15 min
Shinto Shrine
Visit a Shinto shrine to understand the native Japanese religion and its belief in around eight million gods.
15 min
Hanamikoji Street
Walk along the main street of Gion where geisha are often seen moving between appointments.
10 min
Kennin-ji Temple
Visit this Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1202 and learn about the principles of Zen Buddhism.
15 min
Zenkyoan
See Zenkyo-an, a subtemple of Kennin-ji in Gion, known for its boar statues that symbolize luck and safety.
15 min
Meeting point
We, your guide will be waiting aboveground at Exit 4 of Gion-Shijo Station, right in front of the Izumo-no-Okuni statue, next to Shijo Bridge. You will recognize us by a signboard with an origami crane logo and the text “Ken’s Tours Kyoto.”
End point
If you choose "Dinner with Geisha", we'll take dinner with Geisha at the restaurant. Maiko, an apprentice geisha will show up, talk and dance.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.