Kyoto Gion Historic Walking Tour with Geisha and Maiko Meeting and Performance
by Travel Japan Together
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$162.26Overview
Gion is a historic district in Kyoto known for its geisha and maiko traditions. This 2-hour walking tour includes a guided stroll through Gion’s streets and a one-hour meeting with a Maiko. The first hour covers Gion’s stone-paved lanes, including stops at Gion Shirakawa canal, Hanamikoji Street, Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, and Yasaka Shrine. The guide explains geisha customs, the training involved, and the district’s cultural importance. In the second hour, participants meet a Maiko apprentice in a private setting. The Maiko performs one or two traditional songs and dances, followed by a Q&A session. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and a photo session with the artist. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour does not provide transport or gratuities.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Gion Shirakawa
Walk along the willow-lined canal with preserved wooden machiya townhouses reflecting on the water. This quiet area shows the traditional atmosphere of old Kyoto.
10 min
Hanamikoji Street
Stroll the stone-paved street lined with historic ochaya teahouses central to geisha culture. In the evening, lanterns light the street and you may see a Maiko hurrying to an appointment.
10 min
Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
Visit this small local shrine known as a spiritual place for Gion’s geiko and maiko. They come here to pray for success and continued skill in their performing arts.
10 min
Yasaka Shrine
Stand at the large shrine that gave the Gion district its name. At dusk, the central stage is lit by many lanterns, highlighting its historical importance to the area.
10 min
Gion
Spend one hour with a Maiko apprentice in a private setting. Watch her perform one or two traditional songs and dances, then join a relaxed Q&A session where you can ask questions about her craft.
60 min
Meeting point
Our guide will contact you through WhatsApp so please download WhatsApp prior to this tour. This is to enhance a smooth meeting between the guide and the guests.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Kyoto
- Samurai School in Kyoto: Samurai for a Day Cultural Lesson
- Kyoto Night Walking Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho with 3-4 Drinks and Dishes
- Kyoto Zen Meditation and Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
- Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion with 9+ Dishes and 6+ Sake Tastings
- Kyoto Walking Tour: Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Matcha
- Kyoto 1.5-Hour Sake Tasting and Food Pairing with Certified Sommelier
Kyoto Gion Historic Walking Tour with Geisha and Maiko Meeting and Performance
by Travel Japan Together
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$162.26Overview
Gion is a historic district in Kyoto known for its geisha and maiko traditions. This 2-hour walking tour includes a guided stroll through Gion’s streets and a one-hour meeting with a Maiko. The first hour covers Gion’s stone-paved lanes, including stops at Gion Shirakawa canal, Hanamikoji Street, Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, and Yasaka Shrine. The guide explains geisha customs, the training involved, and the district’s cultural importance. In the second hour, participants meet a Maiko apprentice in a private setting. The Maiko performs one or two traditional songs and dances, followed by a Q&A session. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and a photo session with the artist. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour does not provide transport or gratuities.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Gion Shirakawa
Walk along the willow-lined canal with preserved wooden machiya townhouses reflecting on the water. This quiet area shows the traditional atmosphere of old Kyoto.
10 min
Hanamikoji Street
Stroll the stone-paved street lined with historic ochaya teahouses central to geisha culture. In the evening, lanterns light the street and you may see a Maiko hurrying to an appointment.
10 min
Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
Visit this small local shrine known as a spiritual place for Gion’s geiko and maiko. They come here to pray for success and continued skill in their performing arts.
10 min
Yasaka Shrine
Stand at the large shrine that gave the Gion district its name. At dusk, the central stage is lit by many lanterns, highlighting its historical importance to the area.
10 min
Gion
Spend one hour with a Maiko apprentice in a private setting. Watch her perform one or two traditional songs and dances, then join a relaxed Q&A session where you can ask questions about her craft.
60 min
Meeting point
Our guide will contact you through WhatsApp so please download WhatsApp prior to this tour. This is to enhance a smooth meeting between the guide and the guests.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Kyoto
- Samurai School in Kyoto: Samurai for a Day Cultural Lesson
- Kyoto Night Walking Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho with 3-4 Drinks and Dishes
- Kyoto Zen Meditation and Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
- Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion with 9+ Dishes and 6+ Sake Tastings
- Kyoto Walking Tour: Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Matcha
- Kyoto 1.5-Hour Sake Tasting and Food Pairing with Certified Sommelier