Explore Gion and discover the arts of geisha
Overview
Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience
･In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history.
･In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together.
*Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.
･In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history.
･In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together.
*Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.
Inclusions
- Guiding in Gion, the geisha district
- 45min Geisha show with an apprentice Geisha, Maiko
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Japan, 605-0076 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kawabatachō, 川端四条
Let's learn what Kabuki is and the feminine beginning of the theater. You maybe know the current Kabuki is performed just by men but you wouldn’t know the beginning was just by women.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto, 198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0075 Kyoto Prefecture
Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gion Shirakawa, Higashiyama-ku along Shirakawa River Minamidori, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture
The largest Geisha district called "Gion". Gion Shirakawa is the most beautiful part of Gion, old fashioned streets, buildings and traditional theaters on the beautiful riverside. Let’s learn what the mysterious female entertainer "Geisha" is.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Tatsumi-jinja Shrine (Tatsumi Dai-myojin), 59 Motoyoshichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, Japan
At this Shinto shrine let's learn what Japanese native religion "Shinto" is. It is said in Japan there are 8 million gods.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Hanamikoji Street, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
The main street of Gion. If you are lucky you would be able to see geisha walking around.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture
Zen Buddhist temple was built in 1202. Let's talk about what Zen Buddhism is.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, 125 Komatsucho Yamatoojidori Shijo Sagaru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0811 Kyoto Prefecture
Mr. Ebisu, the god of wealth in Shinto resides in the shrine that was built in 1202 and has been worshipped by local business owners.
Duration: 15 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Japan, 605-0076 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kawabatachō, 川端四条
Let's learn what Kabuki is and the feminine beginning of the theater. You maybe know the current Kabuki is performed just by men but you wouldn’t know the beginning was just by women.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto, 198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0075 Kyoto Prefecture
Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gion Shirakawa, Higashiyama-ku along Shirakawa River Minamidori, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture
The largest Geisha district called "Gion". Gion Shirakawa is the most beautiful part of Gion, old fashioned streets, buildings and traditional theaters on the beautiful riverside. Let’s learn what the mysterious female entertainer "Geisha" is.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Tatsumi-jinja Shrine (Tatsumi Dai-myojin), 59 Motoyoshichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, Japan
At this Shinto shrine let's learn what Japanese native religion "Shinto" is. It is said in Japan there are 8 million gods.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Hanamikoji Street, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
The main street of Gion. If you are lucky you would be able to see geisha walking around.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture
Zen Buddhist temple was built in 1202. Let's talk about what Zen Buddhism is.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, 125 Komatsucho Yamatoojidori Shijo Sagaru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0811 Kyoto Prefecture
Mr. Ebisu, the god of wealth in Shinto resides in the shrine that was built in 1202 and has been worshipped by local business owners.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with leg problems.
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Twinkeltwenkel
April 2023
Great tour! We had Ted as our tourguide who was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got explanations about Kabuki, Meikos and Geikos, Shinto and Buddhism and saw some amazing sights. We got lucky and saw an actual Geiko. Highly recommend! Arigato gozaimasu Ted!
Great tour! We had Ted as our tourguide who was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got explanations about Kabuki, Meikos and Geikos, Shinto and Buddhism and saw some amazing sights. We got lucky and saw an actual Geiko. Highly recommend! Arigato gozaimasu Ted!emilymU5041OJ
April 2023
My husband and I loved this tour! The best thing about it was the way our tour guide, Ted, provided so much historical information, details, and stories as we walked. He put everything we were seeing into context and really made history come alive. We were hoping to learn more about the tradition...
My husband and I loved this tour! The best thing about it was the way our tour guide, Ted, provided so much historical information, details, and stories as we walked. He put everything we were seeing into context and really made history come alive. We were hoping to learn more about the traditions and significance of Gion, and we got all that and more. Ted was friendly, spoke great English, and answered all of our questions. Highly recommended!Zoe_V
April 2023
My husband and I loved this tour. Hiroka was such an incredible guide from start to finish. She is incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many stories and so much information about the history and culture of Kyoto, and specifically about the arts of geisha. Hiroka took us to shrines and sites we ...
My husband and I loved this tour. Hiroka was such an incredible guide from start to finish. She is incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many stories and so much information about the history and culture of Kyoto, and specifically about the arts of geisha. Hiroka took us to shrines and sites we would have walked right past, not knowing they were there. We felt very lucky that she showed us and explained the significance! We left the tour with a deeper understanding and admiration for Kyoto. We could not recommend this tour more, and we are excited to share everything we learned with our friends and family.Suzzette_A
April 2023
Great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the history of the Gion district! Our guide Ken was really knowledgeable and fun.
Great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the history of the Gion district! Our guide Ken was really knowledgeable and fun.Lyana_M
April 2023
A highlight of our trip as Ken (who is authentic Japanese with excellent English!) walked us through the beautiful Gion district. He taught us the manners and cultural norms in the event of an actual geisha sighting (we saw a couple :)) and it was such a fascinating historical tour. We learned so...
A highlight of our trip as Ken (who is authentic Japanese with excellent English!) walked us through the beautiful Gion district. He taught us the manners and cultural norms in the event of an actual geisha sighting (we saw a couple :)) and it was such a fascinating historical tour. We learned so much and it was such a lovely experience. He even gave insider recommendations on some of the best sushi and gyoza restaurants and we went back! I should have planned my day better and not hiked Fushimi Inari at 5:30am, and then hike Monkey Park at 9:30am, before this 3 hour walking tour :) Do yourselves a favor and plan accordingly, but definitely get this tour in your schedule!Adebusola_S
April 2023
Ken gave an amazing tour. Incredibly accommodating Insightful, funny and friendly Also very respectful
Ken gave an amazing tour. Incredibly accommodating Insightful, funny and friendly Also very respectful