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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

3h5.0 / 5 · 517 reviews on Viator / Tripadvisor
Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options
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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

About this experience

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.

What to expect

  1. Stop 1 · 15min

    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.

  2. Stop 2 · 10min

    Look at the actual architecture of the oldest Kabuki theater and hear the story of the impressive corroboration of VR and Kabuki.

  3. Stop 3 · 15min

    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.

  4. Stop 4 · 15min

    At this Shinto shrine let's learn what Japanese native religion "Shinto" is. It is said in Japan there are 8 million gods.

  5. Stop 5 · 10min

    The main street of Gion. If you are lucky you would be able to see geisha walking around.

  6. Stop 6 · 15min

    Zen Buddhist temple was built in 1202. Let's talk about what Zen Buddhism is.

  7. Stop 7 · 15min

    Zenkyo-an (Marishitendo), a Kennin-ji subtemple in Gion, known for boar guardians, luck, and safety.

What’s included

  • 1.5-2 hours guiding in Gion, the geisha district
  • 45-min Geisha meeting and show (An apprentice geisha dance with one or two songs)

Not included

  • Tip for Maiko, an apprentice geisha

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Tea break with Geisha

Duration: 3 hours: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and tea break at the cafe (1.5 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr). One drink included *This is a group activity.

Lunch with Geisha

Duration: 3 hours: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and lunch at the restaurant (1.5 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr). Japanese lunch plate included: You could choose from those options: Karaage(Japanese fried chicken), Sashimi(Raw fish cut in pieces), Tempra, Daily special. *This is a group activity.

Dinner with Geisha

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Walking tour in the Geisha district (1.5 hours) and dinner at the restaurant (2 hours) including Geisha show(1 hr). Japanese dinner included: Sharing platters of Japanese food. *Vegetarian menu is not available. *This is a group activity

Meeting & pickup

  • 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.
  • If you choose "Lunch with Geisha" or "Dinner with Geisha", we'll take lunch or dinner with Geisha at the restaurant. Maiko, an apprentice geisha will show up, talk and dance.
  • If you choose "Tea break with Geisha", we'll take tea break with Geisha at the cafe. Maiko, an apprentice geisha will show up, talk and dance.

Right in front of Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni: Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZRpKLKfHguAQqKHr8

Before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers with leg problems.

Cancellation policy

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