Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour: The Stories of Geisha
English
2 hours
(1133)
2-hour evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion district led by a local English-speaking guide, covering the history and culture of geisha and maiko through visits to Hanami-koji Street, Gion Shinbashi, Yasaka Shrine, Minamiza Theater, and Gion Corner.
Geiko and maiko are most commonly seen in the early evening along Hanami-koji Street as they travel to their appointments. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the tour timing is chosen to give the best opportunity.
Hanami-koji is the main street of the Gion district, lined with ochaya teahouses and upscale restaurants in traditional machiya buildings. Your guide explains how to identify ochaya and the conventions governing their operation. Entry to ochaya is by introduction only and is not part of this tour.
No. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are permitted, and service animals are allowed.
Daniel is amazing. He clear to understand, very knowledgable, paused often to ask if I was confused and needed more explanation or had any questions. He made sure I also respected Geiko’s and Meiko’s if we bumped into one.
Chered H
April 23, 2026
Fantastic Historical Tour with a Very Knowledgeable Guide
We had such a great time on this tour and Manuel was a fantastic guide! We had a small group so we were able to ask lots of questions and Iearned a lot about the history or the arts in Kyoto and about Geisha. Manuel was incredibly knowledgeable and you could see that he has a really keen interest in geisha culture. I also really appreciated that he explained what modern geikos and maikos lives are like. I can definitely recommend this tour!
Ciara B
April 14, 2026
Chered H
April 23, 2026
History made fun
Daniel is amazing. He clear to understand, very knowledgable, paused often to ask if I was confused and needed more explanation or had any questions. He made sure I also respected Geiko’s and Meiko’s if we bumped into one.
Ciara B
April 14, 2026
Fantastic Historical Tour with a Very Knowledgeable Guide
We had such a great time on this tour and Manuel was a fantastic guide! We had a small group so we were able to ask lots of questions and Iearned a lot about the history or the arts in Kyoto and about Geisha. Manuel was incredibly knowledgeable and you could see that he has a really keen interest in geisha culture. I also really appreciated that he explained what modern geikos and maikos lives are like. I can definitely recommend this tour!
