For outsiders, Japanese culture can be difficult to grasp but this guided tour offers the chance to get a locals' eye view of one of the most traditional of Japanese settings. Accompanied by a guide, stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto's Gion district, famed for its scenic cobbled streets lit by paper lanterns, traditional architecture, and association with geiko and maiko culture. Visit Pontocho alley, one of Japan's oldest nightlife areas, and stroll by geisha teahouses as your guide offers insights into local culture.

Private tour ensures your guide's undivided attention
Get insights into local culture and history from your guide
Stroll through one of Japan's most traditional neighborhoods
Learn about the historic entertainment district of Gion as you walk past geisha houses

What's Included

Private and personalized experience
2-3 hours with a local Host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Starbucks Coffee - Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Japan, 605-0076 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kawabatachō, １０３区画「京阪祇園四条駅」構内四条大橋東詰
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Shijo Dori (Pass By)

Gion (Pass By)

Hanamikoji Street (Pass By)

Tatsumi Bridge (Pass By)

Shinbashi Dori (Pass By)

Yasaka Shrine (Pass By)

Pontocho District (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travellers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

15 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-7 of 15 reviews

Lovely and exciting tour

Claudia_L, Sept 2023

Tess was knowledgeable, engaging and professional. She slso met me at my hotel which I really appreciated.

Morning in Kyoto Gion Ward

Michael_T, Aug 2023

Our guide Michael was incredibly knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot about Old Gion, New Gion, and Japanese culture in general. And the sites of shrines, temples, shops, restaurants and gardens were both beautiful and interesting. Thanks again Michael for a great time!

It's a tour worth taking

Chamath_K, Apr 2023

This tour was absolutely worth it, primarily because of the quality of the guide. He personalized the tour at very short notice and spent a lot of time with us explaining the location and the activities surrounding the location. He even showed us the nice restaurants in the area to eat.

No show guide

Chun_L, Apr 2023

My failt and i Waited in the lobby for an hour. Guide did nit show up. Called, texted and remembered booked another similar tour for 90 minutes later and that guide also again was no show. Luckily the VIP tour the following day was fantastic

Amazing tour of Kyoto from a knowledgeable English speaking guide

Shreyas_G, Mar 2023

Ada was the best guide. She was very prepared, explained things very nicely and thoroughly, she spoke perfect English, and customized the tour based on our interests. Highly recommend and had a great experience!

Big disappointment

Kim_D, Mar 2023

Tour guide never showed up. Nor did they email or text that they weren't coming. Wasted my valuable vacation time.

Maiko sighting!

Kristen_A, Dec 2022

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English well. The parts of Japanese culture he explained to us were specific. And we saw a maiko!!!

Kyoto Geisha Tour, Gion With A Local: 100% Personalized & Private 3 Hours

From USD 62.07

Select Date and Travellers

Overview

What's Included

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

End point

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveller Photos

Reviews

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