Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

based on 92 reviews

Duration:2 hours (approx.)
Location: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

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Discover Kyoto's captivating Geisha culture with the Kyoto Night Walking Tour. Led by local guides steeped in tradition, this journey unveils the world of Geisha and Maiko.

Stroll through Kyoto's night, where elegance and grace come to life. Learn Geisha secrets, their training, and artistry. Encounter Geisha and Maiko en route to appointments, offering a rare glimpse into their world.

In an intimate setting, ask questions and engage with this enthralling tradition. The Kyoto Night Walking Tour immerses you authentically, connecting you to Kyoto's Geisha culture.

Join us on this enchanting journey to illuminate the captivating world of Geisha, revealing the history and thriving traditions that come alive in Kyoto after dark.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
The Izumono Okuni Statue in Kyoto is a bronze sculpture dedicated to Okuni, a legendary figure considered the founder of Kabuki theater. Located in the Gion district, this statue pays homage to Okuni's pioneering contributions to Japanese performing arts. Okuni is believed to have originated Kabuki in the early 17th century, and her statue serves as a symbol of the art form's rich history in Kyoto. Visitors to the Gion district can admire this iconic statue as they explore the area's cultural and historical attractions.
2. Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto
Minamiza is a historic theater in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for hosting traditional Kabuki performances. Kabuki is a unique Japanese theater art known for elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling, often featuring historical themes. At Minamiza, visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of Kabuki in a historic setting, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese culture and theater.
3. Tatsumi Bridge
Gion Shinbashi is a charming neighborhood in Kyoto, Japan, known for its picturesque streets, traditional tea houses, and geisha culture. One of its notable features is the Tatsumi Bridge, a historic bridge that spans the Shirakawa Canal. Tatsumi Bridge provides a scenic view of the canal and the surrounding wooden machiya houses, creating a serene atmosphere that transports visitors to the old-world charm of Kyoto. Gion Shinbashi and Tatsumi Bridge offer a glimpse into the timeless beauty and cultural heritage of Kyoto, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
4. Hanamikoji Street
Hanami Koji Street is a picturesque and historic thoroughfare located in the Gion district of Kyoto, Japan. This iconic street is renowned for its traditional machiya houses, upscale restaurants, teahouses, and a glimpse into the world of geisha and maiko culture. Wandering along Hanami Koji, visitors can soak in the ambiance of old Japan with its well-preserved wooden buildings and lantern-lit evenings. It's a favored location for both locals and tourists, particularly during the cherry blossom season, when the street becomes an enchanting tunnel of blossoms. Hanami Koji serves as a gateway to the quintessential Gion experience, offering opportunities to spot geisha and maiko as they move between their appointments. The street's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it an essential stop for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Kyoto's traditional charm.
5. Gion Corner
Gion Corner is a cultural center and performance venue located in the historic Gion district of Kyoto, Japan. It offers visitors a condensed experience of traditional Japanese arts and culture, showcasing a variety of art forms such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement (ikebana), traditional music (koto and shamisen), and the enchanting world of geisha and maiko. The performances at Gion Corner provide an opportunity for both locals and tourists to witness and appreciate the elegance and beauty of Japanese traditions. It's a convenient and immersive way to get a taste of the rich cultural heritage that Kyoto is famous for, all in one place. Gion Corner is a popular attraction for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and its artistic expressions.
6. Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, also known as Yasaka Jinja or Gion Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Gion district of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the most prominent and visited shrines in the city, known for its vibrant festivals and cultural significance. Founded over a thousand years ago, Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto and later became associated with the protective deity of Gion, especially during the Gion Matsuri festival, one of Japan's most famous annual festivals. The shrine's iconic vermilion gates, lanterns, and beautiful architecture make it a popular attraction for tourists and a symbol of Kyoto's traditional charm. Visitors come to pay their respects, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and appreciate the cultural heritage of Japan. Yasaka Shrine is not only a place of worship but also a hub of cultural and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the country's spiritual traditions and lively festivals.

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Posted By : Ysabeau_M
Clara was really knowledgeable, friendly and answered everybody’s questions enthusiastically. She explained at the beginning what the route would be like which I thought was really good for anybody who might be worried about their fitness level (if you’re wondering about that, the walk is flat, you don’t have to walk quickly to get round everything in two hours and the pace was easy). It was fascinating learning about the origins and history of the Geisha and their place in Japanese society today. It also helped us to get a feel for a key part of Kyoto. We would highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-15 09:19:46

Posted By : Cheryl_M
The tour guide leader. NIKITA shared a wealth of knowledge about the area and the maiko and geisha in a very engaging manner.
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Posted On : 2024-06-13 18:42:47

Posted By : LiZoZa
Clara was our tour guide. She was prompt and friendly. She gave us an incredible amount of information on Geisha and Maiko. She was able to answer all of our questions about them and their lives. We saw both a geisha and a maiko. Great history tour and my kids both enjoyed it a lot. It’s good to know that the geisha profession is still alive and well and more progressive now.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-13 08:31:30

Posted By : Dream769548
Our guide was new and English wasn't his first language, but the tour had good information. We enjoyed our walk at night and learned more about the area.
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Posted On : 2024-06-11 23:34:10

Posted By : Bruno_G
We recently participated in the Geisha Night Tour, which cost $35 per person, expecting a deep and insightful experience based on strong recommendations. Unfortunately, the tour did not meet our expectations.

Positives:
- Our guide was very friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated to her work.
- We saw a Geisha, which was an interesting and unique experience.

Negatives:
- The tour was extremely superficial. The guide’s limited English proficiency seemed to hinder the depth of information provided.
- The content felt scripted and shallow, lacking the detailed insights we were hoping for. It was comparable to reading a brief article about Geishas in 10-15 minutes, rather than gaining a comprehensive understanding through an interactive experience.
- The guide’s responses to our questions were not thorough, further diminishing the value of the tour.
- Our group was split between two guides, and we were assigned to the second guide. This seemed to compromise the overall quality of our tour.

As frequent participants in free walking tours, which we usually find highly informative, this was our first time paying for a tour. We were deeply disappointed by the lack of substantive content.

Overall, the tour left us with an underwhelming and unsatisfactory impression. We hope the organizers can take this feedback into account to improve future tours.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 19:26:38

Posted By : MaryJane_K
Tour guide Kara was great. Wonderful way to see and feel the history of Kyoto. We got a feel of how the giesha's train and live.
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 18:09:46

Posted By : Cara_C
This tour was fascinating! We loved our guide. She did a fabulous job of covering the history and providing many interesting anecdotes.
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 12:49:06

Posted By : Roam68009566573
I did the geisha walk with Saki and she was great!! She is so funny, kind, and knowledgeable! Her passion for the subject made us all so excited for the tour! The shrine was beautiful to see in the evening and I genuinely learned so much about geisha culture! We even got to see a maiko walking around during our tour!! I now hope to learn more about geishas!! Thank you Saki!!
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 10:23:51

Posted By : jerryvan1710
We had our tour with Saki for the Kyoto Walking Tour at night and it was amazing. She has taught us so much about the history of geisha, maiko, and geiko. She was also very passionate and did not hesitate to answer anything! The places she took are also beautiful at night as well.
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 10:20:10

Posted By : ikhidel2017
Clara was simply awesome.
My son shared that this was the best tour we have had so far. Every stop was relevant and we learned something . She was very knowledgeable and shared a lot about the Geisha and Gion.
Well done!
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Posted On : 2024-06-10 04:16:21