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Gion by Night: Discover Traditional Kyoto with Expert Guide
4.4
367 Ratings
Kyoto
Experience the magic of Gion, Kyoto's traditional district, with an expert guide. Learn about the culture of Maiko-san and Geiko-san, explore the backstreets, and choose between a real or virtual tour.
Duration:
1 hour, 40 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Gion - Join one of the most popular walking tours conducted by well-educated English-speaking guides in Japan with approximately 5000 guests a year. You will start exploring the hidden street of the Geisha district during the 100 minutes-tour. Take a walk down the classic cobblestone streets next to the Shirakawa river, the scenery of which was featured in the novel and movie, “Memoirs of a Geisha.” While you walk along this beautiful stream, the guide will also tell you the history of geisha and give you a detailed explanation in regards to thier kimono, hairstyle, traditional rules and how thier daily life is like. Although there is no gurantee, during the walking tour, guests will often encounter geisha walking in the streets. Get ready to learn everything there is to know about world of the maiko and geiko! Or you can choose the private tour option for different price. In this option, your private guide takes you to the total three Geisha districts such as Ponto-cho, Miyagawa-cho and Gion with more in-detail explanation and hidden story for extended two hours.
What's Included
- Professional, English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
Additional Information
Gion, Kyoto’s quintessential district, still hosts the cultural tradition of Kagai, populated by Maiko-san and Geiko-san. Although Gion is a favorite among tourists, fully appreciating its beauty and grandeur can be challenging. Your guide will provide insights into the Kagai history and the lives of Maiko-san and Geiko-san, escorting you through Gion’s hidden alleys. Join an experienced, English-speaking guide to explore the depths of Kyoto’s ancient capital. Additionally, a virtual tour option is available. This option synchronizes with the on-site tour, allowing you to participate with other attendees. Install the Zoom app, secure a link, and partake in a realistic and interactive tour experience from your residence with friends or family. To choose the virtual tour option, ascertain the availability and select ‘Virtual Tour,’ scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for participants with serious medical conditions
- This tour has a maximum of 15 passengers per booking. If you require a booking for more than 15 passengers, please create a separate booking. Please note that more than 30 passengers may join the tour depending on the conditions of the tour departure date.
- Small-group tour option (less than 15 guests guaranteed) can be chosen for different price
Location
井筒八ッ橋本舗北座祇園本店
The best way to locate Gion Omoide Museum is to search in the google map by typing key word "gion omoide museum" However, it is small museum, and not familiar among people. If you ask locals about its location, please ask "Izutsu Yatsuhashi Gion Honten" which is the traditional pastry shop. The museum is located in the same building. Please arrive in the meeting place before 6pm or 15 minutes before 6pm.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(367 Ratings)
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Tae_h
May 30, 2024
Nice evening tour through Gion. - Very nice tour through Gion district. Pace was relaxing and easy and the information provided was interesting and well presented. Our tour guide was wonderful and her English was excellent. Taking a tour through Gion is the only way to really appreciate and understand what you are seeing so highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_f
May 25, 2024
Delightful and informative tour - Our tour guide was absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable. We both really enjoyed the tour. It felt like the right length, and we had a small group and could ask questions. We would highly recommend the experience to anyone considering it.
Review provided by Viator
Qingyou_y
May 23, 2024
Great tour - Our guide Mie gave us an in depth informational tour. We really enjoyed so much! It was the high light of our trip to Kyoto, she made it fun and pleasant. Thank you Mie!
Review provided by Viator
Udaydesai
May 21, 2024
Nice Walking Tour with Excellent Information by Chacko - We did the evening Gion walking tour with Chacko.
It was a very nice and informative tour.Chacko explained about the system of Geisha and Maiko. The hardships involved.
We enjoyed the tour and were really became more informed about Gion and its intricacies.
Thank you, Chacko
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamie_t
May 18, 2024
Walking tour Gion - Really enjoyable tour. Our guide Mia was very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about Gion.
Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
M5903mnlorettas
May 14, 2024
Information and fun - We loved our night walk. It was informative and our guide, Mia, had some entertaining stories too. Useful information. I felt we gained a better understanding of the culture. Definitely recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_s
May 13, 2024
A great experience. - Mia was a great tour guide. Knowledgeable and very personable and gave great insights to the area and traditions.
Review provided by Viator
Jarl_m
May 10, 2024
Insight in geisha culture. Recommended! - Amazing value for money tour (less than EUR/USD 8!). The excellent guide provided a lot of insight in the world of geisha’s. Group was 20-25ish. But the guide took ample of time to answer all our questions. Group left on time! Very interesting and highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Joseph_a
May 4, 2024
Short and sweet - Very interesting tour that filled in the details about the area. The tour guide was very nice, easy to understand and knowledgeable. Highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Eleanorm971
Apr 30, 2024
Kyoto evening well spent. - Very informative and great way to spend an evening in Kyoto. Our guide was interesting and engaging to us all. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor