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Gion by Night: Discover Traditional Kyoto with Expert Guide
4.4
383 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:
2 hours
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
One of the most popular walking tours in Japan. As the pioneer of such walking tours, it has long been loved by people since 2007, and more than 100,000 guests have joined since then. Gion is Kyoto’s most traditional district where the culture of Kagai, the world of Maiko-san and Geiko-san is still alive. Though many tourists come to Gion, it can be difficult to grasp the magnitude and beauty of Gion completely. Your guide will explain the history of Kagai, the lives of Maiko-san and Geiko-san and even take you to the backstreets of Gion. Walk with a well-experienced knowledgeable, licensed English-speaking guide and discover the depths of the Old Capital, Kyoto.
- 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.
- Small-group tour option (less than 12 guests guaranteed) can be chosen for different price
- Reception starts at 5:00PM and the tour starts at 5:30PM. We can not wait or respond those who are late for the start time.
Location
井筒八ッ橋本舗北座祇園本店
Reception starts at 5:30PM. Text the key word "gion omoide museum" in Google Map. It is small museum, and not familiar among people. If you ask locals about its location, please ask "Izutsu Yatsuhashi Gion Honten" the traditional pastry shop. The museum is located in the same building.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(383 Ratings)
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Sandy_m
Jul 31, 2024
Amazing and outstanding - Truly amazing
I thought this is too inexpensive but to be honest this was worth a lot lot more.
They show this giesha part of the city which is true and real Kyoto…
A must do for all.
Review provided by Viator
Silvina_v
Jul 25, 2024
Learning experience. - It was a great experience! Learned a lot about the Geishas and Maikos. Hiromi was wonderful and has a lot of passion about her culture. Doing the tour during the evening was the best thing to do if you’re visiting during the summer!
Review provided by Viator
Novica_p
Jul 15, 2024
Excellent - Very informative and diverse tour presented in a passionate manner. I would thoroughly recommend :))
Review provided by Viator
Karen_v
Jul 15, 2024
A fascinating look at a Gion tea house culture - Our tour guide was fantastic. She explained how tea house geisha culture has evolved over the years and helped us discover interesting side streets and alleys in Gion to go back and explore. We had a perfect size group too.
Review provided by Viator
M1675dzsimones
Jul 13, 2024
Night walk in Gion - It was a very nice experience - the area at that time of the day is beautiful and our guide did an amazing job: it was very clear that she loves that area, its history and importance to the Japanese culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
171kristank
Jul 12, 2024
Historical and meaningful experience through the Gion - Cho (unsure of name) was fantastic. She was very enthusiastic and knew a lot about the history of the Gion, Geicasen and Meicasen culture. we learned so much from her. She showed respect for this centuries'-old history of the Geisha in today's modern world. We liked that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nazisha
Jul 9, 2024
Great walking tour - The tour guide was really knowledgeable !
She took us to the 3 districts and we even saw a Maiko .
Great to see the different areas
Review provided by Viator
Michelle_t
Jul 4, 2024
Gion at night - Very easy to understand guide. Interesting stories delivered with humour. Group size ensured all could see and hear
Review provided by Viator
Anita_n
Aug 1, 2024
DIY! - Can be done without a guide at personal pace! Too fast, too vague. Polite and nice guide. Gion is lovely and a must do.
Review provided by Viator
Cristina
Jul 23, 2024
Cute. - The neighborhood is temporarily cute and quaint. We went there around 7 p.m. Too bad because it was all closed! Full of tourists but nothing open. To have dinner we had to move. Too bad because it would have been nice to dine in the quaint alleys
Review provided by Tripadvisor