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Kyoto Geisha Tour: Personalized & Private Exploration of Gion
4.2
35 Ratings
Kyoto
Join our Kyoto Geisha Tour and uncover the hidden world of geishas in the enchanting district of Gion. Explore Pontocho alley and Shimbashi street with a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Shijo Dori - Browse the shops on Shijo Avenue\n\nIMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences\n- Gion - One of the most famous spots in Kyoto where you can learn more about the unique Maiko and Geisha culture. The streets are filled with shops, restaurants and tea houses, where Maiko and Geisha perform. Beautiful at night with the lit lanterns creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. \n\nImportant: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.\n\n- Hanamikoji Street - Stroll through Hanami-koji Street and pick an eatery to grab something to eat\n\nIMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences\n- Tatsumi Bridge - IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences\n- Shinbashi Dori - Explore Shimbashi, one of the most scenic streets in Kyoto\n\nIMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences\n- Yasaka Shrine - IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences\n- Pontocho District - Visit Pontocho alley; a narrow passageway lined with bars, restaurants, and even traditional tea houses.
What's Included
- 2-3 hours with a local Host
- Private and personalized experience
- Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
- Walking experience (alternative transport options available if needed)
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
- Tickets to any attractions
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
The life of a geisha is shrouded in secrecy, but you’ll be offered a rare glimpse into this ‘Floating World’ as you explore Gion with one of our hosts. Visit the famous Pontocho alley; a narrow passageway lined with bars, restaurants, and traditional geisha tea houses. You’ll also explore the scenic street of Shimbashi. Enjoy this ethereal evening with your host, as you travel back in time together (figuratively, of course).
After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you’ll be assigned a like-minded host who will personalize the itinerary to your requests and interests.
Location
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
(The host will be waiting in front of the shop, under the roof covered area)
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.2
(35 Ratings)
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Pam_b
Jun 2, 2024
Exceptional knowledge - Our tour guide Milo was exceptional. His ability to adopt the tour to our interests was a real winner. At no time did he not include all of us (that being 5) into the tour. His knowledge of Kyoto and its history was awesome. We would highly recommend Milo as your tour guide!!
Review provided by Viator
Eric_t
May 24, 2024
Great tour with Toga! - Excellent and special tour with Toga! He was great, friendly, and super knowledgeable! Highly recommended to any Kyoto visitor!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_b
May 23, 2024
Excellent tour. Kenta was fantastic communicator and help us greatly. Thank you. - All the tour was excellent. And Kenta finished the tour at the Gion Corner Geisha Show as we had bookings.
Review provided by Viator
Stephen_b
Apr 1, 2024
Gion Tour - Great tour through Gion with Takaya-san. We enjoyed hanging out in a tiny coffee shop in the Gion district and chatting with the owner.
Review provided by Viator
Stacy_m
Mar 13, 2024
Excellent tour! - Great tour with Brenda, she was able to really immerse us in the local area. She was informative and interesting. Well worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Bradcj4512nl
Nov 15, 2023
We learned about the history of the area visiting temples, shrines, and geisha area. - Very knowledgeable guide and she planned the tour to our interests. Pair guide spoke very good English and wanted to make sure we were happy. She even sent an email with suggestions for our next day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_b
Dec 31, 2023
Enjoyable - Kenya was knowledgeable and an effective communicator. The only thing that might have made it better was that I would do it during the day instead of at night.
Review provided by Viator
Quest02284419718
Mar 25, 2024
Friendly tour guide and fun area - Our tour guide was extremely friendly and nice. English was good, but was hoping for a bit more of the Geisha knowledge and history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tusya11
Dec 28, 2023
No geisha, no see - Not really a geisha tour at all. In geisha district you spend only about 30-40 minutes. Another hour is temple tour at night. The third hour is more like a shopping experience. Though our guide was very good and she gave us some info about geiko and mayko. We would like to thank her for that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelwithmetogether
Nov 9, 2023
Useless - The worst tour we’ve done in 3 weeks in Japan.His English was poor & when asked about geishas he said there were none.He took us to a couple of shrines,one with a good light show but we had to pay for him & us to go in.He hardly spoke to us & gave us no background information except to say they were old, although he lived here all his life.It is unfair to all the other guides we have used ,who put so much effort & preparation into their tour.He was a nice guy but a hopeless guide with no interest in his job.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
