Kyoto:Gion District Night Walking - Small Group Guided Tour

Discover Kyoto’s Gion by night in an intimate, small-group tour. Explore secret paths, enjoy personal guide attention, and immerse in local culture.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gionmachi Minamigawa - One of Kyoto’s most renowned streets. You might spot a Maiko or Geiko if you’re fortunate. If you do, greet them with a smile and say “Konnichiwa.”

  • Yasui-Konpiragu - A shrine that aids in forming new relationships and severing harmful ones. For couples, it strengthens their bond.

  • Sannenzaka Ninenzaka - This path leads close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and features a stunning traditional Kyoto townscape. Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda) is a notable highlight.

  • Ryōzen Kannon Temple - Established in 1955 to honor the souls of World War II victims, it houses a massive statue of Kannon.

  • Kodai-ji Temple - Built around 400 years ago by a shogun’s wife in memory of her husband. Visitors can admire the beautiful garden, a 400-year-old tea ceremony house, and a bamboo grove. It’s less crowded than Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it an ideal spot to experience Kyoto’s serene atmosphere.

Caution: Open during daytime only. Closes at 5 pm.

  • Yasaka Shrine - The main shrine among approximately 2,300 affiliated shrines across Japan. Known as “Gion-san,” it is famed for its blessings to ward off bad luck, bring good fortune, and enhance beauty.
What's Included
  • Photography service
  • I will take your picture
Additional Information

Would you prefer a walking tour for 20 or 30 people? This is a small group tour, making it easy to converse with the guide, who can give individual attention to each participant.

On this tour, you’ll explore the Gion neighborhood with a local Japanese guide from Kyoto. This experience goes beyond just following a guide and taking in the sights. The small group setting allows for shared knowledge, questions, and engaging conversations.

The tour begins at the Minamiza Theater and moves into a quieter area. Enjoy the city’s changing atmosphere as you walk. We’ll also take you through hidden paths and spots with stunning views that most travelers miss.

While you can visit famous temples quickly by car, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the traditional streets on foot.

Location
Minamiza Theater
Come to the front of the theater named Minamiza near Gion-Shijo station. I will be there with a sign "TravelinGood!!".
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(40 Ratings)
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Katieb220619
Jun 25, 2024
Best €16 you’ll spend in Kyoto! - Sho was an absolutely amazing tour guide! He was so knowledgeable, he answered every single question we asked! He brought us all around the Gion region and we visited some shrines, which are so beautiful at night. Thank you Sho for teaching us so much about Kyoto!! I could not recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariko_w
Jun 21, 2024
Perfect evening tour in Kyoto - We loved getting learning about the Gion area history, all about Geisha and Maiko, and seeing the beautiful temples/shrines. Sho was a fantastic guide and very friendly. We were 4 adults and 1 child and we all had a great time in the 90 minutes. Being in the evening, the crowds had really thinned out!
Review provided by Viator
V6639fwdaniellep
Jun 11, 2024
Beautiful Night Tour - Sho was a very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide! We absolutely loved the tour and it was so nice to walk Gion at night when the weather has cooled off and the crowds have gone away. I highly recommend this tour 10/10!!! Arigatō Sho!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monsieurm198
Jun 4, 2024
THE tour that will make your trip to Kyoto even better - Has to be the best and most beautiful tour i’ve ever experienced. The guide, “Sho”, was incredibly friendly and answered all our questions. Kyoto is even more beautiful at night than at day and Sho took us to the most beautiful spots and collaborated on all of them. He also told a lot of funny stories which improved the tour even more. I wholeheartedly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lachlan
May 19, 2024
Night time guided walking tour of Gion, Kyoto. - Picturesque night time views of Gion. We had a great time. Our guide was very informative and made the tour interesting. Recommend this tour as a nice way to take in Gion and see some of the historic buildings which look even better at night.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahcg9203hb
May 15, 2024
Recommended - Booked this as I was with a group who had done it the night before. Our guide Sho was great. Very easy to find the meeting point. We saw 2 Geisha. Definitely recommend a tour as the streets are a maze and you would struggle without one, especially at night. Saw three Shinto shrines too. I loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mc8616
May 5, 2024
Excellent Walking Tour - Great guide! Sho was amazing. Excellent route we would not be able to find ourselves. Plenty of photos options along the way. There are way less tourists at night.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
927katea
May 5, 2024
Night walk around Gion area Kyoto - Loved this tour of Kyoto Gion area with Sho our guide! It was an easy walk, interesting and at a relaxed pace Would recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vishal_v
May 15, 2024
Wonderful, wonderful wonderful - Experience was good interms of places Sho took us , at night without any tourist I had some great clicks , we even spotted Geisha. Sho was a great and fun host.
Review provided by Viator
F98y7gn9fq
Jul 3, 2024
Great walk - Sho was nice and the price was low, so it’s tough to complain. His knowledge wasn’t very deep, so it’s more of a nice walk to introduce you to the highlights of Gion, which isn’t a bad thing. Don’t expect much info about history and be prepared to use google for the questions he can’t answer. The small size of the tour was great.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 7 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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