Kyoto

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours 5.0 (179)

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

Explore Kyoto's most mesmerizing district, see stunning temples, traditional shops, and maybe even the odd geisha hurrying to her next appointment

Visit on the 15th, 21st and 25th of the month to catch one of the flea markets and grab amazing bargain kimono, ceramics, handicrafts etc.

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

As dusk falls, experience the best of Gion’s nightlife scene with a local insider to guide you
Explore the areas that make the district famous, like Gion Corner and Hanamikoji-dori street
See the side of Gion reserved for locals – like sunset viewing Kamo River, just before the lanterns are lit
Let your local host answer any questions you have about the elusive lives of geishas

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience

3 hours with a host

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

Food and drinks

Tickets to any attractions

Transportation costs

Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

The host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

When Kyoto is sleeping, Gion is only just waking up. Begin your evening eating Obanzai or Mishin Soba in a tiny izakaya bar as the sun sets over the Kamo River. As the last light disappears from the sky, Gion’s lanterns cast a glow on intricate wood-built architecture, and the city takes on an ethereal appeal, made even more dreamlike by beautiful geishas floating by.

At Gion Corner, catch a quick show featuring seven of Kyoto’s performing arts, from comedy to dance, or grab a drink at a bar with other salarymen at a popular local haunt. Wind down as you share small plates shared with your host at an intimate izakaya, and take a dreamy stroll down tranquil Shinbashi-dori Street, home to Tatsumi Jinja shrine and centuries-old teahouses.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Tess_Liu_Kyoto_BR-1226201893

Tom_Vo_Kyoto_BR-1207290083

Kokoro_Ogasawa_Kyoto_BR-1234498219

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1219619623

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_CU-108407

Hanako_Kitajama_Kyoto_BR-1228661413

Cecilia_Elias_Kyoto_BR-1233364693

Cecilia_Elias_Kyoto_QTH123190

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1223077989

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_CU-107840

Kyoto_Noda_Kyoto_BR-1231082227

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_BR-1214150401

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_BR-1228451089

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_GYGLMVQZ7V7R

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_BR-1230176743

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_BR-1231013077

Eiko_Yamauchi_Kyoto_BR-1196118487

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1218947573

Jose_David_Vargas_Kyoto_BR-1228671511

Taiga_Utsumi_Kyoto_BR-1192254231

Alvin_Noviansyah_Kyoto_BR-1227976247

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1214179807

Kokoro_Ogasawara_Kyoto_YTW134751

Alexis_Sandes_Kyoto_BR-1226624629

Hanako_Kitajima_Kyoto_BR-1204603517

Tom_Vo_Kyoto_BR-1169344217

Eiko_Yamauchi_Kyoto_BR-1149801357

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_CU-105912

Tom_Vo_Kyoto_BR-1212135599

Hanako_Kitajima_Kyoto_BR-1212474221

Hanako_Kitajima_Kyoto_BR-1219979769

Tom_Vo_Kyoto_CU-106477

Kenya_Iwane_Kyoto_EVP647394

Kenya_Iwane_Kyoto_BR-1222047437

Ryokui_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1204814673

Tom_Vo_Kyoto_BR-1199392341

Hanako_Kitajima_Kyoto_CNZ573505

Emi_Horita_Kyoto_GYG48ZK2BVM5

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1220490899

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1215785079

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1203482663

Kiyoto_Noda_Kyoto_BR-1218458695

Alexis_Sandes_Kyoto_BR-1217401377

Jose_David_Vargas_Kyoto_CU-102290

Jose_David_Vargas_Kyoto_BR-1208869677

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_YAP237444

Jose_David_Kyoto_BR-1214451623

Toshio_Uenishi_Kyoto_RFP833558

Jose_David_Kyoto_BR-1214108785

Alvin_Noviansyah_Kyoto_KNY389579

Michael_Chodrow_Kyoto_BR-1215027007

Ryuki_Inoue_Kyoto_BR-1215657985

Rhea_Sarah_Kyoto_BR-1202882661

Annisa_Arsyad_Kyoto_BR-1213533187

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

Aditya Arvindbhai, Mar 2025

Had a great time with Michael. He knows so much about Kyoto, its history and the best places to be.

Theotime, Mar 2025

Had a great time exploring Kyoto with Milo! He knows the city inside out and made the tour super fun and easygoing. The route was well-planned, with a perfect mix of history, culture, and hidden gems. Definitely recommend if you want a local’s insight into Kyoto!

Jun, Mar 2025

Michael reached out ahead of time to introduce himself, exchanging his background. We got to know him beforehand. I was looking forward to meeting him. He did not disappoint us at all.

Charlie, Mar 2025

This was an amazing experience. It is definitely a must if time and money permits. Milo was superb and very knowledgeable. The route he takes you on is very interesting and beautiful.

Karen, Mar 2025

Nisa was excellent. She kindly met us at our hotel which made it easier for us not to have try and navigate the transport system given we had only arrived in Kyoto an hour earlier. The tour took us all through the geisha sub districts and Nisa was very knowledgeable about the history of the area as well. She also provided us with some great recommendations for good ramen, Udon noodles and good coffee. Thoroughly recommend this tour especially to orientate yourself in the Gion area.

Hong KEE, Feb 2025

The guide being us to setsubun festival which is quite specially and understand tonight is the last day of winter and spring coming tmr!! And understand more about Japanese traditional religious and story

SEE ALL REVIEWS