Kyoto
Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district
Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours
5.0
(206)
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
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.
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 BridgeCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat 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.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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Sarah
Jun 2025
We really enjoyed our experience for the Gion tour. It was refreshing to receive emails about our preferences for our tour guide and things to help make our experience more enjoyable for our tour and our selected tour guide. Our tour guide Cici for friendly and informative. Cici understood the history and culture of Kyoto. My kids really enjoyed talking to Cici about everything related to Kyoto. Our whole family enjoyed our interactions and Gion walk with Cici. I would highly recommend this tour to others to try.
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Vishwanath
Jun 2025
Had a lovely evening with Milo. he explained the history of Kyoto beautifully and kept us engaged for 3 hours. the walking speed was easy and we covered a lot of important spots. again, thanks to Milo we feel we learnt a lot in this tour and head back with very fond memories.
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Vishwanath
Jun 2025
Milo was an excellent guide and explained the history of Japan and Kyoto really well. He was a very engaging story teller. The pace of the tour was just right and we were able to cover a lot of important spots along our tour.
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Sven
Jun 2025
We booked a private tour for me and me girlfriend. Our host was Ceci and we had a fantastic afternoon in the gion district and the shrines and temples around. we learned alot about the practices, culture and history of kyoto and especially the geishas / geikos, their work and the respected districts. The tour was very personalized and we saw a lot more things than we normally would have, if we just went on our own. We can 100 % recommend :)
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Katrina
Jun 2025
Everything about this tour was excellent. Easily one of the best tours I’ve ever been on (if not THE best tour) in the over 50+ countries I’ve traveled to. Milo was a well-versed guide, not only with knowledge on the historical aspects on Japan, but also amazing local recommendations. Truly could not recommend this tour and Milo enough.
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Nell
May 2025
José is a great guide, we booked the tour as our first activity in Kyoto, and Jose gave us spot-on recommendations that allowed us to avoid large crowds while still getting a good feel for both Kyoto's nightlife and cultural significance. We asked for a fast-faced tour and he had us covered so much ground. 10 out of 10 recommend.
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