Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge

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. 

Where you’ll go

In the heart of Kyoto, you’ll find Japan’s most famous geisha district, Gion. Located between the 1300-year-old Yasaka Shrine on the east and the local hotspot Kamo River on the west, Gion is a snapshot of modern and ancient Japan, harmoniously intertwined.

At dusk, paper lanterns illuminate cobbled streets, and quiet areas become crowded. Your host will lead you down Hanamikoji-dori, the bustling main road passing through the center of Gion, lined with bars, izakaya, temples, and shrines.

Try to snatch a glimpse of a mesmerizing geisha at Gion Corner, a traditional Japenese theater, then walk 10 minutes across the river to atmospheric Ponto-chō, home to tranquil teahouses, upmarket restaurants and where you could spot more geisha floating by. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • 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
  • You could see seven of Japan’s most famous traditional arts at Gion Corner, from comedy to dance to flower arranging
  • Let your local host answer any questions you have about the elusive lives of geishas

Things to know

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)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Ada was the best guide. She was very prepared, explained things very nicely and thoroughly, she spoke perfect English, and customized the tour based on our interests. Highly recommend and had a great experience!

    March 2023

    Shreyas G

    Akane took us to some lovely places that I probably would not have known to go on my own. Also she was very flexible with the changes in our schedule due our previous tour going over its allotted time and I really appreciated that!

    November 2021

    Mellany G

    Taibi was an awesome guide who toured us not only around Gion but other places like the Nishiki Market to sample and taste different foods, took us through some interesting shrines and showed us local places and shops that were not touristy. He provides us with different landmark locations so we could revisit those places throughout our stay in Kyoto. We would highly recommend Taibi as a guide. He was awesome and so friendly.

    July 2019

    Heather and Jason W

    Fabulous tour. Tess was our gorgeous guide who showed us popular sights and “off the beaten track” hidden gems, that only locals frequent. Tasted delicious food and was immersed in the culture of this beautiful city. Thank you Tess. We will definitely recommend you to our friends. Arigato!!

    May 2019

    Garry C

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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