Traditions & Heritage • 4 hours 5.0
(6)

Traditional Kyoto: Kimono Experience in Gion

Experience Japanese culture and food while exploring the Geisha district Gion in a traditional kimono.

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

  • Pick from many different colors and designs at Hairmake & Kimono Rental First Kiyomizu Shop.
  • Take pictures in front of Hokan-ji, one of Kyoto's oldest and most famous places.
  • Relax and enjoy the peaceful feeling at an ancient temple called Kōdai-ji Temple.
  • Try the special Hoku-Hoku Dango Combo at eX cafe Gion Yasaka. It comes with matcha!

What to know before you go

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

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 4 hours.
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
Entry to the attractions (Kōdai-ji & Hokan-ji Temples)
1 food tasting & 1 drink
Kimono rental & Hairstyling
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions other than what has been listed
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Hairmake & Kimono Rental First Kiyomizu Shop, 100 Tatsumichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0855, Japan

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

Are you in the mood for a fun journey through Kyoto dressed to impress in a magical kimono? Then, this is the place to be. I love spending time in Kyoto—the city is absolutely magnificent, and there's so much to do. And what's better than doing it while making a fashion statement? So choose a color, get a local host to show you the ropes, and prepare for a fantastic adventure.

Picture this: you're in Kyoto, and your day kicks off at Hairmake & Kimono Rental First Kiyomizu Shop – where the magic of Japan's traditional fashion begins. I'm telling you, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store surrounded by racks of stunning kimonos. Choosing one feels like picking out a superhero costume – except your superpower is looking fabulous! The kimono is quite important to Japan's culture (I'll let your host tell you why), so remember to behave respectfully while dressed up in one.

Dressed to the nines, strut your stuff to Hokan-ji, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, an iconic landmark in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district. It's like stepping into a time capsule, with the pagoda towering above you like a silent guardian of ancient secrets. Fun fact, it was initially built by Prince Shotoku and has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires (I won't spoil all its secrets - that's for your host to do). Legend also has it; its unique shape wards off evil spirits. Talk about stylish AND protective!

*Please note that if this experience is booked during the week you will rather go to Kiyo-mizu Dera Temple as Hokan-ji is closed from Monday to Friday.

From there, meander over to Kōdai-ji Temple, where tranquility wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Kōdai-ji is a serene and enchanting temple known for its stunning Zen gardens and fascinating history. Founded in 1606 by Nene, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this temple is a tribute to her late husband. The gardens are straight out of a zen master's dreams – every stone placed just so, every leaf whispering centuries-old stories. One of the best things about Kōdai-ji is its mesmerizing bamboo grove, which provides a tranquil escape and a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts (have your Instagram and camera ready). Try your hand at finding inner peace amidst the meticulously groomed gravel paths – spoiler alert: it's harder than it looks!

But wait, the day's not over yet. Make a beeline for eX cafe Gion Yasaka, a hipster haven nestled in the heart of the historic Gion district. It's the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern flair. This stylish café is famous for its zen-like ambiance and beautifully presented sweets. Settle in with a matcha latte and one of their Zen Garden Sweets, soaking up the vibe as geishas glide by outside. Or, if you want a more interactive experience, try their Rolling Kyo-Temari experience, where you can create your own sweet treats inspired by Kyo-Temari balls. It's both fun and delicious!

So, whether you're into fashion escapades, spiritual journeys, or just chilling with a good cup of tea, this Kyoto adventure has it all. So dive in and create your own story amidst the cherry blossoms and ancient temples – because in Kyoto, the past and present dance together like nowhere else. I can't wait to hear more about your adventure!

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

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

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What travelers think of this experience

Douglas May 2025

Our guide Kenya was excellent. He was communicative before our arrive to personalize our experience and organized it in a manner that helped us to avoid the major rush at some locations.

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Carl May 2025

5* GYG6H8Z76B47

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Melissa May 2025

José was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and super nice!! We had the best time!!!

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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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Pamela May 2025

My experience with Eva was delightful. Her communication prior to and during the trip was excellent. She understood some of my mobility issues and was very flexible and understanding.

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Michael May 2025

Taking a private guide is the only way to visit Kyoto sites. The cheap larger group tours are horrible. The small walking areas make large groups just an annoyance. Our guide Kyoto (his real name) was knowledgeable and friendly. Great English and gave just the right amount of information and didn’t sound like some corny tour guide. Highly recommended.

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