Take a fully inclusive stroll-and-dine that features 2 local Kyoto standing bars, a meal's worth of tapas and small dishes, and a bonus fun and interesting journey through the famous Gion district's labyrinth of entertainment areas.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German, French, Spanish
- Small group
- Limited to 6 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy a large and varied dinner between two quality local restaurants, where regional tastes are featured
- Visit Yasaka Jinja in the evening and bask in its nighttime aesthetic and get an enriching primer on Japan's main religions
- Explore not just the Gion, but Ponto-cho area as well, where you'll be versed in what flourishes in the Geisha restaurant district today
- Get to know other travelers in a small group of no more than 6 participants
- Benefit from the services of an English, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide
Full description
Explore the Gion district by night with an experienced English, German, French, or Spanish-speaking tour guide who knows everything there is to know about the area. The tour starts near Kamo river, where you’ll learn about how the tradition of Geishas came to be. After a short stroll along a busy commercial street, you’ll slip into a calm, quiet area to visit the Yasaka Jinja shrine. After that touch of education, it’s off to the Gion.
The Gion has secrets and history scattered across its narrow streets, but this is also a modern entertainment district—so it’s time for a deep dive into what goes on here. Your guide will keep it light and fun, and explain some of the more interesting cultural mores of these parts. Step into a restaurant and graze from a multitude of small plates at a sort of Japanese-style tapas experience. Enjoy a drink as well before continuing on.
Between restaurant stops, there will be an exploration of Kiyamachi, Ponto-cho, and some other commercial and nightlife streets. Your guide will show you both modern and historical Kyoto, painting a well-rounded picture that gives you a real sense of the place. This tour keeps the groups small and includes your food and drinks, so that you can have a carefree night like you’re simply hanging out with someone who knows the neighborhood.
A delicious Kobe (or nearby sourced) Beef option is available on top of the usual food and drink. This option is for bookings at least 10 hours in advance.
Includes
- A full dinner across two restaurants
- Two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Gratuities (tipping is not the custom in Japan)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional drinks (may be purchased)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Meeting point
Meet your guide at the life-size bronze Geisha statue (Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni), just outside exit 5 of Gion Shijo station. We recommend searching Google Maps for "Izumo-no-Okuni".
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- Please indicate while booking those with allergies, or other food choice preferences.