Guided tour

Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District

Activity provider: WaRaiDo Guide Networks
Guided tour

Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District

Activity provider: WaRaiDo Guide Networks

From US$ 12 per person

Visit Gion, Kyoto’s most traditional district, where the world of geisha is still alive. Your local guide will explain the history and the lives of the geisha as you explore this picturesque area. Learn about the kimono, the geisha hairstyle, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 100 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover the world of geisha on a night walk through Gion
  • Get insider tips from a local guide
  • Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the district
Full description
Experience one of the most popular walking tours in Kyoto, joined by nearly 5,000 guests annually. This 100-minute guided walk is led by a licensed English-speaking guide and takes you through nighttime Gion. The tour begins at Gion Omoide Museum, connected to a traditional pastry shop. Walk down the classic cobblestoned streets next to the Shirakawa River, and admire the scenery that was featured in the book and film, Memoirs of a Geisha. As you walk beside this beautiful stream, the guide will tell you about the history of geisha and give you a detailed explanation in regards to their kimono, hairstyle, traditional rules, and what their daily life is like. Although it is not guaranteed, during the walking tour guests often encounter geisha walking along the street.
Includes
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Hotel pick-up/drop off
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

In front of Gion Omoide Museum (connected to the Izutsu Yatsuhashi pastry shop).

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

Not allowed

  • Video recording

Know before you go

  • To receive the child discount, a valid ID must be presented
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 871 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

We love Miei!!!!! What an interesting guide and very easy to follow. Her English was excellent and we learnt so much and laughed a lot - she’s clearly a very experienced guide. The tour encompasses very interesting areas, most of which we wouldn’t have seen without a guide.

March 24, 2023

The night walk in Gion is the best choice to make.It was like going back to the past and walking through the movie set of”Memoirs of a geisha”. Our guide was very helpful,informative with the history of Gion and the Geisha district. She made sure the walk was not boring. It was a memorable walk one should book when in Kyoto.

March 24, 2023

This tour is a great way to truly understand the Geisha world and how it operates - it is not what you probably think or expect. Fascinating insights and allows you to then explore Gion with a better understanding - so do it at the beginning of your Kyoto trip.

March 24, 2023

Product ID: 70438