Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
Discover the Secret Side of Gion
Take a peaceful walk through Gion and explore quiet streets full of beauty and history. Learn all about geisha culture and the traditions of Kyoto in a fun and easy way. You might even see a real geisha! With lots of pretty spots for photos and an easy route for kids and older guests, this tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Kyoto.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Disney Store Kyoto
- Disney Store - Kyoto Shijo-Kawaramachi
Kamo River
A peaceful “duck river” that runs through Kyoto. With cherry blossoms on the riverside, and outdoor dining terrace in summer.
Minami-za Kabuki Theater
Oldest Kabuki theater in Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shirakawa River & Bridge
A quiet, scenic area with a small river, stone bridge, and willow trees. It’s one of the most beautiful photo spots in Gion.
Hanami-Koji Geisha Street (Flower Street)
A famous old street lined with tea houses and traditional wooden buildings. You may spot a geisha walking to work here.
Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
Known for its unique power stone. People come here to pray for breaking bad ties and forming good relationships.
Yasaka Pagoda Tower
A tall five-story pagoda that’s a Kyoto icon.
Ninenzaka
A charming stone-paved street with shops and cafés. It feels like stepping into old Kyoto.
Yasaka Shrine
One of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, especially known for the Gion Festival. It’s lively and open day and night.
Pontocho Alley
A narrow alley beside the river, filled with traditional restaurants and bars. A great place for food and a possible geisha sighting.
Ending Point
End the tour in Pontocho Alley, a nightlife and restaurant alley!
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Guide Fee
• Drinking Water
• Food/Snacks
• Hotel Pick Up
Tour Important Information
• Duration: 3 hours
• Easy walking pace, suitable for all ages
• Guided in English/Chinese
• Focus on geisha history, culture, and hidden streets
• Chance to see real geisha or maiko (not guaranteed)
• Many great photo spots
• Runs in all weather – bring an umbrella if needed
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• No live geisha performances or direct interaction
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto.
My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Reviews
Holly D.
“Make sure you book with Jasmine”
What a lovely young lady! She was so knowledgeable and graceful! We were so lucky to have Jasmine as our guide. She knew all about Geisha culture, how to pray at Shinto shrines for our business success and great spots for eating/drinking after she left us. We had such a wonderful time seeing what makes Kyoto a very special place.
Nora J.
“Goin with Jasmine ”
Jasmine speaks almost perfect English. She emailed me a number of times before the tour to make sure we knew where to meet etc. She provided history and explanations that were very clear and she spoke loud enough that all 5 of us could hear what she was saying ( not true of some other guides). At the end of the tour she helped us find a bar we were looking for and made a great dinner recommendation. We liked her a lot!
Andrew T.
“Old Kyoto Walking Tour with Jasmine”
We had so much fun with Jasmine! She provided a fabulous tour of the must see parts of old Kyoto. We had expected an overview with a few landmarks but her tour felt very in depth. She shared history, current culture, food information and all sorts of insights to past and present Kyoto lifestyle. We loved it, and highly recommend!
$156/ per group
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There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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