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
Jason L.
“An Amazing Day in Kyoto!”
Our group had such an outstanding time with Jasmine. She was extremely kind, knowledgeable and enthusiastic during our time together. We began our tour with a visit to Hanami-koji Geisha Street where we had the good luck of seeing two maiko. Jasmine provided a very informative talk on the geisha and the tea houses in Kyoto. Later in the day we visited Yasaka Pagoda Tower, Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Jasmine did an wonderful job of pointing out the significance of each location. Along the way we stopped for several snacks, including the refreshing pickle on a stick, and a couple of shopping trips to purchase souvenirs unique to Kyoto. Jasmine's knowledge of and her pride in Kyoto made the tour one that exceeded our expectations. Thank you Jasmine!
Kendall R.
“Wonderful day with Jasmine”
We had a fantastic experience on our tour with Jasmine and highly recommend her. Her communication ahead of time was great, and she was incredibly flexible, allowing us to extend our tour to include the Nishiki Food Market. We put in almost 20,000 steps making it to all the sites (and somehow she did all of this without even breaking a sweat!), which was exactly the great, efficient pace we wanted to see a lot. Jasmine guided us through a large variety of temples and landmarks around the Gion area, always knowing the best routes to maximize our time. At the same time, she was flexible enough to allow for shopping and snack breaks for the kids, who really enjoyed having her as our guide. At our request, Jasmine answered all of our questions about Japanese culture and customs, dispelling some myths and helping us be more culturally aware and sensitive. We also appreciated the history she shared at each stop and the great spots she suggested for family photos. If you want a knowledgeable, accommodating guide for the whole family, definitely book with Jasmine.
Tammy W.
“An Incredible Family Day in Kyoto with Jasmine”
Our “Family Day in Kyoto: All the Best Places” tour with Jasmine was unforgettable. She is young, fun, and absolutely overflowing with knowledge about her hometown. Her passion is infectious, she introduced us to foods, places, and cultural insights we never would have discovered on our own. Jasmine is a true professional who takes her role seriously, yet keeps the day light, engaging, and full of energy. She even brought props to help us understand the history and traditions, which made everything come alive. We are so grateful for the experience she created for us. She made Kyoto feel personal and special. Thanks Tammy & Kim
$156/ per group
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