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
Maile B.
“A lovely day filled with history and flexibility!”
Jasmine did a great job of communicating ahead of time all the logistics and answered all my questions. During the tour she was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We have younger children who aren’t from a walking city so Jasmine altered the day to fit the needs of our family. It was a wonderful tour and we highly recommend Jasmine!
Michael C.
“Jasmine is incredible!”
There are so many things to say about our tour, but let's start with what a wonderful person and guide Jasmine is. She is very personable and conscientious of your needs throughout the day, which is a long one and requires a lot of walking/stairs. It's impossible to see Kyoto in full in a single day, but the places you visit with her are perfect. The market is vibrant and full of food/ware vendors, and without her we'd have been lost or sucked into a tourist trap or ten. She cruises through it expertly and gets you to THE spots, some of which are quite unique. The information she provided about Gion and geisha history was just enough without the endless droning of a history professor that some guides pretend to be. The temple visits are great, but there are hidden gems she takes you to that make the tour that much better with fewer crowds. At the end of the day, she even bought us a gift and gave us dining recommendations! It was such a great tour; we highly recommend it, and I'd give Jasmine 10 stars if I could.
Martin D.
“Excellent day with Jasmine”
We had a wonderful time with Jasmine. Despite rain and jet-lagged kids, Jasmine was great in showing the key sites, and finding sugar and coffee breaks. Highly recommended!
$157/ per group
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