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?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75164/f09c012e-2654-4195-8e6a-c50e52096887.png)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/54582/04ae3079-78b0-4dcd-a33f-8021040a304c.png)
Alexander N.
“️️️️️ An Exceptional Kyoto Tour with Jasmine — Highly Recommended!”
My family (including our daughters, 10 and 16) spent a full day touring Kyoto with Jasmine on December 1, 2025, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. She asked about our interests—historic shrines, temples, and the Gion area—and created a custom route that covered everything we wanted to see. Before the tour, she even advised us on where to stay, what to wear, and what to bring, which was incredibly helpful. Jasmine met us at an easy-to-find spot and immediately made us feel welcome. Her English was excellent, and she was patient, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She adjusted the walking pace to suit our family and filled the day with interesting stories about each site. She also shared insights into local traditions, daily life, and school customs, answering all our kids’ questions as we saw many local students touring the same areas. Her cultural explanations and tips were things you would never find in a standard guidebook. My wife has a heart condition, and some uphill paths were difficult for her. Jasmine quickly adapted the route on the spot, reducing stairs and steep climbs while still ensuring we visited the key sights. Her flexibility made a big difference. Near the end of the tour, my wife suddenly felt very unwell, and we had to cut the day short to reach the ER (thankfully she later recovered). Jasmine was incredibly supportive—she helped us catch a taxi, directed us to a major hospital with English-speaking staff, and checked in with us afterward for several days to see how my wife was doing. Her kindness and genuine care went far beyond what we expected. Overall, Jasmine greatly enhanced our time in Kyoto. Her planning, knowledge, and warm personality made the experience wonderful from start to finish. We highly recommend booking her as your local guide—you will not be disappointed.
Verona H.
“Great time in Kyoto!”
My family had a great time with Jasmine in Kyoto, she’s knowledgeable and went at a comfortable pace to cover everything we wanted to see. It was also helpful that she’s multilingual and fluent in English and Mandarin which suited us perfectly. I would definitely visit Kyoto with Jasmine again and spend a few days next time.
Bart B.
“Kyoto Family Fun Day”
We really enjoyed hanging out with Jasmine in Kyoto and our 4 and 6 yo did too. Would highly recommend this for anyone looking to hit the ground running in this city or if you just want to do a fun day on autopilot. She’s thoughtful when it comes to kids and both of ours asked if they could hang out with her again.
$159/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19122/802109b1-9bcd-4dd6-8524-e3f9878a3b45.jpeg)
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
The Ultimate Kyoto Tour: Explore Kyoto’s top sights in just a few hours! We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera, walk through a bamboo grove at Kodaiji, see a 1,000-year-old shrine, enjoy local shopping, and end the tour with Japanese sake in Pontocho Alley — or swap it for a family-friendly option like a market, mall, or animal café. Great for families, couples, and first-time visitors!
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19195/2c5eebbe-3d96-48eb-95ec-b35563333399.jpeg)
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
A perfect blend of taste and tradition—start with a delicious food tour at Nishiki Market, featuring 7 types of Japanese food (included in the price). Then stroll through the historic Gion district and visit iconic landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kodaiji Temple. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and flavors in one memorable day!
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/094ac183-f667-4a72-9cd5-3b226d49c12f.jpeg)
Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Geisha Streets and Temples
Step into the magic world of old Kyoto! This 4-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods—perfect for first-time visitors. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, lined with beautiful wooden teahouses and learn about the geisha culture. We’ll visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Zen Kodaiji Temple, and the 1000 year old Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, traditional architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Geisha Streets and Temples
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19294/a7848872-4976-4f7c-812d-911c9da32c87.jpeg)
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Escape the city and step into nature on this unforgettable Arashiyama adventure. Wander through Kyoto’s famous Bamboo Forest, explore the peaceful Tenryu-ji Temple, shop for local treats, cross the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, and enjoy a scenic boat ride with seasonal views. A perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun—all in one trip!
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/b3a280d3-b5d5-4de8-8c25-beadaa72194a.jpg)
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18650/1d8babde-bdf3-4148-b796-8e922ef39f10.jpg)
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12587/42d686b0-dbab-4415-acb2-a58ed5fac5da.jpg)
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47276/806519d4-d314-43ca-93bc-a4fef8e6ce4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17360/cc1ab6a7-dcb9-4099-8358-8ad0b3173e95.jpg)
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61875/d7d4e207-5e4f-476f-811a-dbd7043e46b1.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/b5bd75aa-f2d5-4976-862d-cafe45c18955.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/2169aa1a-9098-457b-af23-1b26a50cfa1f.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/ee08b9c4-802b-4056-ba91-328897c9eaf3.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/047c5312-8a79-4afa-8cc6-5c7fa3811aab.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/592bdd0a-d577-4253-b7c7-3999245c020a.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/0543e954-a424-41ca-b08a-32a28695df33.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/dc18a5d9-fd86-4817-a6e0-7f1791bcd8c9.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/3b9b4144-e5ca-4d4c-940d-80af42149e59.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/03210c26-aac2-4906-861e-628b68032aea.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/96addbba-093b-435f-a943-c6a47a59f653.jpeg)