Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour
Step into the hidden world of Kyoto’s geisha culture on this unforgettable tour. Begin with a guided walk through the atmospheric streets of Gion, where maiko and Geiko live, train, and perform. Your local guide will unveil the deep history and customs of this mysterious world, enriching your understanding before the main experience begins. In the second half, gain ultra-rare access to a private Ochaya (teahouse) — a place so exclusive that even most Japanese people are never allowed to enter. There, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a maiko and a former Geiko. Enjoy a graceful live performance, take photos, and engage in personal conversation. The true highlight is hearing their candid stories and cultural insights — a rare, authentic connection with Japan’s living traditions.
Options
Kyoto Geisha Encounter and Cultural Gion Walking Tour
Starting point:
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan
What's included in Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gion Shirakawa
While walking through this beautiful part of Gion, a guide will tell you about who geishas in Kyoto are and their lifestyle .
Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
Tatsumi Daimyojin is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to a deity of protection, good fortune, and safety, especially for travelers and warriors. It was founded during the Heian period (794-1185) and is located in the Tatsumi area. Historically, it has been linked to the imperial family and samurai. The shrine features typical Shinto architecture and is known for its scenic beauty, particularly during cherry blossom season.
Tatsumi BridgePass-by Only
Tatsumi Bridge is a small traditional bridge located in a corner of Gion that feels like stepping into a scene from a movie. The area around Tatsumi Bridge is filled with charming wooden machiya houses, traditional tea houses, and the tranquil Shirakawa Canal. The area is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and in the evenings when the lanterns illuminate the historic streets, offering a magical atmosphere.
Inclusions
- Photo session with a maiko
- Local guide
- Gion walking tour
- Live performance by Maiko and a former Geiko
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- No children under 10 years old
- You MUST wear socks at the venue of the performance.
- Photography and video recording are allowed only during the performance and the photo session. If you wish to upload any photos on social media, please obtain direct permission from the Maiko beforehand.
- As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The tour will take place rain or shine.
- No wet cloth and socks are allowed at the venue on rainy days (Please use an umbrella during the walk).
- Services not listed (for example: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from the meeting spot, Extra food and drink, Other personal expenses) are not included in the tour.
- Refundable for cancellations due to organizers' reasons; no refunds for incidental hotel or bullet train costs.
- The tour may be a bit longer than expected depending on the day
- The Maiko performance will held on at exclusive private house’s 2nd floor, we can only access there with stairs.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- [Meet up] in front of Seven Eleven Higashiyama Donguribashi Store (at the Exit 1 of Keihan Gion Shijo station). Please find your guide who holds a green board written Japan Wonder Travel. *Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before tour start time.
- [Meet up] the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni (at the Exit 4 of Keihan Gion Shijo station) Please find your guide who holds a green board written Japan Wonder Travel. *Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before tour start time.
End Points
- End a tour at a special private house (venue)
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
- You MUST wear socks at the performance venue - As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. - The tour will take place rain or shine. - On rainy days, please use an umbrella during the walk. If your cloth and feet are wet, please wipe them with a towel at the entrance and change to clean socks to enter the room. This is due to prevent damaging the tatami mat in the room.
