🏨 Gion Private Tour - The Birthplace of Geisha Activity

Gion Private Tour - The Birthplace of Geisha

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From $115.81

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Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 3 hours

Departs: Kyoto, Kyoto

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

Gion (祇園) is part of the Higashiyama or “Eastern Mountain” area of Kyoto. It’s one of the famous geisha (called “geiko” in Kyoto) districts in the city, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east to the Kamo River in the west, and from the Shirakawa Canal in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south.

Gion started around the Edo period (1603–1867) and originally developed to serve the needs of pilgrims to Yasaka shrine. Many tea houses opened up and these became famous spots for resting and enjoying tea after a morning of visiting shrines and temples.

It ultimately became the home of tea houses, geisha and night entertainment.

The first official geisha were licensed in Kyoto in 1813, 53 years before the Meiji Restoration, but some believe their culture is linked to dancers and performers from the 11th century.

Catching a glimpse of a geiko, with her white face and beautiful kimono, rushing to an appointment in the narrow streets of Kyoto’s Gion district is a moment of pure magic.

What's Included

Professional guide.

Traveler Information

ADULT: Age: 14 - 99

Additional Info

Doing your part All of us share in the responsibility of protecting each other’s health. As a responsible traveler, we ask you to follow the current personal hygiene procedures recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as any requests by our p
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Public transportation options are available nearby
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised

Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Face masks provided for travellers
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

What To Expect

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka Jinja), also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hanamikoji Street

One of Kyoto City's most famous streets for Geisha.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gion Shirakawa

Another scenic part of Gion is the Shirakawa Area which runs along the Shirakawa Canal.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pontocho District

Arguably the single most beautiful and atmospheric street in all of Kyoto.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Miyagawacho Koan

Miyagawacho is one of the hanamachi (flower towns) or geisha districts in Kyoto.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Gion Private Tour - The Birthplace of Geisha Activity - Kyoto Travel Guide

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