Authentic Kyoto Gion Tour with Traditional Cuisine and Maiko Show
- Explore Gion area, the birthplace of Maiko culture.
- Visit Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum, where you can learn deeper understanding of Maiko culture and history.
- Enjoy a seasonal kaiseki course dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring Kyoto-style architecture.
- Special experience for Maiko performance during dinner.
- Enjoy taking with a photo alongside the Maiko for memorable experience in Japan!
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Meal arrangement | With dinner |
| Sightseeing type | Museum tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This is tour has 2 plan: a regular plan and a private plan.
Regular plan : you will join the tour together with other participants and the meeting point will be at Gion Shijo Station.
Private Plan: only you and your group will join the tour. Our guide wil come to pick you up at your Hotel and will bring you back to the Hotel when the tour ends.
With the private plan you will also have the possibility to rent a Kimono (additional charge applies, so please select the Additional Option).
We might cancel the regular plan of the tour if we do not have at least 8 participants by 14 days before the scheduled departure.
If Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum is closed, we'll offer to spend more time at Gion street instead. You will also receive a 1,500 yen drink voucher for use at cafes (valid in Japan).
Reminders
Customer Guidelines:
Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting place.
Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion.
Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.
Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Kyoto's Gion District is renowned as the historic center of geisha culture, preserving traditional Japanese performing arts and architecture. It is famous for its elegant machiya houses, historic tea houses, and the chance to glimpse Maiko (apprentice geisha) or Geiko (geisha). Key attractions include the Shirakawa Canal area with its beautiful cherry trees, Hanami-koji Street for traditional dining, and the Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum for cultural insights.
Gion's historical significance dates back to the Middle Ages when it developed as an entertainment district for pilgrims visiting the Yasaka Shrine. Over centuries, it evolved into the most prominent geisha district, where traditional Japanese arts like dance, music, and tea ceremony are practiced and preserved by Maiko and Geiko. It represents a vital part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage.
While most of Gion's public streets are open, some private alleyways, particularly in the Shirakawa South area, have been designated as private property where tourist entry is prohibited. Visitors should be mindful of signs indicating private roads. It's crucial to respect the privacy of residents and performers, avoid entering private property, and refrain from chasing or photographing Maiko/Geiko without explicit permission.
Visiting Kyoto's Gion District offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Japanese culture. Experiences include strolling through historic streets lined with wooden machiya, enjoying a traditional kaiseki course dinner, and witnessing an authentic Maiko performance. The district provides a rare glimpse into the preserved world of geisha, offering both cultural education and memorable moments.
To reach Kyoto's Gion District, you can use public transportation from Kyoto Station. Take the City Bus (e.g., numbers 100 or 206) and alight at the Gion bus stop. Alternatively, take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station or the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, both of which are within easy walking distance of the main Gion area.
During a Maiko show experience in Kyoto's Gion District, guests typically enjoy a seasonal kaiseki course dinner. This traditional multi-course meal showcases Kyoto's culinary excellence, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Dishes often highlight local specialties, such as Kyoto vegetables, tofu, and fresh seafood, reflecting the region's refined gastronomy.
At the Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum, visitors can delve deeper into the rich history and intricate world of Maiko and Geiko culture. The museum typically features exhibits on their rigorous training, daily life, the significance of their elaborate kimono, traditional hairstyles, and makeup. You can also learn about the various traditional performing arts they master, such as dance, music, and tea ceremony.
When encountering Maiko, especially during a performance or in public, respectful etiquette is paramount. Always seek explicit permission before attempting to take a photo. Many tours include designated photo opportunities with Maiko, where guidelines are provided. Avoid blocking their path, chasing them on the street, or using flash photography. The key is to be discreet, quick, and respect their privacy and space.
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