Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour
Description
This tour is typically conducted in a small group of up to about 10 people. Why don’t we accept many guests? Because we believe that if there are too many participants, the guide won’t be able to give everyone proper attention. Starting from the landmark Minamiza Theater in Gion, we first head to Hanamikoji, known as the geisha district. In this area, you will not only enjoy the traditional streets, but also learn the mysterious rules and trivia of geisha culture from your guide. If you’re lucky, you may spot a real Geisha. Also this tour offers more than just a glimpse into Geisha culture. Next, you will see a shrine for matchmaking and a beautiful Buddhist pagoda outside Geisha district, which is illuminated at night, creating an even more stunning sight. This tour is a great way to gain a better understanding of Kyoto's traditional streets and local culture. Let us help you make wonderful memories in Kyoto!
Tour Options
Itinerary
It is one of the most famous streets in Kyoto. You may see a Maiko or Geiko if lucky. If you see a Maiko or Geiko, greet them with a smile and say "Konnichiwa."
It is a shrine that helps men and women meet each other and cut off bad relationships. In the case of a married couple or a couple, the bond will be stronger.
This road leads near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This road also has a beautiful traditional Kyoto townscape, and Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda) is especially popular.
It was built in 1955 to pray for the repose of the souls of the victims of World War II. There is a very large statue of Kannon.
It was built about 400 years ago by the wife of a shogun to mourn the death of her husband. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful garden, the 400-year-old tea ceremony house, and the bamboo grove. Also, this place is not as crowded as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is a perfect temple to feel the calm atmosphere of Kyoto. Caution: Daytime only Closing time is 5 pm.
Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 related shrines throughout Japan. Yasaka Shrine is known as "Gion-san" for its blessings to ward off bad luck, bring good luck, and promote beauty.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to slopes and stairs, this tour is not recommended for those who are not comfortable with walking.
Reviews(161)
Fantastic walking tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and entertaining. It was enjoyable and fascinating to learn about the Geisha, temples and shrines of Gion.
Raj was so friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and very good at taking pics! Happy to take this tour and would recommend it to everyone. You can walk into places that was normally super crowded in the day.
Karen was so funny and friendly! It was great to have a local's knowledge. We learned a lot, saw amazing night sights, and had a great time.
Great way to see the city side at night when less crowded. Our tour guide Hinata was great at explaining in details and was easy to understand. He even gave us hand made gifts at the end of the tour. We we so lucky to spot 2 Geisha's during the walking tour!
Fantastic tour with tour guide Hinata!! He was full of so many fun and interesting facts, especially about the Geisha culture. Amazing to see the shrines and temples at night as well and learn about various traditions. Highly recommend!!
Great tour. Definite advantage taking it at night . Was able to learn more about geishas and visit the temple at night
Excellent tour with Shion despite pouring rain. Highly recommended.
Raj our guide was knowledgeable. The tour was some what interesting. The tour spent to little time on the temples. The lights go out at 9pm at the temples so I don’t understand why the tour starts at 8.30 . By the time we got there there wasn’t much to see. Tour not really worth it . Better to do it yourself.
I’m sorry that we disappointed you. Recently, the illumination at the pagoda has started turning off earlier than before, so we may not have had enough time there. To better accommodate the lighting schedule, we have improved the tour route accordingly. We sincerely apologize.
Walk was relaxing experieince with plenty of chattter explaining everything aound the place. Lovely walking at night.
I really loved this night walk with Yota. The city completely transforms at night and he took us to places I would never have thought of going in the evening, it was honestly magical. Yota is a great guide, full of local knowledge and patient in explaining things like deity and prayer rituals. It was a lot of fun but also so informative. I’d do it again.
