Gion Free Walking Tour

While in Kyoto, don't miss out on this free walking tour of the Gion neighborhood, and join us as we uncover the origins behind the iconic Geishas of Japan!

Gion Free Walking Tour

On the day of the activity, we'll meet on the shores of the Kamo River to kick off our free tour of the Gion district. Explore the famous geisha district of Kyoto! As we stroll, we'll discuss the rich history behind the artists whose traditional wooden houses line the streets.

Next, we will visit an okiya, a traditional geisha house, to delve into a geisha's journey. Note that an aspiring geisha must pass through an apprenticeship, referred to as maikos. We'll introduce key players in the world of geishas.

During the tour, we will pass by various osha-ya, or tea houses, and learn about the traditional music and dance studies that geishas undertake in their training.

To conclude the tour, we'll visit the Yasaka Shrine, one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Japan, where geishas play an integral role during festivals. After 2 hours immersed in the world of geishas, we will end at this final site.

Itinerary Changes

Please note that, due to organizational reasons, the order of the visits described in the itinerary may change.

Group Size

This free tour does not allow bookings for more than 6 people, even if they are booked separately.