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 at Gion-Shijo train station and kick off our free tour of the Gion district. Let's dive head first into uncovering the famous geisha district of Kyoto!

As we stroll down the neighborhood streets, we'll discuss the rich history behind these artists, whose traditional wooden houses line the neighborhood streets.

Next on our itinerary, we'll visit an okiya, a traditional geisha house. Here, we'll delve into the intricate details of a geisha's journey. For example, did you know that before becoming a geisha, one must pass through an apprenticeship? Those under an apprenticeship are called maikos. We'll dig into these little details and introduce you to some key players in the fascinating world of geishas.

Throughout the tour, we'll also pass by different osha-ya, or tea houses, and learn about the traditional music and dance studies that geishas follow during their training.

To end our tour, we'll visit the Yasaka Shrine, one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Japan. Geishas shine during festivals held at this temple, playing an integral role in the celebrations.

Finally, after 2 hours immersed in the world of geishas, we'll bring the tour to an end at this last site.