Kyoto: Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tour

Explore the captivating Gion and Higashiyama districts of Kyoto on this immersive walking tour. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the city’s rich geisha heritage, tranquil Zen temples, and local customs. This 2-hour adventure offers an intimate experience for just 8 participants, giving you the chance to truly learn about Kyoto’s enchanting culture. Priced at $34.84 per person, this tour promises to be a highlight of your visit. What secrets await as you venture into the heart of this historic city?

Key Points

• This 2-hour walking tour offers an immersive experience exploring the cultural heritage of Gion and Higashiyama neighborhoods in Kyoto.
• The tour is priced from $34.84 per person, limited to 8 participants, and includes a welcome refreshment and guided exploration of Miyagawa-chō.
• Highlights of the tour include a photo stop at Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine, visiting a serene Zen temple, and learning about Kyoto’s captivating geisha heritage.
• The tour provides valuable insights into local culture and customs, including the opportunity to see women in full geisha costume.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and comfortable shoes are recommended for the 2-hour exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Kyoto: Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tour" offers visitors an immersive 2-hour experience exploring the historic Gion district and the charming Higashiyama neighborhood.

Priced from $34.84 per person, this walking tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Explore the centuries-old entertainment district of Gion, known for its geisha culture. Enjoy a welcome refreshment before embarking on a guided tour of Miyagawa-chō and a photo stop at the Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine.

Flexible booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Experience and Itinerary

Starting at the Kyoto Fun office, the tour begins with a 15-minute welcome refreshment in the traveler lounge.

Next, the group ventures into Miyagawa-chō, the historic geisha district, for a 20-minute guided exploration.

The highlights include:

1. Wandering through the quiet alleyways, soaking in the atmosphere of this centuries-old entertainment district.

2. Visiting the Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine, where visitors can capture photos of the beautiful architecture.

3. Exploring a serene Zen temple, learning about the intricacies of local culture and customs.

The tour provides an immersive experience, offering insights into Kyoto’s captivating geisha heritage.

Cultural Insights and Highlights

As visitors embark on the Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural insights and highlights that make this experience so captivating. From learning about the enigmatic geisha culture to witnessing women in full costume, the tour offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s centuries-old entertainment district. Guests will also gain insights into local customs and enjoy a welcome drink at the traveler lounge. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides tips and recommendations to enhance the Kyoto experience.

Cultural Insights	Highlights
History and customs of geisha	Opportunity to see women in full costume
Local culture and customs of entertainment districts	Enjoy a welcome drink at the traveler lounge
Tips and recommendations for dining and activities in Kyoto	–
–	–
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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, it’s clear that this Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tour is a hit with travelers.

The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5 from 859 reviews, with glowing praise for the knowledgeable guide.

Highlights include:

1. "Our guide was amazing! We learnt so much and had a great time." – Danielle, Australia
2. "Guide was excellent, knowledgeable, and tour was great." – Katrina, Australia
3. "Great guide full of knowledge. A fantastic experience all around, highly recommended." – Sean, Ireland

With such rave reviews, this tour is sure to provide an immersive and memorable cultural experience in Kyoto.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for this walking tour is the office located on the second floor, which is easily identifiable by the company’s name and logo (Kyoto Fun).

A nearby landmark is the Bar called BB on the 1st floor, which is usually closed until 8 pm.

This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the itinerary involves walking through quiet alleyways and exploring various cultural sites.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for an engaging 2-hour exploration of Kyoto’s historic Gion and Higashiyama neighborhoods.

Exploring Gion, the Geisha District

After arriving at the meeting point, the walking tour begins with an exploration of Gion, Kyoto’s centuries-old entertainment district known for its connection to geisha culture.

The guide leads the group through the quiet alleyways, sharing insights into the history and customs of geisha. Participants have the opportunity to:

1. Witness women in full geisha costume, if they’re lucky.
2. Learn about the local culture and traditions of entertainment districts.
3. Enjoy a welcome drink at the traveler lounge to kick off the experience.

As the tour progresses, the group will discover Shinto shrines and Zen temples, seeing the rich heritage of Kyoto.

Discovering Miyagawa-chō and Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine

As the tour progresses, the group ventures into Miyagawa-chō, a well-preserved geisha district nestled within Gion.

The guide leads them through the quiet alleyways, pointing out the traditional machiya townhouses and elaborately decorated ochaya (teahouses).

They pause at the Yasui Kompira-gū Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its vibrant red gates.

The guide explains the shrine’s history and significance, encouraging participants to take photos.

Throughout the experience, the group gains insights into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions of the geisha community in this iconic neighborhood.

Taking in Kyoto’s Local Culture and Customs

Throughout the walking tour, participants enjoy Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and local customs.

The guide provides valuable insights into the history and traditions of the geisha culture, offering opportunities to see women in full costume. Visitors also gain a deeper understanding of the entertainment districts and their role in local customs.

The experience includes:

1. Learning about the history and customs of geisha.
2. Observing women in traditional geisha attire.
3. Exploring the cultural significance of Kyoto’s entertainment districts.

The tour also includes a welcome drink, allowing participants to relax and fully enjoy the local atmosphere.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Offered Daily?

The tour appears to be offered daily. The overview states that it’s a 2-hour walking tour of Gion and Higashiyama in Kyoto, and there’s no mention of specific tour dates or availability.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized to individual preferences. It follows a set itinerary and schedule. However, the small group size allows for a more personalized experience where guests can interact with the guide and explore the highlights at their own pace.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t provide any special dietary accommodations. However, the welcome refreshment is a standard non-alcoholic drink, so participants with dietary restrictions can opt out of that portion if needed.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Other Languages?

The tour is available in English, but other language options may be possible. Customers are encouraged to inquire about language availability when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Is Transportation to the Meeting Point Included?

The tour does not include transportation to the meeting point. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the Kyoto Fun office, which is easily accessible by public transport in the city center.

Sum Up

Discover the captivating beauty of Kyoto’s Gion and Higashiyama neighborhoods on this immersive walking tour. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll uncover the city’s rich geisha heritage, tranquil Zen temples, and local customs. Limited to just 8 participants, this 2-hour adventure offers an intimate and enriching experience that’s sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for Kyoto’s timeless charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: