Authentic Kyoto Gion Geisha/Maiko Cultural Experience

Kyoto , Japan

Authentic Kyoto Gion Geisha/Maiko Cultural Experience

Active

(47 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the exclusive world of Gion with this rare Maiko/Geisha experience. Enjoy an intimate encounter limited to just 10 guests, allowing for genuine conversation with a Maiko or Geisha and the teahouse owner. Witness a captivating traditional dance accompanied by authentic shamisen music, savor a bowl of ceremonial matcha, and capture unforgettable memories with a commemorative photo. Our beautifully designed teahouse, completed in Autumn 2024 with an architect's meticulous attention to detail, offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto's rich culture, usually inaccessible to travelers. This is your chance to truly connect with the heart of Gion.

Available options

September 5:15 PM Departure

Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum

2:30 PM Departure

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Itinerary: Gion Kagai Art Museum → Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience

September 7:15 PM Departure

Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum

1:20 PM Meet-up

1:15 PM Departure

Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum

3:15 PM Departure

Itinerary: Stroll Gion Streets → Teahouse Experience Please note: No entry to Gion Kagai Art Museum

11:50AM Departure

11:50AM Meet-up: Gion Kagai Art Museum → Stroll → Teahouse Experience

2:45PM Departure

2:45PM Meet-up: Meet at Gion Kagai Art Museum → Teahouse Experience → Stroll → Gion Kagai Art Museum

3:20 PM Meet-up

What's included

Teahouse experience (maiko or geiko traditional dance viewing, tea ceremony, picture taking, etc)

English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

From Gion-Shijo Station to Teahouse, your English-speaking guide will lead you through the charming streets of Gion, including the iconic Hanamikoji Street, offering fascinating insights into Gion's history and culture.

At the teahouse, enjoy intimate conversations with a Maiko or Geisha and the owner in a small group of 10, watch a traditional dance, sip matcha, and take photos in a beautifully designed tatami room.

What's not included

Fees other than those listed in Includes

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

34 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by 10 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be canceled

During the teahouse experience, you will be accompanied by either a maiko or geiko along with a tea master depending on the day. Maiko and geiko cannot be selected.

Children 0-5 years old cannot join the tour.

Please be sure to wear socks. If your feet, clothes, or bag are wet such as on rainy days, please wipe the water off with a towel, etc. before entering the teahouse. Please kindly cooperate in keeping tatami spaces clean.

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour.

Meeting point

Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign in front of the Tourist Information Center on B1F of Keihan Railway Gion-Shijo Station.

Important notes

If you arrive at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, please call the local operator, JTB Sunrise Tours, at +81 3 5796 5454 (available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.