Authentic Kyoto Gion Tour with Traditional Cuisine and Maiko Show

Kyoto , Japan

Authentic Kyoto Gion Tour with Traditional Cuisine and Maiko Show

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Kyoto's traditional culture. Witness a mesmerizing Maiko performance while savoring a delicious kaiseki dinner at a historic Kyoto restaurant. Explore the enchanting Gion district, the birthplace of Maiko culture, and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. Delve deeper into the history and traditions of Maiko at the Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum. And as a special keepsake, capture a memorable photo with a graceful Maiko.

This tour has 2 plans: a regular plan and a private plan.
Regular plan : you will join the tour together with other participants and the meeting point will be at Gion Shijo Station.
Private Plan: only you and your group will join the tour. Our guide wil come to pick you up at your Hotel and will bring you back to the Hotel when the tour ends.

Available options

Authentic Kyoto Gion Tour with Traditional Cuisine and Maiko Show

Private Plan

Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: Our guide will come to pick you up at your Hotel and will take you back to it at the end of the tour.

What's included

Seasonal kaiseki course dinner with maiko show

Admission fee of Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum (If museum is closed, 1,500 yen drink voucher instead)

English guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Yasaka Shrine is central to Maiko and Geisha culture. It hosts the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals, celebrated in July, where the local community, including Maiko and Geisha, participate in various events.Additionally, Yasaka Shrine is an important place for Maiko to pray for success in their careers and good health, especially before performances.

Gion, a historic district in Kyoto, is birthplace of maiko culture. Maiko are apprentice Geisha, primarily trained in Gion. Young women begin their training in their teens, learning dance, music, and hospitality. Gion preserves Maiko culture, showcasing Kyoto's traditions while maintaining its historical charm.

Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum (Please note that If Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum is closed, we'll offer to spend more time at Gion street instead. You will also receive a 1,500 yen drink voucher for use at cafes (valid in Japan)）
Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum features a collection of artifacts, costumes, and historical documents related to Maiko. You can explores Gion's evolution as a center for Maiko culture and its significance in the development of Geisha arts here.

Stop 4

Seasonal kaiseki course dinner with maiko show (120 minutes)
At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring Kyoto-style architecture. This includes a special Maiko performance during dinner.
As this is a small group tour, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and communicate with the Maiko, ensuring an unforgettable moment in your Japan trip. Additionally, you can take a photo alongside the Maiko to capture this memorable experience!
(Menu details: Small dishes, Seasonal soup, Fresh sashimi (3kinds) and YUBA, Charcoal Grilled Kyoto Vegetable and WAGYU, Bite buckwheat noodle, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Seasonal Pot Cocked boiled rice with Kyoto pickles, Miso soup and Seasonal Ice cream *Please note that dinner menu may change without prior notice.)

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is not a private tour, you will enjoy the tour with other guests together.

We might cancel the tour if we do not have at least 8 participants by 14 days before the scheduled departure.

If Gion Hanamachi Arts Museum is closed, we'll offer to spend more time at Gion street instead. You will also receive a 1,500 yen drink voucher for use at cafes (valid in Japan).

Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting place.

Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.

The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion.

Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).

In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.

Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.

Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.

Meeting point

Meet at Keihan-Gionsijyo station, our guide bring "HIS" blue flag and wait for you.

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.