Geisha Culture
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – The Stories of Geisha
Discover Kyoto's captivating Geisha culture with the Kyoto Night Walking Tour. Led by local guides steeped in tradition, this journey unveils the world of Geisha and Maiko.
Stroll through Kyoto's night, where elegance and grace come to life. Learn Geisha secrets, their training, and artistry. Encounter Geisha and Maiko en route to appointments, offering a rare glimpse into their world.
In an intimate setting, ask questions and engage with this enthralling tradition. The Kyoto Night Walking Tour immerses you authentically, connecting you to Kyoto's Geisha culture.
Join us on this enchanting journey to illuminate the captivating world of Geisha, revealing the history and thriving traditions that come alive in Kyoto after dark.
Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Night (w/Kyoto Snack)
Two Times Available: 12:00noon DAY or 5:20pm NIGHT Tour
Let's explore the Gion District geisha streets and take a deep dive into the "real Kyoto" in this magical, night walking tour. The expert guide will share with you all the hidden details of the closed world of geishas and mysterious Shinto shrines.
This is a walking tour going through several geisha districts, shrines, and beautifully preserved historic districts of Kyoto's Higashiyama area. The tour is about 3hr 30m.
The guide is an expert, speaking very clear & easy to understand, native English. The guide is extremely knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions in detail.
The guide will select a refreshing Kyoto snack during the break. (a small snack, not a full meal…will make every effort to cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan as well)
You will get deep insight into the Japanese way-of thinking, culture, and traditions that can't be experienced on other tours.
Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show
Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience
・In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history.
・In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together.
*Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.
Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gion
Discover the enchanting streets of Gion, Kyoto’s iconic Geisha district, and immerse yourself in its rich culture and history with insights from an expert guide who knows the area like the back of their hand.
On this small-group cultural tour, you will explore two geisha districts in Gion, gaining a sense of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and traditional charm. Learn about the lifestyle of Geisha and uncover the fascinating history of this renowned geisha district through captivating stories told by a local guide. Delve deeper into the real geisha culture in this iconic district. Geisha are most likely to been during this tour, so if you're lucky, you might even encounter geishas during a tour! Your guide will also share tips on where you can see maiko in action.
Kyoto: Meet the Geisha Maiko with Gion Walking Tour
Discover Kyoto’s captivating geisha district, Gion, with a professional guide who knows every corner of this historic area. Wander through picturesque alleys, admire timeless architecture and discover hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Kyoto's historic geisha district.
In the first half of this group cultural tour, walking through the charming streets of Gion. Gain insight into Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and traditional charm. Learn about the lifestyle of Maiko (an apprentice Geisha) and Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto) and uncover the fascinating history of this renowned geisha district from a knowledgeable local guide.
In the second half of the tour, visit a special private house where you will be warmly welcomed by a Maiko and a venue's owner (a former geiko). Enjoy their fascinating live performance, engage in conversation and take pictures with the maiko.
Experience the true essence of geisha culture and create unforgettable memories with this tour.
1 Hour Geisha Show Performance in Kyoto
Watch a real Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, perform up close. With only about 40 Maikos left in Kyoto, being able to watch one is a rare and special opportunity. Their numbers continue to decline each year, making this experience even more precious. Don’t miss your chance to witness this timeless tradition—book now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kyoto is the only place where you can experience the authentic world of Geisha.
Geisha Entertainment Experience in Tokyo
Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, built 400 years ago, symbolizes Fukagawa in the Edo period. Our facility is located within the precincts.
You can enjoy Edo kaiseki cuisine or Japanese sweets/ matcha while watching geisha dance and playing geisha entertainment.
You can choose between 3 options:
Option 1: MATSU course
Admission fee
Performance
Ozashiki Geisha entertainment experience
Kaiseki cuisine (with Fukagawa Meshi)
Drink
Souvenir
Option 2: TAKE course
Admission fee
Performance
Ozashiki Geisha entertainment experience
Fukagawa Meshi Set
Souvenir
Option 3: UME course
Admission fee
Performance
Japanese sweets and matcha
Souvenir
Option 4: TAKE Course (Hire included)
After your geisha experience, which starts at 12:00, you will have up to 5 hours to explore Tokyo on your own in a hire car.
*The hire car driver can speak English.
Explore Gion the iconic Geisha district on a Private Custom Tour
The life of a geisha is shrouded in secrecy, but you’ll be offered a rare glimpse into this ‘Floating World’ as you explore Gion with one of our hosts. Visit the famous Pontocho alley; a narrow passageway lined with bars, restaurants, and traditional geisha tea houses. You’ll also explore the scenic street of Shimbashi. Enjoy this ethereal evening with your host, as you travel back in time together (figuratively, of course).
After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host who will personalize the itinerary to your requests and interests.
Panama Geisha Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Private Tour
Join us for an unforgettable journey with The Geisha Experience! Enjoy a meticulously prepared pour-over of Geisha coffee while discovering its captivating history—from cultivation to your cup. Renowned for its exquisite complexity, this exclusive coffee variety delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and bright flavors. If you're in Panama, this experience is simply unmissable!
Next, treat yourself to a remarkable chocolate tasting at I LOVE PANAMA CHOCOLATE. Here, you will dive into Panama’s rich history and culture through its exceptional chocolate. Savor the vibrant flavors of Bocas del Toro's premium cocoa and appreciate the artistry of our talented local artisans. A true taste of Panama is waiting for you!
Panama Crafted Geisha Coffee Tasting Experience
This coffee-tasting experience is a sensory exploration unlike any other, combining the earthy depth and vibrant nuances of freshly roasted Panamanian beans. Each step of the journey unveils a unique layer of flavor: the fragrant aroma that rises from newly roasted coffee, the complex notes that unfold with each tasting sip, and the warmth of an artisan’s hand guiding you through it all. With every slurp, you’ll encounter rich, floral hints in the Geisha, the bright acidity of a traditional washed coffee, or the chocolatey undertones of an experimental natural. This experience is about more than tasting; it’s a true immersion into Panama’s finest flavors, capturing the passion, artistry, and culture behind each cup.
Private Dinner with a Geisha
Geisha traditions are traced to the spiritual center of Kyoto, where they were specified as geiko and maiko. Such a lovely tradition can hardly ever be enjoyed privately. From centuries ago, geiko and maiko parties have been given privately only for limited members of society. This tour makes it possible for visitors to truly experience the essence of geiko and maiko in an authentic manner. During the event, English-speaking guides will escort you around the geiko and maiko district, to be followed by a dinner or party arrangement lasting two hours. Since geiko or maiko are privately arranged only for your group, you will have the chance to fully exchange conversations with them and hear their stories which would normally not be told to the public.
Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour
To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Kyoto than through geishas and their traditions.
On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about geishas and the traditions and why this is such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Kyoto as you visit the Minamiza Theatre, Maruyama park and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Kyoto from a different perspective – the way the locals live it every day!
Withlocals Treasures of Kyoto Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
The Art of Geisha: Exclusive Show & Traditional Japanese Game
Ran by @guidemejapan on instagram. Join our tour to explore the Gion district and witness a captivating Geisha show performed by a Maiko, Geisha Apprentice. You will have the time to ask questions, play a traditional Japanese game with the Geisha Apprentice.
⚠️Children under the age of 6 cannot join the tour
Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha
Our tour offers the best route to see all of Kanazawa's must-see spots, and many of its lesser known gems, in one day on foot. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you come away with an enriched understanding of the culture of Kanazawa. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Matcha and traditional sweets at a historical tea house, allowing them to feel a connection to Kanazawa and its customs after only a short time. Please consider participating in this tour if you want to make the best of your time in Kanazawa on a course that is exhaustive but not exhausting.
Kyoto Gion Walking Tour Discovering the Secret World of Geisha
Explore the enchanting streets of Kyoto’s Gion district on this walking tour, delving into the fascinating world of geisha. Learn about their history, culture, and refined lifestyle as you stroll past traditional machiya houses and exclusive teahouses where Geisha entertain. Discover the rich history of Gion, a district that has preserved Kyoto’s elegant traditions for centuries. You may even see a Geisha or Maiko heading to an evening appointment, enhancing your experience.
Experience Authentic Gion Geisha/Maiko Cultural Tour
Enjoy a live performance of a traditional dance accompanied by authentic shamisen and singing by maiko or geiko and a former geiko who is also a teahouse owner, and a matcha green tea experience while learning the proper etiquette. As the tour is limited to 10 people, customers can enjoy a leisurely conversation with the maiko or geiko and the owner of the teahouse. Feel free to take a commemorative photo with the maiko or geiko. [Only February 2025 Tours] You will also enter to the Gion Kagai Art Museum, where visitors can gain a deeper insight into the culture of kagai, traditional entertainment districts featuring the culture of geiko and maiko. This walking tour is accompanied by a English speaking guide.
”Geisha×Tokyo”Traditional Culture Experienc at a Reasonable Price
BENITSUYA is a Japanese restaurant where diners can experience authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine and traditional Japanese geisha culture in a gorgeous Japanese modern space with crimson walls and Japanese decorations.
Experience the Asakusa geisha Opera Show!
Don’t just visit Japan—experience its soul.
Whether you're an opera enthusiast, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply seeking something new, this is an event you cannot miss. Witness the moment where history, innovation, and artistry converge—right here in Asakusa.
Private Geisha show with Maiko, an apprentice Geisha
Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples, which are full of countless unique stories that will astonish you, making you fall in love with and connect yourself to their ancient history. I am deeply fascinated by the living traditions called Geisha or Geiko hidden behind the sliding doors of Gion. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, so on my experience we will take tea break, talking with Maiko, Geisha apprentice and I will reveal the entertainers who adhere to this traditional lifestyle, their history, rituals, and nuances of the art-form.
・At the beginning part we will discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history.
・We would announce like "Ladies and gentle men…" and she, Maiko will show up. First we will watch her dancing.
・Then we will talk with and ask her questions, having a cup of tea.
Kyoto Geisha & Gion History Walking Tour
Gion is a district where Japan's traditional culture is still deeply preserved. With a local expert guide, you won’t just visit famous tourist spots but also explore hidden alleys.
First, we will visit Hanamikoji Street, known as the heart of the geisha district. Here, you will learn about the strict training of geisha, their graceful dances, and the craftsmanship behind their beautiful kimonos and hairstyles, giving you a glimpse into Gion’s traditional culture.
Next, we will walk through quiet backstreets with fewer tourists. These hidden paths lead to small shrines and historical spots.
You will also see wooden townhouses from the Edo period. Your guide will share the stories behind these buildings, allowing you to appreciate Kyoto’s old-town charm and rich history.