KYOTO
Kyoto’s most-loved days out.
The 15 most popular show tours in Kyoto. What each one involves, how long it runs, what it costs, and who you book with.
Kyoto Gion cultural walk with a Maiko performance and Q&A, plus lunch or tea or dinner options, in a small English group.
Most Popular“Very good Tour and expierence for a good price ! I can only recommend”
Gion cultural walk in Kyoto plus a maiko dance show and Q&A, with expert guidance and optional dining in a small group.
“This has been on the best group tours I've been on! Kenya was very kind and knowledgeable about the Geico/Geisha history and culture. I enjoyed the teaching and background tour before our group met the young Maiko. Definitely a wonderful experience only wish we could have talked with the lovely Maiko more about her journey…”
1-hour Maiko show in Kyoto with green tea, Q&A, photos, and a traditional game. Choose a Kyo-machiya tea house or Gion theater.
“Amazing experience! More than I expected, our tour guide Soichiro was very personable and friendly. The Maiko was very friendly as well and answered many questions, with a translator. The dance was beautiful and the game we played Read more”
Kyoto’s Samurai Kenbu sword-dancing show blends English storytelling, katana technique, and a short hands-on lesson near Sanjo for $32.
“Great Performance show of samurai dances (=kenbu). We had the chance to practise some moves by ourselves with a samurai sword. Fun experience.”
Meet a Kyoto maiko up close with two dance performances, an English Q&A, and a photo using your own phone at Kyoto Handicraft Center.
“I went with my wife. We are both teachers. This was a first rate experience that we both recommend highly. The translator gently explained about maikos and geikos and we had two short dances. We were then able to ask questions. This was extremely interesting and informative but it was also rather touching and I…”
Kyoto’s GEAR non-verbal theatre delivers 90 minutes of close-up robots, magic, dance, and emotional storytelling for all ages.
“most amazing experience...so much energy and a story you cannot believe can happen with no speaking. Highly recommend”
See Kyoto’s non-verbal GEAR show at a tiny black-box theatre with projection mapping, LED costumes, and top-tier physical performers.
“This was a unique and highly entertaining show. My husband and I attended with our three adult children and we all LOVED it! There is something for everyone…dancing, juggling, magic, and mime. The actors are so incredibly talented and the staging is different from anything I’ve seen before. GEAR was terrific !”
A small-group Gion tour in Kyoto with an intimate maiko performance, tea and snacks, and real time to ask questions and play a game.
“What an amazing experience, our guide and interpreter was. Yoshino walked us around Gion and gave us an overall experience of the area and on Maiko and Geikos. The Maiiko was a delight we asked many questions which she happily Read more”
Small-group Gion tour in Kyoto: maiko dance show, tea and snack, plus a traditional fan game with your apprentice.
“By far the highlight of the tour was the tea and delightful experience with the miako which Rin interpreted for us. We loved the Q and A and the fan game.”
A Kyoto one-hour Maiko show with a rare up-close performance, Q&A, and a traditional game, plus tea and snacks in Gion or a tea house.
“Amazing experience. The Maiko’s performance was beautiful and graceful, and Ai was a wonderful guide. She explained everything clearly and made sure everyone enjoyed the show. It was a memorable way to experience Kyoto’s culture. Highly recommended—thank you, Ai!”
One hour geisha show in Kyoto’s Gion: watch a maiko dance up close, enjoy tea and snack, play a Japanese game, and get Q&A.
“In a staged setting. Intimate private space with tome to ask lots of questions. Host also communicated well.”
Try shamisen, koto, and wadaiko in a small-group Kyoto show. You get a concert, hands-on instrument time, and a photo moment.
“Fun and great information. The hands on portion was cool too! It was cool to see them play the instruments, sing, and allow us to participate in some songs. The hands on part was fun where we were able to play the instruments and guideRead more”
Kyoto's Wazuma magic show and Uji matcha tea in a private Gion tea room: 1,000-year illusion art with English guidance.
“Masaya was awesome and the magic is right in front of your face and you still can’t guess it! Personally and great experience”
Meet a Kyoto **maiko** in a small-group cultural hour with English translation, live dance, and Q&A. Guaranteed stage access.
“One of the best tours we have experienced. Highly recommend, the guide was professional and highly knowledgeable. I can safely say no one will be disappointed with this experience. Worth the expense…BOOK IT!!”
Kyoto Station’s night architecture and a Kyoto Tower viewpoint, plus a geometric light show and rooftop views, in 90 minutes for $52.
Every district, every season, and every way to see the old capital.
