KYOTO
Kyoto’s most-loved days out.
The 15 most popular walking tours in Kyoto. What each one involves, how long it runs, what it costs, and who you book with.
Walk Kyoto’s Gion streets with a live English guide. See geiko and maiko, visit temples, find photo stops, get food tips.
“Hands down the best tour in Japan! Michael’s passion for history is infectious, and we walked away with such a deep understanding of Japanese culture and the world of the Geisha. Truly a fantastic experience for all ages—don't miss it!”
Kyoto’s Gion by night in a small group: geisha trivia, shrine stops, and photo help, starting at Minamiza Theatre for a calm 100-minute walk.
“Masami was the absolute best guide! We slowly walked though Gion, and through his guide though history, and telling us little anecdotes while seeing the area, made the night very enchanting. We did not have issue with terrain, any age can easily do. Highly recommend this tour!”
A 2-hour nighttime stroll through Gion and Pontocho with a local guide, geisha stories, and chances to spot geiko and maiko.
“Ann was a fantastic guide, really friendly and able to cater the content of the tour to people with no knowledge of Geisha or those with more experience. Obviously pationate about this subject and to provide a good walking tour. This really helped us get the most out of our short stay in Kyoto, and…”
A 100-minute guided night walk through Gion’s geiko and maiko world, with etiquette tips and a chance to spot them.
“The respectful way in which the tour was conducted really resonated with us as we were slightly hesitant about doing a tour in Gion. The tour was really content rich and we learnt so much about the Geiko and Maiko lifestyle”
See Kyoto’s Gion geisha culture after dark on a small-group walk, with guided stops at iconic streets and shrines for $25.
“Excellent tour, great historical accounts. Tour guide knew a lot of facts and it’s a great option for something that is less than 2 hours.”
Small-group Nishiki Market brunch walk with 7 tastings, a real meal, and photo help. Includes Gion sights and a shrine stop.
“Yusuke was an awesome tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and we got to try lots of amazing foods. Definitely recommend!”
Arashiyama bamboo, temples, and the Monkey Park hike with a small group guide, admission included, and calmer routes in Kyoto.
“Very enjoyable 5 1/2 tour with Teri and Francis. Great sights and lots of stories and humor too! Temples and shrines and history. Pleasant walk too.”
A 2-hour Gion walking tour with a local guide, classic Kyoto streets, a 1,000-year-old shrine, and your best odds to spot a geisha.
“I had a wonderful time on the Gion Tour today with our guides Soyo and Uta. They were very friendly guides and very much knowledgeable about the Gion District. I learned a lot about the Geishas and Maikos. I would definitely do this tour again in the future”
A 3-hour Kyoto walking tour through Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi izakayas, led by an English guide. Great for food, sake, and local nightlife.
“Great fun Taiga was very welcoming and gave us great insight”
Small-group Gion night walk in Kyoto with a guide, lantern-lit back streets, Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine, and a snack at times.
“Tour is a nice tour around Gion. It is quite long with limited breaks but you see and learn a lot about Gion”
Walk Fushimi’s breweries with a small group, tour Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and taste 18+ Kyoto sakes on a 3-hour guided route.
“We did a sake tasting tour in Kyoto with Matt, and it was a wonderful experience. Our small group of six made everything smooth and enjoyable, especially meeting conveniently at the train station.”
Kyoto Gion cultural walk with a Maiko performance and Q&A, plus lunch or tea or dinner options, in a small English group.
“We had an amazing time on this small group tour learning about the Geiko/Miko culture in Kyoto and we felt very privileged to have a conversation with and watch a performance from a real life Miko only a few months away from becoming a Geiko. Ken was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent guide and we…”
Gion cultural walk in Kyoto plus a maiko dance show and Q&A, with expert guidance and optional dining in a small group.
“Akari was great and had so much knowledge. Food was excellent and the meiko was amazing. You won't be disappointed.”
Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle in 3 hours with guided context and entry included for a small group.
“We loved our tour with Raphael Matsui. We learned more about Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace than we would have with a self guided tour and he answered many other questions about Japanese history and culture. Thank you Raphael!”
A 2-hour night walk through Kyoto’s Gion, led by an English guide who helps you spot geiko and maiko and avoid getting lost.
“This was one of the best tour guides I have experienced. She was knowledgeable and funny! Loved learning about the Gion district!”
Every district, every season, and every way to see the old capital.
