Gion Night Tour
Discover what Gion is really about from a Kyoto Insider, so you don’t miss out on your own!
Discover local authentic Gion!
Are you sure you won’t end up wandering around aimlessly on your own, missing out on the good stuff in Gion?
I understand. You’ve heard of Gion but you don’t know where to go and what to do when you get there.
I’ve taken many clients just like you, on small intimate tours of Gion. They were worried about missing out on seeing the geisha, finding a good restaurant etc. Let a Kyoto Insider like myself, help you discover local authentic Gion.
I take away the headaches and help you discover the hidden gems!
Your Gion Insider
Language barriers disappear!
I’m a fluent English speaker originally from Canada and speak Japanese fluently, helping you overcome language barriers
Professional & Experienced Guide
My expert guidance will ensure you know where to go and what to do in Gion. I will show you the proper etiquette to observe the geisha and introduce you to local places you’d miss on your own!
A local you can relate to
I’m a long-time resident you can easily relate to. My local experiences and knowledge gained over 15 years, gives you access to local places and my personal experience with the Geisha world provides you unique insights into the culture, difficult to find elsewhere.
How to book a tour
Touristy to Local Authentic Gion
Book a Tour in 4 easy steps:
1. Choose a tour
2. Fill in a simple booking form
3. Finalize the booking
4. Get the Gion Insider
Doing Gion on your own can be intimidating.
Trying to figure out where to go and what to do is a hassle. You will probably end up strolling around looking at the traditional buildings, struggling to find restaurants…
With a local Kyoto Insider, this doesn’t happen.
Your vacation should be stress-free-so start enjoying it!!
Join a tour and I’ll give you all the background you need to know what Gion is all about, plus I give you access to local places, you’d miss out on your own!
I’ve helped these clients discover local authentic Gion:
“IWe had walked around Gion the year before without any guidance. We were aimlessly walking down streets. After taking this tour, I feel that Gion has now been revealed to me! It’s like being able to read a language I couldn’t read before. What I liked best about the tour was Greg’s willingness to go off topic with us. I definitely recommend taking this tour because I felt like I had an insider’s view into Gion in a way that simply would not have worked if I was just working from a guidebook”
Jennifer Promosch⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have a much better sense of the history of some of Kyoto’s districts and like I’ve been shown around by a very knowledgeable “insider”/local-one with a deep understanding of Japanese history and culture. In Kyoto, we would wander around and see interesting looking buildings but not have any sense of what they were or of their history. I also loved that the tour size was small, which made it a very interactive and engaging experience. We were both enthralled for the full two hours of the tour – the time flew by! What I especially appreciated was that Greg was interested in knowing what we wanted to hear about/know about and really tailored the tour to our interests.”
Natalie Young⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on TripAdvisor
Experience local authentic Gion. A simple booking away.
Tour Pricing/Details
Tour Pricing
- tour fee: 10,000 yen per person (min. 2 clients per booking)
- 1 drink/food included in tour fee
- turn into a private tour at 3,500 yen extra a person
Tour Details
- tour starts at 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
- we meet in Gion
- walking is the main way we get around
- drinks and food at local izakaya or Japanese style pub/restaurant
- Insider information about geisha and tips on how to properly observe them
What You’ll get on your Gion Tour:
Native English, Fluent Japanese Speaker
Local Kyoto resident-over 15 years
Licensed & Experienced Guide
Access to local restaurants/shops, you’d miss on your own
Local authentic Gion Experience
The “Real” deal about geisha
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers
Why should I book a Gion Night Tour?
Sure, you can do it yourself, but chances are you’ll end up walking around aimlessly because you don’t know what you’re looking at.
What’s the big deal about restaurants?
Maybe you can find restaurants online but will you be let in? Recently, restaurant owners have been refusing non-Japanese tourists unless they speak Japanese or know the owner. Plus, I know the good ones from the tourist traps
I read memoirs of a geisha. What value can you add?
The book is fictional. I’ve spent considerable time with with geisha and done a ton of research, giving you real life stories and insights you would find difficult to find elsewhere
There is booking form we ask clients to fill out. You simply list basic information concerning your tour choice, name and contact details and we reply as soon as possible.
What is the maximum number of clients?
The maximum number is 6 clients
Are tours conducted even if it rains?
Rain or shine our tours will be held. The rain actually affords you the chance to see the traditional style umbrellas maiko and geisha use, accentuating their beauty even more. However, during the typhoon season (August-October) we experience torrential downpours and strong winds and in these cases the tours will be cancelled. I will contact those of you who have booked to let you know the tour is actually cancelled.
The price is 6,000 yen per person. Unfortunately, we don’t accept credit cards or online payments at the moment. Please pay us in cash (Japanese yen) on the day of the tour.
While I’m unable to guarantee you’ll see a maiko or geisha, the tour is planned to give you the best chance of actually seeing one
I’ve found the tour is best suited for clients 13 years and up.
It’s in the early evening from 5:00-7:00 pm
When is the Gion Night Tour offered?
Weekly: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Open to private tours on other days. Feel free to make an inquiry if you are 2 or more!!
What makes you different from other guides?
I’m more than just a guide… Living, working and studying over the past 15 years in Japan, allows me to draw from a vast array of personal experiences, plus I’m an experienced and licensed guide with two years experience the Hyatt hotel. I know what visitors want to see and do in Kyoto.
I’m also a native English speaker born and raised in Canada but fluent in Japanese, so we can communicate with no problems and I can help you negotiate the “lost in translation” moments.