WALKING TOUR · GION DISTRICT
Kyoto Gion Night Walk: Hidden Gems & Geisha
Walk the stone-paved alleys of Kyoto's most iconic neighborhood. Hanamikoji, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka and Yasaka Shrine — guided by someone who lives in Kyoto.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
TOUR PHOTOS
TOUR TIMELINE
Meet outside Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station Exit 1B, beside McDonald's. Your guide is holding an "OTAtrip Guide" sign. Introductions and a toast to start the evening.
Pontocho and the Kamo River — one of Kyoto's five geisha districts, summer river decks, and Japan's oldest working elevator at Toka Saikan.
Minamiza — cross the river into Gion. Japan's oldest theatre, and the surprising story of how kabuki began.
Shijo Street — the shops of Gion, dango and yatsuhashi, ochaya teahouses, and the story of the Gion Matsuri festival.
Hanamikoji Street — geiko and maiko, and how to tell them apart.
Yasui-Konpiragu — a shrine famous for cutting bad ties. Crawl through the stone and learn how to pray at a shrine.
Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji) — the five-story pagoda first founded in 589. Photo time.
Ninenzaka — the stone-paved slope with a Starbucks inside a traditional townhouse.
Nene-no-Michi and Kodaiji — the story of Hideyoshi and his wife Nene.
Yasaka Shrine — the shrine Gion grew up around, and home of the Gion Matsuri.
Tour ends at Yasaka Shrine. Your guide is happy to recommend where to go next.
// MEETING POINT
Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Exit 1B
Outside on the sidewalk beside McDonald's, in front of the dark wall. Please do not wait inside McDonald's or inside the station. Your guide will be holding a sign that reads "OTAtrip Guide". See the photo of the exact spot.
This is a group tour. Please arrive a few minutes early — late arrivals may cause the tour to start without you.
▶ OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS* Start times vary by day. Please check the calendar below for available times.
BOOK YOUR SPOT
Book early to take advantage of early-bird pricing.
PLAYER REVIEWS
WHAT GUESTS SAY
Great sunset in Kyoto
"One of the things I appreciated the most was, instead of giving long lectures about architecture or history, they led the tour with conversations and answering our questions. We started at 15:30 in December and Kyoto was amazing in its sunset. The sake was really tasty. I think it was really worth the fee, route is nicely organized and fun. Overall we had a great time."
Unforgettable tour in Gion
"This Kyoto tour in Gion was one of the best experiences I've had! We visited the shrines, and the guide shared so much fascinating knowledge about the area. They were incredibly patient, took amazing photos of us, and really made the tour memorable. The sake tasting was fantastic too. Highly recommended!"
Must-do while you're in Kyoto
"Wonderful experience with fantastic guides who were very knowledgable, saw shrines when they were virtually empty. Great for solo travelers!"
Local Experience with a Golden Heart
"Mune was such an awesome guy! Telling me all about the city's hidden gems. Such a down to earth guy who was happy to answer all the questions I had in regards to Kyoto and Japan as a whole. The sake was perfect to start the tour since it is chilly season. Defs take up a tour with these guys! It's more than worth it. See you again Mune! Such a top bloke!"
// PRIVATE & CUSTOM TOURS
PLANNING A GROUP TRIP
TO KYOTO?
We offer private and group bookings for travel agencies, corporate groups, and tour operators. Custom itineraries, flexible timing, and dedicated local guides.
- Groups of up to 40 guests
- Custom routes & duration
- Commission-friendly pricing
- English & Japanese support