Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour

4.9 (36 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

36 reviews

4.9

Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Withlocals

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private Tour
Included: Local Guide
Included: This tour is carbon neutral

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop off
Not included: Food & beverages not listed as inclusions

Itinerary

Statue of Izumo no Okuni

20 min

Okuni was the originator of kabuki theater
Minamiza Theater

20 min

The roots of Minamiza go back to the early Edo period (1596-1615).
Gion

10 min

The area of Gion Shinbashi is designated as a traditional business preservation area and the area south of Shijo Street as a historical scenery preservation area.
Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine

20 min

Hear more about Japanese religion here, it is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism.
Shinbashi Dori

10 min

Stand outside the traditional banquet buildings where the geisha would have entertained customers and learn more in-depth about the geisha and the culture.
Chion-in Temple

10 min

Walk up the steps to get a better view of the temple and see the garden area.
Maruyama Park

20 min

Walk from the temple towards the park area.
Yasaka Shrine

10 min

According to the legend of the shrine, its history may go back as far as 150 years before the Heian era, AC656 (the second year of the reign of Emperor Seimei).
Shijo Dori

10 min

Walk on the Shijō Street, that literally means Fourth Avenue of Heian-kyō, the ancient capital
Nene-no-Michi

10 min

Kodaiji Temple was built in 1605 at the behest of Nene, for whom the street was later named
Yasaka Shrine

10 min

Picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple, offering sweeping views from the top. Finish the tour in a local cafe nearby.