Private Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Gion(Geisha) & Higashiyama

5.0 (14 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

14 reviews

5.0

Yasaka Pagoda — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Gion(Geisha) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Join us and experience Kyoto at its most peaceful, creating unforgettable memories before the city awakens!

Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll journey through two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas: Gion, the historic district famed as the home of the geisha, and Higashiyama, where charming streets lead to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Additional fees New Product

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: OTAKU hopper

Ages: Children (0–12 years) · Adults (13–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
Included: Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!

Not included

Not included: Admission Fee: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Not included: Food and Drinks

Itinerary

Gion

10 min

Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and preserved historic streets. It’s a place where visitors can experience the charm of old Kyoto and sometimes catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
Hanamikoji Street

15 min

Hanami-koji is a famous street in Kyoto's Gion district where you may have the chance to encounter geisha and maiko. Known for its traditional teahouses, historic ambiance, and wooden machiya houses, it offers a glimpse into Kyoto's elegant past and geisha culture.
Yasui-Konpiragu

15 min

Yasui Konpira Shrine in Kyoto is known as one of Japan's most powerful shrines for severing bad relationships. Visitors come to the shrine to pray for the end of negative ties and to find new, positive connections.
Yasaka Pagoda

15 min

Yasaka Pagoda(Hokanji temple) is one of the oldest wooden structures in Japan. Its overwhelming scale makes it hard to believe that it was built without using nails. It is undoubtedly a symbol of Kyoto.
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

15 min

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are charming stone-paved streets lined with souvenir shops and restaurants nestled in historic wooden buildings. Strolling through them feels like stepping back in time.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

one hour Admission not included

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the most popular place for tourists and a must visit when in Kyoto. Located on top of a mountain, it commands a panoramic view of Kyoto City. Because of its history and scenery, it is one of the few temples recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Yasaka Koshin-Do

15 min

Yasaka Koshindo is a mysterious temple of unknown date of construction. The colorful decorations here are astonishing, as many temples are of subdued colors. The beauty of the colors makes it a popular photo spot for young people.
Yasaka-Jinja

30 min

Our final destination is Yasaka Shrine, the headquarters of 2,300 related shrines throughout Japan. This historic shrine, dedicated to the gods of prosperity and protection, has been a vital part of Kyoto's cultural heritage for centuries.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour begins at Kyoto's famous meeting place, "Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni." Your guide will be waiting in front of the statue with a board displaying the OTAKU hopper logo.(After booking, we will provide detailed meeting location information with images)

End point

This tour begins at Kyoto's famous meeting place, "Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni." Your guide will be waiting in front of the statue with a board displaying the OTAKU hopper logo.(After booking, we will provide detailed meeting location information with images)

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, plenty of time on foot to explore Kyoto.
If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.