Kyoto Gion Free Tour: Local Secrets

9.6
170 Reviews
Verified by: FREETOUR.com
Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, 2-B Entrance
Languages
English
From €0
Tip based
Free Booking. Free Cancellation.
No fixed price — pay what you feel the tour is worth.

Overview

Discover the deeper side of Gion on a relaxed walking tour with a local Japanese guide. This tour focuses on culture, history, and everyday traditions beyond the famous scenery. Led by Kazu Ashida, cultural specialist and author of “Japan Travel Essentials”, the tour offers clear and easy-to-understand explanations of Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and the Japanese approach to religion.

You will also learn about the geisha and maiko culture in a respectful and informative way, focusing on history, training, and social customs—not rumors or stereotypes.

Important Note
This is NOT a geisha spotting tour.
As the tour runs during the daytime (10:00 AM & 1:30 PM), actual encounters are rare.
The focus is cultural understanding, not sightings.

What We Will Explore (Approx. 2 Hours)
-Shijo Bridge & Kamo River
-Minamiza Kabuki Theater
-Hanamikoji Street
-Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park
-Chion-in Temple
-Gion Shirakawa – area for in-depth geisha culture explanation
Tour Conditions
Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility
Minimum Attendees
No minimum attendees
Children
Suitable for families with children
Extra Fees
No additional cost
Pets
Pet-friendly
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This activity includes:

  • Hanamikoji Street
  • Minamiza Theater
  • Maruyama Park
  • Yasaka-jinja Shrine
  • Chion-in
  • English Speaking Guide

Our Guides

Kazu Ashida — Guide of Kyoto Gion Free Tour: Local Secrets, Japan
Kazu Ashida

Meeting point

Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, 2-B Entrance

On arrival

The meeting point is the 2-B entrance of Hankyu Railway Kyoto Kawaramachi Station.
There is a 2-B entrance on the ground at the southeast corner of the intersection of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori.
The landmark is a large store called EDION.
The Japanese guide in charge will be waiting for you, holding a red cloth or other landmark.

Things to note

Tours will continue as scheduled, even in the event of bad weather.
However, please note that if the guide determines that it is dangerous to proceed due to thunderstorms, heavy snow, or other natural disasters on the day of the tour, we may prioritize the safety of all participants and cancel the tour.

Rating
9.6
Organisation
9.9
Atmosphere
9.7
Content
9.6
Guide
9.8
Usefulness
9.6
Reviews (170)
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Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

Availability & Language
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Today, 10 January 2026
english
english
10:00 AM
1:30 PM
From €0 Tip based
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Tours Organized by Japan Cultural Experience