Top Experiences in Chion-in

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.

This is a 3 hours walking tour in the historic area of Gion that is well known for preserving the old architecture. In Gion, you can see the traditional houses, tea houses and old streets of Gion.

What makes this tour unique?

1- Within 2 hours, you can experience the historic and cultural essense beauty of of Kyoto historic area of Gion in a private tour.

2- This tour is a walking private tour and can be customized based on your request.

3- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective.

Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top spots of Gion. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide.

17:00 Meeting at the pickup place (or in Gion area).
17:30 Izumo no Okuni statue and Kaboki drama explanation
18:00 Shinbashi street, Geisha and Maiko explanation, Chionin temple gate
18:30 Maruyama Park and Yasaka shrine
18:45 Hanamikoji Street, Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko spotting areas
19:00 Pontocho and tour finish

Amid the ongoing pandemic, traveling abroad is very difficult for the foreseeable future. But thanks to this situation, I could take a video of this ancient city with few people out on the street. The video shows the highlights of Higashiyama area of Kyoto which is filled with many attractions. You can relax at home while deeply immersed in the traditional city of Japan with a detailed explanation and guidance by a professional licensed guide. We will have a Q&A session after seeing the video. I provide a walking route map online for your future reference.

NOTE: You don't have to show your face but fast Internet connection is required for the video online.

NOTE: The starting time is JST, Japan Standard Time.
11:00 AM (JST) is 10:00 PM on the previous day in NY or EDT area and 7:00 PM in LA or PDT area.
8:00 PM (JST) is 12:00 noon in GB or BST area or 1:00 PM in CEST area.

Get to know one of the cities where dreams come true, great industries like Nintendo were born, and be part of a great adventure full of colorful landscapes, geishas, samurai, temples, and much more.

During the tour, we will enter HISASHI-YAMA, one of the most historic areas of Kyoto where you will be delighted with fascinating stories of the ancient emperors and samurai warriors (Shoguns).

Finally, we will visit the Koshindo monkey temple and see the gigantic Yasaka pagoda built in the 8th century by Prince Shotoku.

Kyoto is an interesting city, it will fill you not only with history and temples but with a wide variety of cuisine. Once the tour is finished, we will give you recommendations for restaurants and activities to do.

Go off the beaten track in Kyoto and explore the ancient Gion District on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover hidden treasures and learn about the history of Kyoto's iconic geisha district.

Starting off in the bustling Sanjo area of Kyoto, you will meander through the ancient, narrow, cobbled streets of Gion, Kyoto's centuries-old entertainment area. See the area come alive in the ambient atmosphere of the evening.

Learn about Gion's past and present, and get the chance to spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they move between different engagements in the heart of Kyoto's geisha district.

Along the way, pass through several historic ancient temples and shrines, including some designated national treasures, and get plenty of photo opportunities.

As you come to the end of the walk, you'll have gained a more detailed understanding of the history, architecture, customs, and traditions of Kyoto, the Geisha, the Gion District, and Japan.

Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. You have the option of exploring the verdant Bamboo Grove and impressive shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.

Step into the heart of Kyoto and become the hero of your own enchanting tale of history and tranquillity. Our curated tour immerses you in a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the vibrant geisha culture in Gion Shirakawa to the resplendent views from Yasaka Pagoda. Stroll the charming paths of Maruyama Park under the watchful grace of cherry blossoms and feel the whispers of the past on the cobblestone paths of Ninen-Sannei Zaka. As your journey culminates at Kiyomizu Temple, take a moment to absorb the breathtaking view of the city. This is more than a tour; it's your personal rendezvous with Kyoto's timeless charm, an adventure that calls to your spirit. Step into our world; we've saved you the best seat.

Please find out this tour on IG #travel.japan_together

Let's enjoy photo shooting tour with local photographers!! We will take you to some of our favorite spots in Kyoto, and explain interesting history and episodes, and capture important travel moments.
We will show you hidden gem, and make you feel authentic Kyoto.

After shooting, our photographers will edit photos with professional style, and give you as Japan-super memories. You can get awesome photos beyond your imagination! The photos will be remaining as your special travel memories forever.

Explore the sights and the sounds of modern day Kyoto with a local.
Admire the beauty of the local community.
Experience the sights and sounds of the local area and explore the local community and see how the local traditional people. still live.

Discover some of Kyoto’s best temples and shrines in this 3-hour tour
Visit the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See the stunning gardens and interiors of the Kodaiji Temple
Learn about Shinto history and culture when at the Yasaka Shrine
Stroll along Murayama Park, known for its famed cherry blossom tree
Marvel at the magnificent Chion-in Temple Sanmon Gate

Experience the enchanting Gion nightlife on a concise guided walking tour of Kyoto, unfolding its beauty in just three hours. Witness the mesmerizing scene as the sun sets, illuminating the streets with lanterns. Explore traditional backstreets, elegant restaurants, and historic teahouses. Delve into offbeat temples and shrines, with a chance to glimpse geiko or maiko. Traverse Hanamikoji Street and visit Yasaka Shrine with a knowledgeable guide, absorbing captivating narratives about the area's rich history and culture. This curated experience blends exploration, cultural insights, and the allure of Gion's nocturnal charm.