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Offered languages
- German
- German
- Portuguese
- Portuguese
- English
- English
- Italian
- Italian
- French
- French
- Spanish
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Japanese
- Danish
- Danish
- Dutch
- Dutch
Step into the secret world of Kyoto's geisha in this self-guided audio mystery through Gion, the city's most enchanting old quarter. As you wander from the willow-lined Shirakawa Canal to the Zen calm of Kenninji Temple, decode eight Japanese words hidden across Gion's loveliest landmarks and piece together the lost art of the geiko Ayame before the Meiji age erases it.
Blending real history — teahouses, shrines, festivals and Zen — with an immersive period mystery, every stop reveals the true story of the place while advancing the intrigue. Augmented reality brings the clues to life on the very stones, and pro audio narration is available in 32 languages, including Japanese.
Start whenever you like, go at your own pace, and pause for photos along the way. No guide, no schedule, no app to download — just open it on your phone and play. The perfect blend of sightseeing, storytelling and puzzles for curious explorers, couples, families and first-time visitors to Kyoto.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Gion-Shijō Station (Keihan Line) sits at the western gateway to Gion, beside the Shijō Bridge over the Kamo River. Exit toward Shijō-dōri and walk into the Gion district. This is a self-guided audio experience — simply arrive here and start the tour on your phone. No guide will meet you.
The tour ends at Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, in southern Gion. From here it is a short walk to Gion-Shijō or Kiyomizu-Gojō stations (Keihan Line).
Itinerary
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1
Begin along the Shirakawa Canal, a willow-lined stone lane where wooden teahouses lean over a clear stream — one of Gion's most beautiful corners. Here you receive the geiko Ayame's first secret and decode the word MIYABI (refined elegance).
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Tatsumi Bridge
Cross the small wooden Tatsumi Bridge beside the Tatsumi Daimyojin shrine, revered by Gion's geiko. You uncover REI (courtesy), the respectful bow at the heart of the geiko's art.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hanamikoji Street
Walk Hanamikoji, the main street of Gion Kobu lined with traditional ochaya including the famed Ichiriki Chaya. You decode GEI (art) — the very root of the word geiko.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Yasaka Shrine
Reach Yasaka Shrine, guardian of Gion and birthplace of the thousand-year-old Gion Matsuri. You reveal MATSURI (sacred festival), the communal soul that gave Gion its name.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Maruyama Park
Enter Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest park, famed for its giant weeping cherry tree. You decode HANA (flower), emblem of the geiko's 'flower and willow world.'
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Gion Corner
Enter Maruyama Park, Kyoto's oldest park, famed for its giant weeping cherry tree. You decode HANA (flower), emblem of the geiko's 'flower and willow world.'
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Yasui-Konpiragu
Visit Yasui Konpiragu, the shrine of bonds famed for its en-musubi stone. You decode ENISHI (bond of fate), the thread that ties a geiko to her art.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Kennin-ji Temple
Conclude at Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple (founded 1202). You decode the final word ZEN (stillness) and assemble the eight Japanese words into KOKORO — the heart of the geiko's secret.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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