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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step beyond the picturesque willow trees and enter the carefully guarded world of Kyoto’s Gion district. This self-guided audio journey reveals how shrines, tea houses, theaters and craft traditions shaped the lives of geiko and maiko. Along the way, discover the social codes, hidden labor and cultural memory behind one of Japan’s most recognizable neighborhoods.
- A 1.2 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 80 minutes
- Ideal for travelers interested in Social Fabric & Everyday Life and History & Memory
- Engaging podcast-style stories from experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation in the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Kyoto Station, take local public transport toward Gion Shirakawa. From the nearest stop, walk the final few minutes to Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto, Japan. Please check the current connection with the local transport provider on the day of travel.
From Yasui Konpiragu, walk to the nearest public transport stop and return to Kyoto Station. The endpoint is Yasui Konpiragu, Kyoto, Japan. Please check the current connection with the local transport provider on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1Gion Shirakawa
A picturesque canal-side district of traditional machiya houses and willow trees, offering an atmospheric entrance into Gion’s hidden history.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
A small shrine revered by local geiko and maiko, closely tied to the spiritual traditions and daily life of the Gion district.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A long-established shop preserving the craftsmanship and material culture associated with Kyoto’s traditional performing arts.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
One of Gion’s most famous ochaya, known for its connection to geiko culture and the historic story of the forty-seven rōnin.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Hanamikoji Street
Gion’s best-known historic street, lined with preserved wooden townhouses, tea houses and venues linked to Kyoto’s entertainment traditions.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
The principal theater of the Gion Kobu district, where geiko and maiko train and present traditional seasonal performances.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Yasui-Konpiragu
A distinctive shrine where visitors pass through a stone monument in rituals intended to break harmful bonds and form beneficial ones.
10 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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