During the daytime, there are many ordinary people who dressed up as geiko and maiko in this area, but after 5:30 p.m. is the time when you have many chances to meet real geiko and maiko.

The traditional social gathering place in Kyoto is called Hanamachi, which is made up of the following three businesses.

(1) Waiting area: Provider of a venue for enjoying meals, dancing and other entertainment, and ozashiki games.

(2) Caterers: Delivery companies that provide food to the waiting area.

(3) Okiya: Temporary staffing agency that trains and dispatches geiko and maiko.

Foreign-language guides who are well versed in these Hanamachi will explain the structure and attractions of the Hanamachi while walking through the four Hanamachi districts.

Gion Kobe is the largest hanamachi and Hanamikoji is its center.

Gion East is a place to relax and enjoy yourself away from the hustle and bustle of Gion Kobe.

Miyagawa-cho is located a little away from the other Hanamachi areas. It is a quieter area with a more traditional atmosphere, where you can enjoy Kyoto's original Hanamachi style.

Ponto-cho is a little different from other hanamachi, with a mix of teahouses, restaurants and ryotei (traditional Japanese-style restaurants). It is a lively and bustling hanamachi.

The Kamo River and the Shirakawa River complement these Hanamachi. In particular, the Shirakawa River, a small river no more than 15 meters wide, reflects the light of the hanamachi as it flows by. We will have tour guides who are professional in foreign languages to guide you through the Gion area.

Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is Exit 3 of Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

The tour route is as follows:
Gion-Shijo Statione - Gion Koubu - Gion Higashi - Miyagawa-cho - Ponto-cho - Gion-Shijo Station

Want to experience more after this tour? We recommend the following:
W002 Kyoto’s Higashiyama: Tradition, Art & Religion Tour
W004 Toji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, & Tofukuji Temple Tour

Gion-Shijo Station - Gion Koubu - Gion Higashi - Miyagawa-cho - Ponto-cho - Gion-Shijo Station

・In the event of cancellation, the following fees will apply:
(1) 3-14 days prior to the program: 20% of the program fee
(2) 2 days prior to the program: 50% of the program fee
(3) One day before the program or on the day*: 100% of the program fee

*In the case of a no show, a separate remittance fee will also be charged.