As famous for its ‘geisha’ and ‘maiko’ (geisha in training) as it is for its temples and shrines, Kyoto is the ideal location to enjoy the company and entertainment of Japan’s legendary performers. The geisha traditions first emerged during the Heian Period (794-1185) before developing into an artform that would be familiar to us today during Japan’s celebrated Edo Period (1603-1868). Though the role was once exclusively performed by men, it was during the Edo Period that women took on the role as geisha, renowned for their elegance, beauty, cultured conversation and ability to endlessly entertain their guests through a range of arts.

1 Day Tour

Kyoto Heritage Path – From Fushimi Inari’s Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty
Period	All year round
Time	09:00-17:00
Meeting Place	JR Kyoto Station
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥13,000

While our Kyoto tour does not specifically focus on Geisha or Maiko, we do walk through areas where Geisha culture and lifestyle are still being practiced. Our Kyoto Heritage Path tour takes you through the Ponto-cho alley, home to many Kawadoko restaurants. This narrow, atmospheric lane is also part of Kyoto’s renowned “hanamachi” or Flower Streets, where Geiko (geisha) and Maiko (apprentice geisha) live and work. We also walk through Gion, so you may catch a glimpse of a Geiko or Maiko gracefully heading to or from an appointment. Known as the “floating world,” this area embodies a blend of elegance, charm, and tradition. There is so much more to this tour, so please click on the tour above and join us today.

Kyoto is one of the few places in Japan where you will still see professional geisha and maiko in public today, on their way between appointments – mostly seen in the Gion district. Hiring the services of a geisha is one of Kyoto’s most memorable experiences, and one that can be arranged through the highly-rated Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto. Experiences typically run 1.5 hours for a private audience with professional geisha with English-speaking staff on-hand to facilitate conversation. For more information including booking options, click on the button below. Please note, Snow Monkey Resorts has no connection with this experience and cannot comment on its content or suitability.