Explore Gion District at Night - Private Walking Tour - Kyoto

Join one of our hosts to explore Kyoto after dark. Amble through the wooden alleyways of historic Gion and see the picturesque streets of old Pontocho.Discover sacred shrines hidden in cosmopolitan shopping areas and share small dishes and beers with your host in a traditional izakaya or tachinomiya (standing bar). Kyoto after dark is more a feeling than a place, and with your host by your side, you’ll tap right into that.

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Route example

1. Yasaka Shrine -Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district in Kyoto.
It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the whole country.

2. Gion -Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district (however, if you spot them, please act respectfully). Make sure to pay a visit to Hanami-koji Street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part of Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafés, and tea houses.

3. Hanamikoji Street -Hanamikoji Street is the main hanamachi street of Gion-Kōbu in Kyoto. The machiya (traditional Kyoto houses) lining proudly along this small cobbled road are wonderfully preserved treasures. And passing by at dusk may get you the chance to catch a glimpse of a geisha leaving a tea house (ochaya). An appearance is as magical as it is furtive.

4. Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine - Stop by a small but very characteristic shrine in the Gion area. An authentic hidden gem!

5. Gion Shimbashi - Cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part of Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea houses.

6. Pontocho District -Pontocho Alley is considered to be the most beautiful street in Kyoto. It’s lined with traditional shops and restaurants, and no cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed. At dusk, with the red lanterns lining down the narrow street, Pontocho becomes a magical place. And, if you are lucky, you may have the chance of spotting a maiko (apprentice geisha).

7. Kamogawa River - It is a long stretch of river running from the Kyoto Basin down south. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sound of the river flowing and for a breath of fresh air; what better than to sit on the bank of the river to relax with a drink in your hand -like locals fancy to do? During the summer, restaurants open their balconies looking out onto the river.

8. Kiyamachi Street -Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel.

As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your guide based on your interests and preferences.