Gion tickets and tours
Gion is Kyoto’s old quarter of wooden teahouses. Here are the main ways to visit and what to know before you choose.
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Ticket options compared
What each kind of ticket lets you see, and how the options differ in price and cancellation terms.
| Option | What’s included | Good for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visiting Gion on your own | Stroll Hanamikoji Street and the Shirakawa canal at your own pace. The streets are public and there is no entry charge. | Independent travellers and photographers | Book now |
| Guided walking tour of Gion | A local guide explains the quarter’s history, its teahouse customs and the world of geiko and maiko, and leads you through quieter lanes. | Visitors who want to understand what they are seeing | Book now |
Check live prices
Open each option to see the price and the cancellation terms for your date.
About Gion
Gion grew up beside Yasaka Shrine as a district of teahouses for visitors and pilgrims. Today its wooden buildings still house teahouses and restaurants, and geiko, the Kyoto word for geisha, and their apprentices, called maiko, still work here. Many of the buildings are private homes and businesses.
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Good to know
Etiquette in GionSome private alleys have signs banning photographs. Visitors are asked not to chase, block or touch geiko and maiko.
Seeing geiko and maiko in GionThey are most often seen around dusk, on their way to appointments. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat any meeting as a bonus.
Nearby
Kennin-ji Temple
Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, a short walk from the quarter.
Pontocho
A narrow lane of restaurants across the Kamo River.
Also in Kyoto
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Gion in advance?
No. The streets are open to everyone, but a guided walk is best booked ahead.
How long does a visit to Gion take?
About one to two hours, longer if you add dinner nearby.