Skip to main content

Private Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Gion(Geisha) & Higashiyama

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

With this sightseeing tour, you can benefit from the flexibility to choose from either a small-group or private tour to suit your requirements. Led by a guide, so you don’t have to follow a map, head off on an itinerary that showcases highlights of Gion and Higashiyama, with stops at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and plenty more surprises along the way.
  • Discover Gion and Higashiyama with a guide to navigate
  • Tour route stops at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Flexible options: Pick a private or small-group tour
  • Guide commentary helps you learn about local landmarks

What's Included

  • Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
  • Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!
  • Admission Fee: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    ¥500.00 per person
  • Food and Drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
    Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan

    This tour begins at Kyoto's famous meeting place, "Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni." Your guide will be waiting in front of the statue with a board displaying the OTAKU hopper logo.(After booking, we will provide detailed meeting location information with images)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Gion

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Hanamikoji Street

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Yasui-Konpiragu

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

Yasakanoto

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

5

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

6

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

1 hour Admission Ticket Not Included

7

Yasaka Koshin-Do

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

8

Yasaka Shrine

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, plenty of time on foot to explore Kyoto.
  • If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Our guide was very...

Michael_S, Dec 2025
Our guide was very knowledgeable, spoke very good English and was patient with us as we are older. We would highly recommend Ikki Kataoka.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re pleased to hear that you felt comfortable and well cared for during the tour, and that Ikki’s knowledge, clear English, and patient guiding style made the experience enjoyable for you. Creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages is very important to us. Thank you for your recommendation. We truly appreciate it and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.

We did the 7am morning...

VickiAnne_G, Nov 2025
We did the 7am morning tour before the crowds. Our guide Ikki was not only a guide but also our professional photographer for the morning. He explained everything in detail and his knowledge was amazing. The photos he took turned out amazing

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the 7am morning tour and that Ikki’s expertise and photography skills made it memorable for you. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future!

The best morning tour!

Gabriel_M, Sep 2025
Had an amazing time on the Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Morning Tour with Ikki. We went early in the morning before the crowds showed up, the photos turned out amazing. Ikki was patient, explained everything in detail and was very knowledgeable. He also took incredible photos and videos, helped me collect lots of Goshuin stamps, and even found my jacket after I had misplaced it. Great guide and a fantastic experience. 10 out of 10, would highly recommend to anyone!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Morning Tour with Ikki. Exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the charming streets of Gion in the quiet morning hours truly offers a special experience, and we’re glad you could capture it with beautiful photos. We’re also happy to know Ikki could assist with Goshuin stamps, photos, and even reuniting you with your jacket. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour in Japan!

From $96.06

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 40 days in advance.

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
Private Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Gion(Geisha) & Higashiyama


3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$96.06
Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Historical Walking Tour


3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$35.00
Early Bird E-biking through East Kyoto


6 to 7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$134.49