The best tour I've been on in Kyoto! Ken is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain the history and culture of Gion. We get to visit iconic streets and temples and shrines, and visit multiple Gion neighborhoods. Lunch was delicious and filling, but the best part is meeting the Maiko Fukumitsu who performed two dances and spent time answering our questions. We never felt rushed and were encouraged to interact with her. We were allowed to take photos and videos with Fukumitsu but were asked not to post any that show her face to protect her privacy. The group size was small enough that it didn't feel crowded and we all got to clearly see and talk with Fukumitsu. I cannot recommend Ken's tours enough!

Ken was a great guide. He is very knowledgeable about the area, and the walk was at a sedate pace that was easy to keep up with. The maiko performance was interesting, and she was very gracious with her answers. It is customary to give her a tip at the end. The lunch is a choice of set meals and you sit on cushions on the floor. Some of the other people in our group struggled with this. Overall, we all thoroughly enjoyed this tour and will recommend it to friends travelling to Kyoto

The Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show was an incredible experience that offered a rare and insightful look into Kyoto’s rich traditions. Walking through the historic streets of Gion, guided by an expert who shared fascinating stories about the geisha (geiko) and maiko culture, truly brought the area to life. The highlight of the evening was the intimate geisha performance. Watching a maiko gracefully perform traditional dances and interact with guests was mesmerizing. It was a rare opportunity to see the beauty, elegance, and dedication behind this centuries-old art form. The Q&A session afterward was also a great way to learn more about their daily lives and training. The experience was well-organized, engaging, and deeply immersive. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or just looking for a unique experience in Kyoto, this tour is a must-do! Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the magic of Gion.

This was the best tour I’ve ever taken. My son and I took the Gion Cultural Walk and Geisha Show with Kenta as our guide. Kenta had a way of making history come to life as we walked the neighborhood, stopping at significant locations along the way. The information was foundational to help us understand the cultural significance of Geishas, or Geiko as they are called in Kyoto, and Maikos. The walk through the neighborhood also helped us understand the life of Geikos. The tour led us to a tea house where we enjoyed tea and meeting a beautiful Maiko. We shared a highly informative Q&A session before experiencing a gracefully beautiful dance by a Geiko apprentice. Considering there are only 500 Geishas in all of Japan, this was a rare opportunity to experience something very few people ever see. If you are in Kyoto, do not miss this fascinating Japanese treasure. Thank you Kenta from Ken’s Tour of Kyoto. The entire experience was unforgettable!!