Kyoto Gion & Pontocho Hanamachi Small-Group Walking Tour - Spanish Guide

Stroll Kyoto's hanamachi
with a local guide

Meet your Spanish-speaking guide in front of the Disney Store in Shijo-Kawaramachi and spend about 2 hours walking through three of Kyoto's five hanamachi (geisha districts): Pontocho, Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi. The total walking distance is about 3.3 km. Learn about daily life in Japan through your guide's personal experiences, and feel free to ask anything you're curious about.

Walk along Pontocho Alley and the Kamo River

Pass through narrow Pontocho Alley and the Pontocho Kaburenjo theater, then head out to the banks of the Kamo River. Continue past the Yaji-Kita statue and the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, then follow Yamato-oji-dori toward Gion.

Wander Gion Shirakawa and machiya-lined lanes

Explore Gion Shinbashi-dori and Gion Shirakawa in Gion Kobu, a national historic preservation district, along with Tatsumi Shrine and Tatsumi Bridge. Walking through lanes lined with wooden machiya, learn about the history of the hanamachi and the lifestyle, customs and daily life of maiko and geiko (geisha).

Head to Yasaka Shrine, the origin of Gion's name

Pass through Gion Higashi and visit Yasaka Shrine, formerly known as Gion Shrine. The name Gion comes from here, and if time permits, you'll hear about the Gion Matsuri, counted among Japan's three great festivals. The tour ends near Yasaka Shrine.

※ Hanamikoji-dori is not included in the itinerary.
※ Sightings of maiko or geiko (geisha) cannot be guaranteed.
※ During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), the route changes slightly so you can see the blossoms.