Kyoto Private Night Tour: From Gion District To Old Pontocho, 100% Personalized

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Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Hotel pickup Available
  • Duration: 4 Hrs
  • Language:
    English
  • Departure Time :
    Suppliers and travelers coordinate start times within the given time periods. 4/16/2019 - 3/14/2020Monday - Sunday:08:00 AM - 08:00 PM 3/15/2020 - 4/15/2020Monday - Sunday:08:00 AM - 08:00 PM 4/16/.. read more
  • Return Details :
    We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality and interests so we can assign a like-minded local who will create a bespoke experience for you.
  • Cancellation Policy :
    This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Overview

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, youll 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.

Know More about this tour


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.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s 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 Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafés, and tea-houses. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Hanamikoji Street is the main hanamachi street of Gion-Kōbu in Kyoto. The machiya (traditional Kyoto’s houses) lning proudly along this small cobbled road are wonderfully preserved treasures. And passing by at dusk, may get you the chance to catch the glimpse of a geisha leaving a tea house (ochaya). An appearance as magical as it is furtive. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Stop by a small but very characteristic shrine in Gion area. An authentic hidden gem!IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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).  IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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 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. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Itinerary:


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. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s 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 Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafés, and tea-houses. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Hanamikoji Street is the main hanamachi street of Gion-Kōbu in Kyoto. The machiya (traditional Kyoto’s houses) lning proudly along this small cobbled road are wonderfully preserved treasures. And passing by at dusk, may get you the chance to catch the glimpse of a geisha leaving a tea house (ochaya). An appearance as magical as it is furtive. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Stop by a small but very characteristic shrine in Gion area. An authentic hidden gem! IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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).   IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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 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. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Inclusions

  • 4 hours with a host
  • Private and personalized experience
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or taxi options)

Exclusions

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Well be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality, tastes and interests so we can assign a like-minded Local who can create a bespoke experience for you.

Traveler Reviews

See all reviews
  • 21-Aug-2023

    We had mentioned that we wanted to try Okonomiyaki and Kenya did not rest until he found a spot that served it. He also introduced us to Sparkling Sake which we really enjoyed. He is a knowledgeable and personable guide and we all really enjoyed our evening with him.

  • 17-Jun-2023

    Chai was a wonderful guide. She made it fun and engaging, and she has an amazing ability to capture the perfect picture in the night of Gion. Her knowledge of the city, areas and history is exceptional. Her personality is warm and friendly. The night flew by as we felt we were in the company of a long time friend. I highly recommend Chai.

  • 07-Jun-2023

    Highly recommend and thoroughly enjoyed our private tour. We ventured into areas we wouldn’t have seen otherwise and our guide was absolutely fantastic!

  • 06-Jun-2023

    It pains me to write a bad review but this tour was an entire waste of $255 so I would like to save another family this money and tell them to do another tour through a licensed company like ToursbyLocals. We thought this would be a cool night tour walking through Gion District and learning about the history as well as stopping at some fun places for food and drinks. In my survey request, I asked for history, culture, place for great coffee or cocktails and then taste local fare. This was not the case. We went to visit a Shrine (that was fine although the history could have been better described) but then after that we just walked around a highly dense area with little information given. We ended up at a cheesy Ice Cream shop and a mediocre dinner. We spent 4 hours with our guide and it felt more like, "walk around, get your steps in and bring a stranger to dinner". Our guide wasn't local and his level of knowledge of Kyoto was not of a true guide. We took other amazing tours in Kyoto through TourswithLocals with a licensed Japanese guide and learned so much. This was not the case on this tour although I am hard pressed to call this a tour. Everyone was so greatly disappointed.

  • 21-May-2023

    Axel was the absolute best! I took my nephew to Japan as his college graduate gift and before we took our tour, we were sent a questionnaire so Axel could tailor our experience to our desires. He also communicated with us prior to the tour to make sure we would be comfortable and assured we were in his great hands. Highly recommend Axel as a tour guide and this tour, in particular. We got to see a side of Kyoto nightlife that we would have never have been able to discover on our own. From the most delicious gyoza at a 7-seat restaurant down a hidden alley to the neighborhood bars where we had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with several super friendly and fun locals, to the bits of history & local info sprinkled in along the way. By far, our best experience in Japan thus far! Axel even followed up with us the next day to give us suggestions on sites and ramen restaurants we had asked about it. Wish we could take Axel to Osaka with us which is our last stop in Japan before heading back to the US! Axel, thank you, thank you for your hospitality and the best night of our trip!!!

  • 23-Apr-2023

    The entire evening was enchanted. Chai had thoughtfully planned an itinerary based on our requests. We enjoyed ourselves so much. Thank you Chai.

  • 07-Apr-2023

    Our guide knew the best spots to see cherry blossom still in bloom and where to spot Geisha in the evening. We saw quite a few in the deserted streets going between appointments. He was able to answer all of our questions and planned a lovely route taking in all the shrines and temples as well as little shopping streets and food stalls. A great mix of cultural experiences!

  • 06-Apr-2023

    Justin was a fantastic guide! He was very knowledgeable and had lots of insider information and recommendations for us! Thank you so much 💓

  • 05-Apr-2023

    Die ausführlichen Informationen von Brenda über die traditionelle Geishakultur und die tolle Atmosphäre des Bezirks am Abend.

  • 01-Apr-2023

    A great personalise experience with a knowledgeable and flexible guide. Would happily arrange another tour.

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