京都5選・星級祇園芸者ウォーク – 少人数制本格体験

One of the best tours I’ve ever taken. The guide was extremely knowledgeable - more than any other tour guide I’ve ever had. Cannot recommend Richard enough.

Richard was extremely informative,energetic and organized. One of the best tours in a long time. The history of Geisha is very interesting.

Richard (the tour guide) was very knowledgeable of the history of Kyoto and was very pleasent to learn from. He provided a very nice meal for us during our tour. We had also very nice and allowed us to add on an additional person. Overall a fantastic experience and I recommend it if you are in the Kyoto area!

I did quite a bit of research before booking Richard. I knew we were going to finish in Kyoto and wanted something that would really stick with my grown kids. Richard is a local and bilingual. He is superman as we walked our butts off and I nary saw him break a sweat or take a swig of water. He has exceptional knowledge and appeared to have prepared ahead of time for some of what he presented and answered with our kids. We were quite lucky to actually see some geisha during the walk, but doing this in the evening was simply beautiful. He showed us famous places known for the best photographs, explained the stories of the samurai and the divisions, and what led to what shrine being built. He even took us to an evening dessert in a local cafe we would have never known existed and also to a shrine that was open for only a few evenings of the year. In karmic fashion, back in the states, I happened upon a book on the Geisha and have been devouring it ever since this experience with Richard. The geisha really are a direct link to old Japan and something unique to learn about. A tour like this is not to be missed. I hope to one day return and enjoy some more sake with Richard.

Mariko was a delightful and incredibly knowledgeable guide. The shrine was an absolute must-see - the most impressive we’ve visited in Japan, with its breathtaking 10,000 bright orange torii gates. Along the way, Mariko shared wonderful local insights, from teaching us how locals say thank you (“ōkini”) to recommending great restaurants. We learned so much and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Mariko!

This was one of the best tours I've ever taken. Richard turned our walk into not just an interesting story, but a book with a plot. He gradually introduced me to the city, showing me different areas, photos, and providing historical information. It was such a deep immersion into the culture that it felt like I was watching a historical movie. Thank you so much for this experience, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Absolutely great experience! Richard is very knowledgeable and shares cultural insights that you wouldn't learn just walking around on your own. He took me to areas and views I wouldn't have found on my own, and knew the best photo spots and what time to go to those spots to avoid the crowds. I learned a great deal more than I would have on my own, and had such a good time that I booked two more tours with him! Highly recommend!

Richard brought us to multiple interesting locations throughout the Gion district and explained the history of the Japanese culture. Given the itinerary is free-formed, we walked through shrines, quiet streets and famous sites to learn about the meaning behind the structures, different businesses supporting the geisha ecosystem, and the history of the religions practiced in Japan. Richard is very knowledgeable and thorough with his explanation. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in the Japanese culture and the geisha industry. Wear comfortable shoes.

+1

Great experience Richard is knowledgeable and friendly. He had many insights into the lifestyle of the Geisha and the history of the area.

Richard was absolutely the best guide! His knowledge, compelling insights and stories kept the group engaged and active. He didn’t just “explain” and move on, but took the time to give a rich overview of the Geisha history, but also what life is like for a modern Geisha. He brought Kyoto to life as we traversed the streets and shrines. Would give this tour 100 stars if I could!