This is an ultimate walking tour where you can enjoy the beautiful Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko dance performance and stroll through the famous Kinkakuji Temple also known as Golden Pavillion with KTIC Friends.
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The Highlight
- Tour is only available between 2026/11/12~2026/11/18.
- Enjoy the nearly 120 minutes of the Maiko and Geiko (Geisha) dance performance of "Kotobuki-kai".
- Walk through the famous Kinkakuji Temple.
- Enjoy riding the public transportation.
- The tour is assisted by KTIC Friends staff in English.
The Experience
The tour will start with strolling around the Kinkakuji Temple for magnificent view. During the renovation in 1986-1987, it took 200,000 gold leaves which weighed 20 kg (44 pounds) to replace the 2nd and 3rd floor. The tour will spend approximately 45 minutes enjoying the temple and beautiful grounds.
The tour will take you to "Kotobuki-kai" at the Kamishichikenkaburenjo for traditional Geisha and Maiko performances.
History of "Kotobuki-kai" Kamishichiken traces its origins back to the Ashikaga (Muromachi) period, when seven teahouses (mizu-chaya) were built in front of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine using timber left over from the shrine's reconstruction. Since then, it has endured numerous hardships and trials through the rise and fall of shogunates and the changing of rulers.
In more recent history, in December of the 4th year of the Kaei era (1851), when the Tokugawa Shogunate granted new official licenses for teahouse operations, it instructed each hanamachi (geisha district) to form an association called a nakama. Consequently, Kamishichiken was named Kotobuki Nakama, Gion-cho was named Sakae Nakama, Nijo Shinchi was named Higashi Nakama, and Shichijo Shinchi was named Izumi Nakama. This was the beginning of what is known today as the guild or union.
Nijo Shinchi petitioned the Shoshidai (Shogunal Deputy in Kyoto) in the 19th year of the Kyoho era (1734) and operated in the area east of the Kamo River near Nijo as a branch of Kamishichiken, but it was unfortunately abolished in the 20th year of the Meiji era (1887).
During that period, licensed teahouses indicated their official status by displaying their respective characters—Kotobuki (寿), Sakae (栄), Higashi (東), or Izumi (泉)—on noren (curtains) during the day and on andon (lanterns) at night.
After World War II, when the Onshukai (performance showcase) was promptly revived as a study workshop for a new era, the character Kotobuki (寿) from Kotobuki Nakama was adopted to name the restarted performance series—hence the origin of Kotobukikai.
All the transportation will be by walking or using public transportation. Please wear comfortable shoes and come prepared for any weather.
KTIC Friends is a staff from Kyoto Tourist Information Center. The English-speaking staff will accompany from the departure point of Kyoto Tourist Information Center. This is a Non-licensed assisted walking tour.
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ Information about tour Place of departure and destination:From Kyoto Tourist Information Center to Kinkakuji Temple and Kamishichikenkaburenjo Number of days of travel:1Day Means of transportation:Bus and walking Name of bus company: Meal(s):0 Minimum number of passengers to operate. 2 Number of GUIDE：1
Tour Operator Information Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd. Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Business Department West Japan Group Kansai Team Address: Mainichi Intecio 15F 3-4-5 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8215, JAPAN Tel: +81- 50-1745-1444 Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact Information Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Business Department West Japan Group Kansai Team Address: Mainichi Intecio 15F 3-4-5 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8215, JAPAN Tel: +81- 50-1745-1444 Opening hour :10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)
General Travel Services Manager: Eri Tomiyama *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours https://www.his-j.com/japan-tourist/pdf/terms-conditions/travel-domestic-package.pdf
Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract https://www.his-j.com/japan-tourist/pdf/terms-conditions/travel-agency-domestic-package.pdf
Itinerary
- 12:50Meet KTIC Friends staff at Kyoto Tourist Information Center, located 1st floor of Kyoto Mitsui Building.
- 13:00Departing from Kyoto Tourist Information Center.
- 13:10Catch city bus from Shijo-karasuma to Kinkakuji-michi. (Fare is included - 30 min)
- 13:50Visit Kinkakuji-temple. (45 min/Admission included)
- 14:50Catch city bus from Kinkakuji-michi to Kitanotenmangu-mae. (Fare is included - 30 min)
- 15:20Visit Kitanotenmangu Shrine. (15min/Free Admission)
- 15:40Walk to Kamishichikenkaburenjo. (5 min)
- 16:00Enjoy watching Kotobuki-kai performance. (Admission/included 120 min)
- 18:00Catch city bus from Kitanotenmangu-mae to Shijo-karasuma.(Fare is included- 30 min)
- 18:30Arrive at Kyoto Tourist Information Center. Tour ends here.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- This is not a private tour; you will enjoy the tour with other guests.
- Maximum number of participants is 10 people.
- Minimum number of participants is 2 person.
- All participants must be 7 years old or older.
- Lunch is not included.
- Drinking alcohol during the tour is not allowed.
- The admission tickets for Kinkakuji Temple and Kotobuki-kai are included in this price.
- Please note that some of the buildings at the temple may look different or you may not be able to see them due to constructions.
- The order of the itinerary may be partially changed.
- This tour will use of a combination of train and bus.
- Bringing large luggage to the tour is not allowed.
Important Booking Information
Customer Guidelines:
- You will receive a final information email from KTIC titled:【Tour Date】- Booking Confirmation & Important Notice - HIS【Tour Reservation Number】. Please read it carefully and ask questions if necessary.
- Please arrive at the meeting location 10 minutes prior to the departure time.
- IMPORTANT: The tour will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals.
- Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
- The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
- Due to traffic or other reasons, the duration of visits at each destination may be shortened, and arrival times may be delayed.
- Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
- In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
- Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
- Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book. especially if the tour includes lunch.
Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)