*This experience is currently NOT available.
Minimum price: 216,000 yen per group up to 10 people
This is a special arrangement and cannot be booked through this page. Please email gion@mai-ko.com at least one week in advance.
This package lasts for about 90 minutes on average.
For centuries, travelers to Japan have been fascinated by the mysterious geisha and mesmerized by the alluring effect of the flower and the willow world. Now the doors of this secret world are opening to you!
You will feel as if you've traveled back in time when you step into our historic teahouse - a registered Cultural Heritage Property designated by Kyoto City.
We prepared the perfect geisha dinner plan along with engaging activities and explanations about the geisha tradition that will make this experience the highlight of your trip to Japan.
Whether you want to learn more about the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” or take a closer look at the fashion style of the geisha, we have many interesting things to share with you!
Lasts around 45 minutes.
The Geisha or Maiko Performance will take place in a traditional Japanese-style room at Maikoya Kyoto near the Gion District.
The Geisha, sometimes Maiko, will perform a traditional Japanese dance in a room where you and other guests will be allowed to take pictures. Please keep in mind to take them appropriately without much distraction.
An MC will be present during the performance and explain the meanings and symbolisms of the outfits, and dance of the Geisha.
After the dance, you will be able to ask Geisha questions and take photos with her! There will be multiple genuine Geisha artifacts and displays in the building that you can also ask about. An interpreter will be present to help in case there are any difficulties with communicating.
If there is time left, you and the other audience members will get to play simple traditional games with the Geisha, such as ozashiki asobi.
The geisha are human beings, they are not objects. You have to respect the privacy of the geisha. You have to understand that you endanger yourself and the geisha in the narrow streets of Gion when you come too close. You have to understand that geisha are likely on their way to work and they should not be late.
The geisha are traditional Japanese performers who are well-versed in the arts like singing, dancing, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. The maikos are geisha apprentices or geishas-in-training.
You can take pictures after the event and performance! Please remember to be respectful and ask for consent.
No, but we offer rentals for the event and dinner should you want to wear one. Please let us know beforehand so we can prepare and offer assistance.
There is no dress code but it's typical to come with semi-casual style for the photos after the show.
The menu will usually include fish, beef, and other vegetables. There will be no pork. We cannot accommodate food allergies, gluten-free or other special requests for ingredients.
Children under 6 can not enter the our venue. If you have a child under 6 in your party, you can not make the reservation for this experience.
Media appearance for geisha and maiko are strictly controlled in Kyoto so we would advise against filming the whole performance and ceremony. However, you are more than welcome to take videos of yourself and the geisha after the performance. Make sure to ask for consent!
We also provide desks and chairs upon request if it’s more comfortable for you!
The whole event will typically last around 90 minutes, with about 45 minutes or so for dinner, and 45 minutes for the geisha show.
A professional English-speaking tour guide will escort you while a host will be present during the performance to explain the meanings and symbolisms of the geisha performance and culture.
This event needs to be booked in advance.
The majority of our performers are geishas-in-training called "maiko". We will also have the occasional geisha performer as well.
Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya is a leading cultural experience provider in Japan and the only tea ceremony experience that has received TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2022.
Maikoya Kyoto is found in a historic machiya townhouse in the heart of Kyoto, where the rich culture of Japan is most concentrated.
Learning about the traditions and practices of the country through our immersive cultural workshops and activities will surely give you a new perspective about the intricacies of the history and society in Japan.
Join us at Maikoya Kyoto as we guide you through Japan's traditional arts and history! Our friendly staff and hosts are fluent in English and Japanese and will make sure you have the best experiences and opportunities.
