Enjoy an authentic traditional tea ceremony hosted by a real Kyoto geisha, also called a geiko, or their apprentice called a maiko! You will be introduced to the unique geisha culture of Kyoto, where young geiko women would serve tea to pilgrims visiting the historic temples in Eastern Kyoto.
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
京都市東山区松原通大和大路東入轆轤町100*This building is a registered tangible cultural property in Japan.
*MAIKOYA has multiple branches. Please double-check the address you should visit. If you visit the wrong branch, you will need to relocate, resulting in a shorter meeting time with the geisha.
Lasts Approximately 45 minutes
Inclusions:
13,000yen / person (+tax)
As part of their training, the geisha (maiko) in Kyoto learn how to conduct tea ceremonies and often hold tea ceremonies under sakura trees on special occasions.
Come and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience before it is sold out!
In this workshop, a Maiko will walk you through step by step the traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote well-being, mindfulness, and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. The tea itself is powdered green tea and is called Matcha.
Although there will usually be a Maiko available for the tea ceremony and performance, a Geisha will occasionally be booked according to their availability.
We are confident that this experience will be your best souvenir from Japan. You can easily make a reservation now by choosing the best date for you.
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.
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.
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue. If you have a child under 7 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 geisha tea ceremony, performance, and walking tour can last from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Geisha tea ceremonies need to be booked in advance.
Yes. We provide matcha tea, tea ceremony sets, calligraphy sets, and much more available.
Japanese Wagashi are vegan and vegetarian friendly! The plant-based treats are also halal and kosher.
We own and operate Geisha Experience MAIKOYA. All of our guides speak fluent English and know how to make you feel at ease by always being patient and smiling constantly. We also provide handouts in different languages in case you have limited language skills. By participating in this tour you will have a local “friend” showing you around rather than being dragged to routine places by a stranger.
We know that travelers neither want a history lecture nor a fast facts trivia. They just want to feel like a local and learn the Japanese view of Geisha and Gion and the history. Our guests also often ask us about the souvenir shops, restrooms, hidden gems, transportation to their next stop and local favorite restaurants. So we prepared the perfect package tour with the best price that will make your trip to Japan extra rewarding.
