Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show in Kyoto Gion Kiyomizu

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Price
¥13000 / person
¥11700 / person   (+ tax)
Travel with confidence - book today to enjoy effortless planning and relaxation.

Geisha Tea ceremony kyoto

Chance to meet real geisha in Kyoto Gion.

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.

Location

Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA
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.

Important Information

  • Kimono wearing is not included in this experience. If you want to wear a kimono, please also book a kimono rental here.
  • Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
  • In rare circumstances, it may be necessary to cancel your reserved event due to unforeseen circumstances involving the geisha. In such cases, if the show is cancelled due to an emergency, you will receive a full refund. We will notify you by email in the event of a cancellation, so please be sure to check your inbox for messages from our website.

Geisha Show Kyoto

geisha kyoto maikoya

Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show in Kyoto

Lasts Approximately 45 minutes

Inclusions:

  1. Geisha Tea Ceremony
    • A geisha or maiko will be leading a tea ceremony and demonstrating the steps.
  2. Matcha Tea and Utensils
    • You will be learning how to prepare matcha with the help of the geisha/maiko.
  3. Wagashi or Japanese Sweets
    • The wagashi will feature beautiful designs and seasonal flavors unique to Japan.
  4. Presence of an Interpreter
    • You will be accompanied by an interpreter who can translate English and Japanese.
  5. Introduction to Geisha Traditions and Tea Ceremony
    • This is so you have a better understanding of the culture.
  6. Geisha Dance Performance
    • The geisha/maiko will be giving a short performance for you!
  7. Photographs with Geisha
    • There will be many opportunities for you to take pictures, and ask questions about things you’re curious about!

Geisha Maiko Meeting Kyoto

Regular price

13,000yen / person (+tax)

Enter the coupon code to get an additional discount!

We have a unique cancellation policy for geisha events. Cancellation Policy

Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto

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.

At KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA, we want to preserve the unique geisha culture of Kyoto by holding the geisha tea ceremony sessions for locals and travelers whenever possible.

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.

Additionally, if you’d like you can also reserve a PRIVATE tea ceremony.

Geisha Maiko Private Meeting

Kyoto Geisha Performance

Geisha Show Kyoto

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.

FAQs

What is a Geisha or Maiko?

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.

Can I take a picture with the geisha/maiko?

You can take pictures after the event and performance! Please remember to be respectful and ask for consent.

Are kids allowed during the event? Is there an age limit?

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.

Can I take a video of the whole 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!

Do I have to sit on the floor?

We also provide desks and chairs upon request if it’s more comfortable for you!

How long does the ceremony last?

The geisha tea ceremony, performance, and walking tour can last from 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Geisha tea ceremonies need to be booked in advance.

Do you have a souvenir shop?

Yes. We provide matcha tea, tea ceremony sets, calligraphy sets, and much more available.

Are wagashi vegan/vegetarian, halal, or kosher?

Japanese Wagashi are vegan and vegetarian friendly! The plant-based treats are also halal and kosher.

About Us

Geisha Geiko at Kyoto Maikoya

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.

Review

Sointex Jambis
Sointex Jambis
06:52 05 Mar 20
Wonderful service. Perfect for anyone, including Japanese. Just opened in December 2019. You can meet with a geisha and... ask questions. Great experience.read more
Allira Mahon
Allira Mahon
07:01 25 Feb 20
Enjoyed the Geisha tea ceremony! After being dressed in a Kimono, I was escorted to the venue. Our host and... interpreters were amazing. Explained all the reasons behind the spiritual aspects of the ceremony, and after the Maiko did her dance we were able to ask lots of questions. If you want a beautiful authentic experience, please give this a try!read more
Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson
06:59 15 Feb 20
Amazing experience with our private tea ceremony. The staff made us feel welcome from the start and gave a lovely talk... about each of the items on display. Really a great afternoon and can really recommend.read more
Tiffany Mazeau
Tiffany Mazeau
06:54 11 Feb 20
Awesome experience, you can ask a lot of questions and learn so much! The tea ceremony is very enjoyable too and you... can take pictures of the whole process. The maiko was very beautiful and kind, she answered to all of our questions, we really enjoyed our time here. Thank you again!read more
Emily McDonnell
Emily McDonnell
03:27 28 Jan 20
It's repeated over and over in the reviews but this really is a once in a lifetime experience. To be able to experience... a traditional dance and tea ceremony is outstanding but to recieve it from a real Maiko is just inexplicable. The staff could not have been more lovely and accommodating. Will absolutely be coming back next time I'm in Kyoto.read more
Sascha Krebs
Sascha Krebs
02:26 20 Jan 20
One of the most amazing and wonderful experiences we had during our stay in Kyoto. The whole staff was really wonderful... and helpful, we were able to ask all the questions you want to ask a Maiko. The tea ceremony was beautiful. We got to wear Kimonos and after all that we had a great walking tour through the Gion district where we also learned so many things by two members of the Kyoto Geisha Show staff. Thank you again for all your help and the wonderful afternoon we had at your lovely place!read more
Maria CRUZ ORELLANA
Maria CRUZ ORELLANA
08:11 19 Jan 20
I’ve done tea ceremonies before but they have never been like this one. They were able to accommodate a big group (19... people) and we got to ask the Maiko-san questions and and take pictures. The women that dressed us were kind and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.read more
Janki Patel
Janki Patel
08:09 19 Jan 20
This is a must do experience in Kyoto! All the ladies are so nice and welcoming. They even got our group a Maiko to... perform the ceremony. Overall amazing experienceread more
Taylor Espinola
Taylor Espinola
07:59 19 Jan 20
What a wonderful experience! I loved every second and it was very interactive. We were a very large group and they were... so professional and accommodatingread more
nairi nabi
nairi nabi
07:59 19 Jan 20
Such an incredible experience! A must for anyone visiting Kyoto. The women that work here are so knowledgeable,... hospitable and sweet. Genuinely a pleasant and once in a lifetime experience! I highly recommend it!!!read more
Shankar Radhakrishnan
Shankar Radhakrishnan
10:28 29 Nov 19
We had a great tea ceremony experience at this place. We enjoyed the detailed explanation and relaxed atmosphere. ... Definitely worth the experienceread more
Karina Didenko
Karina Didenko
06:12 12 Nov 19
This experience is one in a life time, so I definitely recommend it to everyone! It's quite engaging and informative at... the same time as first of all you're watching Maiko traditional seasonal dance, after what she shows you how to make a proper green tea and gives you to experience it yourself. The last memorable moment is a question and answer time. Everything what you're interested in about maiko you can ask her personally and receive an answer! Moreover, staff is very friendly, helping, and everyone takes good pictures of you!read more
lourosexx .
lourosexx .
05:33 06 Nov 19
Amazing experience and not to be missed! Staff are lovely and tea ceremony was a once in a lifetime! We even got to see... a traditional danceread more
Lisa Thurston
Lisa Thurston
07:36 01 Nov 19
5 Star experience, must do in Kyoto! Our host Nana was amazing and very knowledgable. The sweet making was really fun... and Nana showed us different techniques to make different designs. The Tea Ceremony was so insightful, we feel we learned a lot about the tea and Japanese culture and we were so lucky to also meet a beautiful Geisha. We would recommend this to anyone!read more
Nazi Yazdi
Nazi Yazdi
05:25 01 Nov 19
I loved the experience I have had today. Every thing was beautiful and my group and I enjoyed the beautiful ceremony... lovely kind staff who helpe us get ready and very nice lady who performed tea ceremony and the beautiful geisha. Thank you so very much.read more
Next Reviews

  • Included
    Geisha Show
    Tea ceremony
  • Not Included
    Kimono Wearing
  • Maps
  • Organizer

    Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA

    We are a cultural experience venue located in the heart of Kyoto,Gion the cultural capital of Japan. We pride ourselves on providing authenthinc experiences in Kyoto, Gion. Founded on the four main pricinples of tea ceremony (Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility) Maikoya has gained recognition among both locals and foreigners. Maikoya also recently has been selected as one of the best tea ceremony venues in Japan by Tripadvisor. Learning about a country through cultural workshops and activities will give you a better understanding of our intricate history, valued social principals and holistic way of life. By learning about Japan and its people, you will be immersed in different perspectives and approaches that are unique to this country. Maikoya Gion offers you opportunities to understand this culture through local instructors and guides. There is no better way to learn about a new place from the viewpoints of those who grew up and live in this amazing country. What better way to spend an afternoon than learning a traditional, beautiful new art form with a knowledgeable tutor in a picturesque setting? You wouldn't find friendlier people to help you experience Japan in all its splendour.
    Our address is 100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan  google map
    Our email address is   gion@mai-ko.com