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Geisha – Maiko Show & Tea Ceremony in Kyoto by Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya

Age 12+

Please kindly note that due to heavy demand, we hold kimono tea ceremony experience and meeting with the apprentice geisha (maiko) experiences separately in two different venues which are about 15-minute walking distance apart from each other. You first come to Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya anytime you choose between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM and experience the traditional tea ceremony without the geisha. You will then go to the Gion area at 7:55 PM to watch an apprentice geisha’s dance performance and talk to her through an interpreter. Your reservation covers for both experiences.

This once-in-a-lifetime activity includes:

-At MAIKOYA TE ACEREMONY

  • Traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience 
  • Wearing a beautiful kimono including hairdo (simple style) and hairpins for ladies
  • Drinking matcha green tea
  • Eating wagashi Japanese sweets 
  • Explanation of the connection between zen and tea ceremony and also the meaning of the ritual

-At GION

  • Watching a dance performance by an apprentice geisha (maiko)
  • Talking with or asking questions to an apprentice geisha (maiko)
  • Your choice of beverage (1 Drink: Juice, Tea or Alcoholic Beverage)
  • Snacks (1 small plate)

How to enjoy this experience

-Step 1: Show up at Kimono tea ceremony MAIKOYA based on your reservation time. Wear a traditional kimono and get your hair done. Perform traditional tea ceremony. This takes about 60 minutes.

-Step 2: Change back to casual clothes. The staff will give you directions to the geisha show venue.

-Step 3: Show up at the geisha show venue at 19:55 and enjoy the show. You can talk to the geisha and pictures are allowed.

#1 The traditional tea ceremony and wearing beautiful kimono

tea-ceremony-kyoto

Kimono Tea ceremony kyoto MAIKOYA

You will make a green tea (Matcha) in an ancient style Japanese tea ceremony room wearing Kimono. In this workshop, a qualified instructor will walk you through step by step of traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote physical and mental well-being, mindfulness and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. You will learn the foundations of the zen philosophy: Wa, kei, sei, jaku, which roughly translate as harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. You will observe how your host perfectly and harmoniously use all the traditional utensils to make the perfect cup of tea in way that has been done the same for about 400 years. And, finally, you will make your own tea and enjoy Japanese traditional sweets.

#2 Watch the dance performance by a geisha and talk to her

Geisha Show

Japanese people have a word for geisha: “miyabi” which means refined elegance. It requires so much sacrifice and dedication to reach the level of geisha so that even for Kyoto residents being in the presence of a geisha is an utter privilege. While meeting with a geisha in Kyoto has been only possible through a reference from a reliable customer now you have a unique chance to get a glimpse of the mysterious world of geisha. Recently some okiyas (geisha boarding school)  in the geisha neighborhood allow locals and travelers watch a short performance.

The location is in the heart of the historic Hanamikoji Geisha street. You will see many old and traditional buildings nearby and you will feel like traveling back in time to the Edo Period. The venue has a good lighting and a small number of seats for the guests so it will be an intimate encounter and you can watch the apprentice geisha closely. The best part is after watching the performance you can talk to the apprentice geisha with the assistance from an interpreter and take pictures.

The geisha show takes places in the heart of Gion where you can easily spot many other geishas heading to work before the sunset or going to parties. You can also enjoy various kinds food at restaurants nearby. The geisha show venue itself is an old geisha house converted into a machiya style restaurant, so, you are more than welcome to have your dinner at the same place before the show starts by paying extra on the spot.

Chatting time with the geisha

 

Tea ceremony, meal in a traditional restaurant and a geisha show. What a lovely day in Kyoto!!!

Learn Japanese culture with all of your senses – especially your sense of wonder!

Just in case if you were wondering:

  • You are allowed to take pictures in the tea ceremony room after the ceremony as well as the other rooms and in front of our unique backdrops
  • You are allowed to sit comfortably on the floor (without sitting on your knees on the tatami mat) during the tea ceremony. We also provide bamboo chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the floor
  • You are allowed to take a picture of the geisha during or after the geisha show.
  • There is an English speaking interpreter who will help you chat with the geisha smoothly.
  • The geisha show takes place in a room of an old town-house style building in Gion.
  • !!!PLEASE SHOW UP AT KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA FIRST!!!
  • !!! THE GEISHA SHOW ONLY COVERS FOR 1 DRINK AND A SNACK PLATE!!!
  • THE TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCE LASTS AROUND 60 MINUTES.
  • THE GEISHA SHOW EXPERIENCE LASTS AROUND 60 MINUTES.
  • THE KIMONO & TEA CEREMONY AND THE GEISHA SHOW ARE HELD IN SEPARATE PLACES THAT ARE 15 MINUTES APART.

OTHER EVENTS WHERE YOU CAN MEET A GEISHA

OTHER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

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    Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

    We are a cultural experience venue located in the heart of Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. We pride ourselves on providing authenthinc experiences in Kyoto. 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 Kyoto 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. We are located near Honnoji temple.
    Our address is 〒604-8006 Kyoto Prefecture, 5F, Nakagyo Ward, Shimomaruyacho (Kawaramachidori), 407-2 ルート河原町ビル  google map
    Our phone number is 075-606-5303
    Our email address is kyoto@mai-ko.com
    *** Please let us know the gender ratio and if you have any food allergies, Halal, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian preferences. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 1. Do you accept walk-ins? Yes, we accept walk-ins. However, it is chepaer to book online and you may need to wait if you show up without a reservation especially during the peak season. 2. Do I need to wear a kimono? Traditional tea ceremony is usually conducted by wearing a kimono but since you may simply not be interested in it or you may be pregnant (earlier than 3rd trimester OK) we don’t require you to wear a kimono. 3. Do I need to sit on my knees all the time or I can sit comfortably? Can I sit on the chair? Yes you can sit comfortably without sitting on your knees. Yes we do provide chairs and desks if you need. 4. What is the etiquette for tea ceremony? Please remember to --take your shoes off, --be quiet and not talk to your partner throughout the ceremony, —not use your cell phone (we allow photos before and after) but ideally you should forget worldly and materialistic thoughts. 5. Do you have kimonos for kids? Yes, we do have small size kimonos for kids. Just let us know the age/height of your child in advance. 6. Do you have plus size kimonos? Yes we do have extra size kimonos. If you are a plus size please let us know when you reserve about your size. 7. Can I walk outside wearing the kimono for the rest of the day? Yes! you can walk outside with additional fee JPY1000 by 6 pm! 8. Do you provide any hairdo services? Yes (for females), we will make sure you look your best and your hair matches the traditional kimono style. 9. Do you only show activities or you explain the meanings, symbols etc? Of course we explain all the meanings and symbols. We also answer many questions you may have (what tis the relationship between zen and tea ceremony, what is the relationship between zen and shodo, what is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, etc.) 10. Do you have a souvenir shop where I can get matcha tea, tea ceremony set, calligraphy set, etc. to remember my experience?. Yes we do. 11. Where can I buy a kimono? We can recommend you a few nearby shops that sell 2nd hand, upscale and economy kimonos, yukatas, samues and hakamas.
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