Geisha – Maiko Show & Tea Ceremony in Kyoto by Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya
Reserve Online
Get a chance to see a geisha performance!
Please kindly note that due to heavy demand, we hold a 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 both experiences.
Book with us online!
Geisha Show & Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
Lasts approximately 135 minutes
60 minutes for the tea ceremony, 60 minutes for the Geisha Experience
Inclusions:
Maikoya Kyoto:
-
Tea Ceremony Experience
- A tea master will be leading the experience and guide you on the steps
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Matcha Tea and Utensils
- You will be drinking and learning how to prepare matcha.
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Wagashi or Japanese Sweets
- The wagashi will feature beautiful designs and seasonal flavors unique to Japan.
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Kimono
- Our kimonos come in a variety of designs and sizes to choose from!
- This will also include a simple hairstyle and accessories for the ladies.
-
Introduction to Zen and the Tea ceremony
- The staff will explain and help you understand the connection between zen and tea ceremony, and the meaning of the ritual.
Gion:
- Geisha Dance Performance
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Conversations with a Geisha
- You can talk to the Geisha and ask questions about the things you’re curious about.
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Choice of beverage
- 1 Drink: Juice, Tea or Alcoholic Beverage
-
Snacks
- One small plate
Most of the time, an apprentice geisha called maiko will be available for the geisha performance as part of their training. This will not affect the quality of your experience.
PRICE
¥8900
If you are having difficulties or questions, contact us at info@mai-ko.com.
Follow our guide to fully enjoy the experience!
- Start at Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto for your tea ceremony and kimono according to your reservation. This will take around 60 minutes.
- Change back to your casual clothes then receive directions to get to the geisha show venue.
- Arrive at the geisha show venue at 19:55 (7:55 PM) and enjoy the show. You can talk to the geisha and take pictures of the performance.
What happens during the experience?
You will start at Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto at your reserved time. You can choose among our selection of beautiful kimonos and get your hair styled and accessorized.
After getting ready, you will be having a traditional tea ceremony. 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 the traditional tea ceremony step by step. 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. The host will perfectly and harmoniously use all the traditional utensils to make the perfect cup of tea in a way that has been done the same for about 400 years. And, finally, you will make your own tea and enjoy Japanese traditional sweets.
Make sure to arrive at the geisha venue at 7:55 PM for the performance.
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 their mysterious world. Recently, some okiyas (geisha boarding schools) in the geisha neighborhood in Gion have allow locals and travelers to watch a short performance.
The geisha venue is in the heart of the historic Hanamikoji Geisha street. You will see many old and traditional buildings nearby, making it feel like you back in time to the Edo Period. The venue has good lighting and a small number of seats for the guests for 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 assistance from an interpreter and take pictures.
The geisha show takes place 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 of food at the 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. (Not included in the package.)
Have a wonderful time in Kyoto with a Tea Ceremony, dinner at a traditional restaurant, and a Geisha show!
Check out our other Geisha Events and Cultural Experiences!
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.
Can I take a picture with the kimono?
You are more than welcome to after your tea ceremony! You can also use the various rooms and backdrops at Maikoya.
Will there be an interpreter during the tea ceremony and geisha performance?
The tea ceremony is available in English and Japanese. During the geisha performance, an interpreter will be present to make communication easier.
Are kids allowed during the event? Is there an age limit?
Children are welcome to join the event! The geishas are performers who cater to audiences of all ages. We suggest a minimum age of 3 years old but you can contact us if your child is younger so we can arrange things for you.
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! You can also sit cross your legs if sitting on your knees is too uncomfortable.
How long does the ceremony last?
The geisha tea ceremony, performance, and walking tour can last from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Can I walk outside while wearing the kimono?
We charge a small rental fee if you would like to use our kimonos outside the teahouse. However, if the weather is not good, we may not give this option.
Do you have plus-size kimonos?
Yes! Our kimonos are meant to fit a variety of sizes. You can also contact us if you would like to make sure of an available fit.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Geisha tea ceremonies need to be booked in advance.
Do I need to wear a kimono?
No, but the option is included in your reservation.
Can I wear a kimono if I’m pregnant?
We will not require you to wear a kimono if it is uncomfortable for you. If you are in your first or second trimester, you can still choose to wear it.
Do you provide additional services like hair and makeup?
For the ladies, we provide hairstyling services along with kimono assistance. Makeup services are not available.
Can I walk outside while wearing the kimono?
We charge a small rental fee if you would like to use our kimonos outside the teahouse. However, if the weather is not good, we may not give this option.
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. We highly recommend letting us know if you have any preferences or diets anyway just to make sure.
Do you have kimonos for kids?
Yes, we have smaller sizes for the kids. Make sure to let us know the age and height of your child in advance so we can reserve a kimono!
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