An unforgettable meal with Japan’s iconic master entertainers at the birthplace of Geisha culture

Details

Private experience
Location: Kamishichiken, Kyoto
2-3 hours
Lunch 10 people max, dinner 12 people. Minimum 2 participants; solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants
Offered in Japanese with English interpreter

Otherworldly Beauty

With their white-painted faces, crimson lips and ornate kimonos, geisha are instantly recognizable as a symbol of Japan, though still shrouded in mystery. While their role is often misunderstood in part because of the recent influence of “Memoirs of a Geisha”, they are not courtesans, but are master entertainers, classically trained in the arts of traditional Japan music, dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and witty conversation. Their training is rigorous, with a one year trial period as a ‘shikomi’ before being accepted as a ‘maiko’ (an apprentice geisha) at age 15 or 16, after which they continue honing their skills for another four years or so until becoming full-fledged geisha. Living communally in lodging called ‘okiya’, where maiko are trained, they are managed by an older woman, a former geisha herself, called an ‘okamisan’ or ‘okaasan’ who they are indebted to under contract. In the evenings, they attend private dinner parties at an ‘ochaya’ or teahouse, delighting guests with their otherworldly beauty and unparalleled hospitality. For guests to enter an ochaya to be entertained by geisha, they must be referred or invited, adding to the mystique surrounding the traditions of the geisha. Kyoto boasts the oldest and most authentic geisha culture, and catching a glimpse of a maiko walking to her next dinner appointment has left many a traveler breathless. We invite you to take one step further, into this exclusive and magical world, to personally interact with a geisha yourself.

What you’ll do

Lunch
Enjoy a bento lunch, with entertainment provided by 1 maiko. Play Ozashiki Asobi (traditional geisha games) and top things off with a photo-session!

Dinner
Enjoy a luxurious 10-course Japanese kaiseki meal with unlimited drinks (Beer, sake, cocktails, soft drinks) with entertainment provided by 3 geishas (maiko, geiko, and one Jikata, a shamisen specialist). Play Ozashiki Asobi (traditional geisha drinking games) and enjoy dance performances! Top things off with a photo-session.

About venue

Held at an ‘invitation-only’ geisha lodging/teahouse, this is an exclusive experience showcasing the ultimate in Japanese hospitality.

What to wear

Smart-casual or semi-formal dress is recommended.

Who can attend

Children are welcome to join. Children aged 5 years and under can join for free. Children 6 years and above will be charged the full rate. The teahouse is not wheelchair accessible.

What else you should know

You are welcome to take photos--just kindly refrain from shooting during performances. Time is set aside at the end to capture special memories.

Access

35 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least two weeks in advance.
Cancellations cannot be reimbursed so we encourage guests to be 100% certain that they will be able to attend before completing their reservation.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.

Availability

Lunch: 1-3pm
Dinner: 6-9pm

Customer Reviews

“Absolutely unforgettable. I wasn’t expecting to get to speak so much with the Geiko directly, I learned so much about their clandestine art.”

— S.B., Australia

“I gasped as they entered the room. Nothing you see in pictures compares to meeting a real them in real life. ”

— J.P., Japan

Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to the availability of the teahouse. Get in touch to check availability below—we’d love to show you the most memorable dinner of your life!