Special Experience
Kyoto
A Joyful Bar Night with Geisha in Gion, Kyoto
Overview
Kyoto’s five historic entertainment districts have long been centers for leisure and relaxation for temple and shrine visitors, and meccas for the merchant class to gather socially. Here, geiko (as full-fledged geisha are referred to in correct Kyoto parlance) and maiko (young apprentice geiko) regale and delight their clientele with song, dance, conversation, and ozashiki-asobi (traditional party games). These elegant entertainers remain beloved embodiments of Japan’s traditional culture and history, and in this experience you can enjoy their charms yourself through conversation and shared drinks at a bar.
Key Features
・Enjoy bottomless bar drinks with a geiko or maiko in one of Kyoto’s historic nightlife districts (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available)
・Enjoy the unique hospitality culture of this historic district through a chat with a geiko or maiko
*Guests will be guided to special bars around Gion area, such as “Gion NITI”
*Please note that requests for specific geiko or maiko cannot be accommodated
*Visitors may also be interested in these other similar plans:
・Private Geisha Entertainment and Delicious Japanese Cuisine at a Traditional Ochaya, in Gion, Kyoto
・Private Geisha Entertainment and Drinks at Traditional Ochaya in Gion,
Kyoto
Kyoto
100mins
from ¥267,000 /group
1 - 10 participants
Available in English
No cancellations after booking
Details
Discover Kyoto’s Unique Entertainment District Traditions
In Kyoto, an area full of ochaya private banquet houses where geiko and maiko entertain their clientele is called a Hanamachi, and historically Kyoto has five major such districts: Gion-Kobu, Miyagawa-cho, Ponto-cho, Kamishichiken, and Gion Higashi – collectively known as the gokagai, or “five hanamachi.” Each of these districts has its own unique history and character, and though geiko and maiko in all of them train daily to perfect their skills, the styles of their dances differ.
Kyoto’s geiko and maiko are said to have originated roughly three centuries ago, serving food to pilgrims visiting nearby shrines and temples. Today, the geiko and maiko themselves are their own draw, with people from all over Japan and beyond visiting these areas to see them. Nonetheless, these entertainment districts have quite an exclusive culture, and visitors who show up without the introduction of a regular or affiliate are refused entry to Ochaya as a matter of course. This reflects the personalized relationships at the heart of this nightlife culture.
An Evening with Geiko or Maiko
This plan is an opportunity to enjoy bar drinks and conversation with geiko or maiko in the unique, traditional, beautiful atmosphere of Kyoto.
Geiko and maiko are distinct roles. A maiko is a young apprentice geiko, and is distinguished by youthful flashy kimono designs, elaborate traditional Japanese coiffures, white-painted skin with red and black eye makeup and crimson lipstick – a unique and unmistakable beguiling look.
Geiko on the other hand are full-fledged masters of their craft who dress in more muted kimono colors with more modest make-up, with an overall aura of calm and refinement.
Delight in Drinks and Conversation with a Geiko or Maiko
This plan centers around the unique opportunity to enjoy a casual conversation with a geiko or maiko and enjoy a relaxed casual evening together. Sate your curiosity by asking them about the life of a geiko or maiko, their daily training, the joys of the profession, and more.
An evening spent accompanied by the lovely, warm company of a geiko or maiko is a priceless opportunity to discover the unique culture of Kyoto’s nightlife entertainment districts. You can also take photos with your geiko or maiko. Have an unforgettable evening and experience true traditional Kyoto hospitality.
Exclusive Kyoto
Exclusive Kyoto
To both preserve the historic traditions of Kyoto’s nightlife entertainment districts and provide guests with a deeper experience of local culture, Exclusive Kyoto offers a variety of experiences to interact with geiko and maiko. Traditionally, ochaya private banquet houses do not accept first-time visitors without a referral, but Exclusive Kyoto makes it possible for Japanese and overseas visitors alike to enjoy an authentic and luxury geisha experience at one.
Location
Gion NITI
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Request for booking
* Required
January 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
17
Available
17
Full
17
No Events
Additional Options
For parties with 3 or more participants, please select this option.
Additional Participant Fee / person
JPY 35,300
0
Experience fee
Group fee (1 participants)
JPY 267,000
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 13,350
Total Price
JPY 280,350
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kyoto
100mins
from ¥267,000 /group
1 - 10 participants
Available in English
No cancellations after booking
Things to know
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.