Private Geisha Tea Time with Japanese Traditional Dance and Shamisen Performance in Tokyo

A Rare Geisha Experience in a Former Kagai District

Arakicho in Yotsuya, near Shinjuku, is a lively street lined with restaurants and eateries. Once a bustling kagai (geisha district) where numerous geisha used to thrive, this locale still retains the echoes of its historic charm. It is here that you can immerse yourself in a geisha experience that is exclusive to Wabunka. The setting for this special encounter is the Japanese cultural salon known as Onnoza, conveniently located within walking distance of Yotsuya-Sanchome, Akebonobashi, and Yotsuya stations.

Banquets and tea ceremonies are held in this spacious 8-mat tatami room

The owner of Onnoza, Fumie Shiomi, is a geisha herself and will be your guide. For 15 years, she worked as a geisha in the vibrant district of Akasaka, Tokyo. Today, she leverages her experience to pass on traditional Japanese culture through her restaurant.

Fumie Shiomi, owner of Onnoza

Enjoy a Relaxed Chat with Geisha over Japanese Tea

Your geisha experience unfolds within the restaurant's zashiki, a room with tatami mats for entertaining guests. Once seated as directed by your guide, take a moment to appreciate the elegance of this traditional Japanese setting. For groups of eight or more, there is also an option to host the event at Tsunokami, the sister establishment of Onnoza, which features a tatami room live house.

Tea time with geisha in an elegant Japanese-style space

Begin your experience with a relaxed tea time, where you can savor tea and sweets while engaging in pleasant conversation with geisha. You have the choice of matcha or sencha (a Japanese tea variety prepared by steaming tea leaves), and the geisha prepares the tea in front of you, allowing you to admire their grace. Complementing your tea, you will be served nerikiri, a sweet that reflects the beauty of Japanese seasons.

Geisha entertain guests with tea and Japanese sweets

From here on, you can enjoy a pleasant chat while sipping tea brewed by the geisha. Accompanying you are Fumie and Yoshiko, the latter an experienced senior geisha. Yoshiko has been a geisha in Akasaka, Tokyo, since her late teens, making her a seasoned expert in the geisha world. Feel free to ask her about her profession, artistic skills, or even her everyday life, as if you were chatting with a close friend.

Fumie and Yoshiko are both amiable and cheerful, making conversation flow effortlessly

Immerse in a Refined, Traditional Art Form Up Close

Next, you will be treated to captivating Japanese traditional dance and shamisen performances delivered by Fumie and Yoshiko. Fumie takes on the role of the tachikata (dancer), while Yoshiko assumes the role of the jikata (performer). Being able to witness these two performers at such an intimate distance is an exclusive privilege reserved for just one group at a time, providing a truly luxurious and precious experience.

The sounds of the shamisen echoing through the tatami room and the gorgeous dance will enchant you

Japanese traditional dance conveys the music's emotions through intricate hand and finger movements, neck and shoulder expressions, as well as the use of gaze and small props like fans to depict diverse scenes. The accompanying shamisen music adds a deeply emotional layer. Fumie's graceful dance and Yoshiko's captivating sound create a harmonious and spellbinding performance that will captivate you.

Be captivated by Fumie’s enchanting expressions and graceful gestures

Tailored Experience for Exclusive Reservations

The rest of the experience can be customized to your preferences, whether you would like to try your hand at learning Japanese traditional dance, playing a traditional musical instrument, mastering fan handling, or simply enjoying some fun ozashiki games.

You can learn how to handle a fan in an easy-to-understand way

We highly recommend opting for a personalized experience of learning Japanese traditional dance and musical instruments from Fumie and Yoshiko. This unique opportunity is sure to create unforgettable memories for you and your group.

You can learn to play the shamisen directly from Yoshiko, a highly skilled shamisen player

You are welcome to take photos or record videos throughout the experience. Do not miss the chance to capture the beauty of the unique and exquisite kimonos and hairstyles, which are only visible up close during your time with the geisha.

Tachikata geisha have a lot to offer, from their hairstyles and makeup to their kimonos and obis

Experience the Spirit of Japanese Hospitality through a Geisha Encounter

Geisha are highly skilled in the art of customer service and hospitality. Throughout the experience, you will sense their meticulous attention to detail, care, and genuine concern, qualities that are uniquely offered by geisha. One of the best aspects of this experience is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enduring spirit of Japanese hospitality through your interaction with the geisha.

The moments shared with these two geisha will leave a lasting impression in your memory