Enjoy an authentic traditional tea ceremony hosted by a real Kyoto geisha, also called a geiko, or their apprentice called a maiko! You will be introduced to the unique geisha culture of Kyoto, where young geiko women would serve tea to pilgrims visiting the historic temples in Eastern Kyoto.
Highlights
Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto
Kyoto Geisha Performance
Duration
45 minutes
Offered in
English
What is included
Geisha Show
Tea ceremony
What is not included
Kimono Wearing
Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Start time
4:00 pm
End point
Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA
100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto
Kyoto Geisha Performance
Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto
As part of their training, the geisha (maiko) in Kyoto learn how to conduct tea ceremonies and often hold tea ceremonies under sakura trees on special occasions. At KIMONO TEA CEREMONY KYOTO MAIKOYA, we want to preserve the unique geisha culture of Kyoto by holding the geisha tea ceremony sessions for locals and travelers whenever possible. Come and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience before it is sold out! In this workshop, a Maiko will walk you through step by step the traditional tea ceremony. This is a ritual-like activity where ceremonial tea is prepared and presented to promote well-being, mindfulness, and harmony. It is also called the Way of the Tea. The tea itself is powdered green tea and is called Matcha. Although there will usually be a Maiko available for the tea ceremony and performance, a Geisha will occasionally be booked according to their availability.
Kyoto Geisha Performance
The Geisha or Maiko Performance will take place in a traditional Japanese-style room at Maikoya Kyoto near the Gion District. The Geisha, sometimes Maiko, will perform a traditional Japanese dance in a room where you and other guests will be allowed to take pictures. Please keep in mind to take them appropriately without much distraction. An MC will be present during the performance and explain the meanings and symbolisms of the outfits, and dance of the Geisha. After the dance, you will be able to ask Geisha questions and take photos with her! There will be multiple genuine Geisha artifacts and displays in the building that you can also ask about. An interpreter will be present to help in case there are any difficulties with communicating.
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue. If you have a child under 7 in your party, you can not make the reservation for this experience.
Kimono wearing is not included in this experience.
In rare circumstances, it may be necessary to cancel your reserved event due to unforeseen circumstances involving the geisha. In such cases, if the show is cancelled due to an emergency, you will receive a full refund. We will notify you by email in the event of a cancellation, so please be sure to check your inbox for messages from our website.
We kindly request that you contact us in advance regarding the participation of special needs.
This building is a registered tangible cultural property in Japan.
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.
You can take pictures after the event and performance! Please remember to be respectful and ask for consent.
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!
We also provide desks and chairs upon request if it's more comfortable for you!
The geisha tea ceremony, performance, and walking tour can last from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Geisha tea ceremonies need to be booked in advance.
We provide matcha tea, tea ceremony sets, calligraphy sets, and much more available.
Japanese Wagashi are vegan and vegetarian friendly! The plant-based treats are also halal and kosher.
MAIKOYA