This is a special event joined only by you. Whether you are seeking a memorable experience in Japan or just on a honeymoon, this is af very unique experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Please don’t worry about the location or communication with the geisha (maiko) as our location is near the central Gion-Shijo station and our English-speaking staff will be present to interpret for you. Geisha and apprentice geisha called maiko, train for years to perfect the traditional Japanese arts. One of the aspects of their training is performing the tea ceremony.
Highlights
Experience the rich culture of Japan!
Experience Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto
Kyoto Geisha Maiko Performance
Duration
1.5 hours
Offered in
English
What is included
Meeting with a geisha (maiko)
Geisha(maiko) dance performance
Geisha(maiko) tea ceremony
Picture time with the geisha(maiko)
Trying Japanese sweets
Q&A time and chatting with the geisha(maiko)
Interpreter
What is not included
Transportation
Hotel Pick up
Kimono
Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA
Japan, 〒605-0813 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Rokurocho, 100
Start time
2:30 pm
End point
Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience GION MAIKOYA
Japan, 〒605-0813 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Rokurocho, 100
You will be given a selection of beautiful kimonos to choose from and our staff will be providing assistance to help you look your best. We can also provide hairstyling that complements the kimono for ladies. An interpreter fluent in English will be present during the tea ceremony and will be guiding you together with the geisha or maiko. They will be explaining some background on the history of the tea ceremony and the geisha culture in Japan. You will be served a traditional Japanese treat called "wagashi" and then learn how to make your own matcha with the given set of tools. We will provide traditional utensils that are used specifically for the tea ceremony. After you have had your fill, you will be treated to a geisha performance. Most of the time, we will have maiko performances instead as it is part of their training, but both performances are equally mesmerizing!
Experience the rich culture of Japan!
Kyoto is the traditional home of the geisha and its cultures, and it is the best place to go for performances and traditional arts. The geisha start as maiko and would train for years from a young age to be able to perfect their crafts. A part of their training is the tea ceremony - a tradition that is typically performed under the cherry blossoms on rare and special occasions. Maikoya Kyoto preserves this tradition for both locals and travelers to witness and participate in, in addition to a short traditional dance. This event will be held near the Gion-Shijo Station!
Geisha Maiko Tea Ceremony Kyoto
As part of their training, the geisha (maiko) in Kyoto learn how to conduct tea ceremony and often hold tea ceremony 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 of 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 a powdered green tea and is called Matcha.
Just in case if you were wondering: You are allowed to take pictures in the tea ceremony room after the ceremony as well as the other rooms and in front of our unique backdrops. You are allowed to sit comfortably on the floor (without sitting on your knees on the tatami mat). We also provide bamboo chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the floor. We are confident that this experience will be your best souvenir from Japan. You can easily make a reservation now by choosing the best date for you.
Kyoto Geisha Maiko Performance
The geisha performance lasts around 30 minutes
The geisha performance takes place at the traditional Japanese style room.
First, the geisha, sometimes apprentice geisha (called maiko), performs her traditional dance in a room.
You are allowed to take pictures during the performance
After the dance you get to ask geisha questions and you can take a picture with the geisha
If time left, you get to play simple traditional games with the geisha (e.g. ozashiki asobi)
There are many genuine geisha artifacts and visuals in the building that explain things you may wonder about the mysterious world of a geisha
There is an MC hosting the performance who would also explain meaning and symbolism regarding the outfit and dance of the geisha
Children under 7 can not enter the tea ceremony venue.
Lasts approximately 90 - 120 minutes Your appointment time is the starting time for kimono dressing. The tea ceremony is scheduled to start in about 30 minutes, but it depends on the situation. If you arrive late at appointment time, you can wear the kimono after the tea ceremony is over.
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.
a kimono will be provided before the workshop and be worn throughout the whole session.
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.
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.
You can extend your kimono rental up to 6 PM for a small additional fee.
Although our kimonos are purely for rental purposes, we can recommend local shops that sell a variety of kimonos from secondhand and brand new kimonos to yukatas, samues, and hakamas.
We provide matcha tea, tea ceremony sets, calligraphy sets, and much more available.
The wagashi served at our tea ceremonies 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.
We also provide desks and chairs upon request if it's more comfortable for you!
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!
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