If not fluent in Japanese, select the "2-hour interpreter" or bring a translator
What to expect
What is a Geisha?
A geisha is an entertainer highly skilled in traditional Japanese arts. These skills include traditional Japanese dance, musical instruments, and parlor games called ozashiki.
Geisha vs. Geiko
While most English speakers are familiar to the term "geisha," this word applies to entertainers based in Tokyo. In Kyoto, where geisha culture is most prominent, the term used is "geiko."
What is a Maiko?
A maiko is a geisha in training, often distinguished by colorful kimono and elaborate hair accessories she wears. An aspiring maiko can only debut after years of extensive training. A maiko also typically spends five or so years before graduating to become a geiko.
Experience the grace of Kyoto's maiko and the best of Kyoto's hospitality! Enjoy a dinner of fine Japanese cuisine while watching the maiko dance, and discover the beauty and artistry of the ancient capital's icons.
Please arrive at your check-in location on time.
In the case you are late, please understand that your tour will be running shorter.
What's included
Varies by package — see each package below.
Packages(2)
Lunch PlanDailyfrom USD 284.97
What's included
Japanese-speaking staff
Lunch
Open Bar (Unlimited drinks / including alcohol)
Starting at
12:00
Group size
Selectable travelers: 2–10
Watch a dance performance by the maiko while enjoying a Kaiseki-style meal with an all-you-can-drink plan. One maiko will be performing for you, but you can request a second maiko from the Options menu.
Schedule
Meet at Tokanso
Lunch and Maiko Performance
Take a step into a world of the maiko as you watch a traditional dance while savoring your Kyoto-style kaiseki lunch.
Tour Ends at Tokanso
Dinner PlanDailyfrom USD 360.96
What's included
Japanese-speaking staff
Dinner
Open Bar (Unlimited drinks / including alcohol)
Starting at
18:00
Group size
Selectable travelers: 2–10
Watch a dance performance by the maiko while enjoying a Kaiseki-style meal with an all-you-can-drink plan. One maiko will be performing for you, but you can request a second maiko from the Options menu.
Schedule
Meet at Tokanso
Dinner and Maiko Performance
Take a step into a world of the maiko as you watch a traditional dance while savoring your Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner.
By train: 15-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan main line. 15-minute walk from Kawahara-cho Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line.
By bus: Get on the "Kita Oji Bus Terminal Bound via Kiyomizudera" city bus from JR Kyoto Station. Get off at Gion and walk for about 10-minutes.
Restrictions
The service is provided in Japanese only. If the participant does not speak Japanese, please select the "2-hour English interpreter" option or arrange your own guide who can assist with translation.
Additional notes
Please arrive at your check-in location on time. In the case you are late, please understand that your tour will be running shorter.
Operated by
kyohanamachi kawamura (Code:133135)
Cancellation policy
Less than 7 business days before (local time): 100%
On the activity day / No-show: 15%
Reviews
4.90
15 reviews
513
42
30
20
10
Guest photos15
Playing with maiko (geisha apprentices) in a traditional setting.
Posted Date: 2025/05/28
ひとこ
I had a great time talking a lot with the maiko I admire, playing traditional games together, and discussing many things, both unfamiliar and ordinary! It was such a fun time, and I want to go see them again!憧れの舞妓さんとたくさんお話しして 一緒にお座敷遊びをして 知らないことや普通のお話しもたくさん していたました！ とっても楽しい時間でした また会いに行きたいです！
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you very much for your reservation. We are truly honored that you enjoyed your banquet in the tatami room. We appreciate your valuable feedback. A private room banquet is indeed the original form of our service. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Thank you very much.
Had an awesome time and would highly recommend. The restaurant is gorgeous and the staff extremely hospitable. The kaiseki dishes were very well liked by the three of us and their proprietary sake was excellent.
Our interpreter Peter was super chill and knowledgeable. Lastly our maiko, Kana Sue was fascinating to watch - the makeup, hair style, kimono, and all the meanings behind each intention of dress; the couple of dances she performed; and the hospitality services. Not to mention learning of … Had an awesome time and would highly recommend. The restaurant is gorgeous and the staff extremely hospitable. The kaiseki dishes were very well liked by the three of us and their proprietary sake was excellent.
Our interpreter Peter was super chill and knowledgeable. Lastly our maiko, Kana Sue was fascinating to watch - the makeup, hair style, kimono, and all the meanings behind each intention of dress; the couple of dances she performed; and the hospitality services. Not to mention learning of her and many other girls' extremely committed lifestyle choice and what that entails to become a geisha was an eye opening seminar.
I would have liked to see some singing and instrument playing, but perhaps requesting a geisha over a maiko would have been prudent. An interpreter is necessary unless your fluent. Overall it was a highlight of my trip and I would do again.
It was a magical night
Posted Date: 2024/06/25
Aline
Everything was perfect. The beautiful, elegant ambiance, the service, the food and the Geiko performance. We spent a marvelous time. Thank you all.
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you very much for your valuable comments and evaluation. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
An experience of a life-time!
Posted Date: 2024/05/27
M.H.S.
We went into it without prior knowledge of the venue, the actual setup or the details of the experience, and i was at awe of the arrangement and the experience, truly a once of a life-time experience you cannot miss if you plan to visit Kyoto!
The venue was superb, the restaurant being reserved solely for us, a genuinely private experience. However, I have to note that the initially, it wasn't a pleasant start due to a misunderstanding by the host restaurant staff. As the lead of the group I app… We went into it without prior knowledge of the venue, the actual setup or the details of the experience, and i was at awe of the arrangement and the experience, truly a once of a life-time experience you cannot miss if you plan to visit Kyoto!
The venue was superb, the restaurant being reserved solely for us, a genuinely private experience. However, I have to note that the initially, it wasn't a pleasant start due to a misunderstanding by the host restaurant staff. As the lead of the group I approached the front door of the venue, only to be shouted at by an elderly male saying that this is private and i have to leave. I tried to approach him to show him my reservation as i was trying to explain that we are the ones who booked the venue but his attitude got more aggressive and did not want to hear anything i had to say. I was not going to start the experience with conflict so i left and got in touch with the emergency number on the voucher, who immediately resolved the issue and the man later apologized for his behavior. I understand that tourist have been a bit of a hassle lately for Kyoto and hence do not take it personally, however for future reservations, please note of this and don't let it ruin your day.
As for the main experience, there are no words to summarize how magical, pleasant and lovely the rest of the evening was. The translator, an expert in Geisha Tradition was superb, providing us with a detailed history of the tradition and guiding us on how to enjoy the experience as it plays out. The shimasen, Gecko, Geisha and Maikos made us feel like honorary guests and provided us with the most authentic and personal experience we have ever enjoyed, a lovely mix of dance, song, food, entertainment and conversation. Although i say it is a once in a life-time experience, i will definitely book when i visit the country again!
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you very much for your rating. We are very sorry for the rudeness of the service at the restaurant. We deeply apologize. Also, thank you for enjoying the traditional Japanese geisha entertainment. Thank you for your valuable comments. We look forward to welcoming you again when you come to Kyoto. Kyoto Hanamachi Kawamura
Great dinner experience
Posted Date: 2024/05/01
Tdawg
The meal, dance, and game were all incredible. Our translator was great and provided fun facts and history of Geisha culture.
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you for using our service. Thank you for your rating. Thank you for your valuable comments. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you very much. kyohanamachi Kawamura
Unforgettable
Posted Date: 2024/04/21
K.O.
The location of the restaurant was impressive as well as the room, and the kaiseki dinner was really delicious. Of course, the highlight of the evening was the performance of the amazing maiko san. It was a unique experience to have maiko san dance just for us and have a talk with us.
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you very much for using the Kaiseki plan. Thank you for your valuable words. We will continue to spread the word about traditional performing arts. Thank you.
I was thrilled to meet a maiko while enjoying Kyoto cuisine.
Posted Date: 2023/10/10
TH
I visited Higashikanso at 12:00 on a weekday. I was shown to a private room where the table was already set. After drinks and appetizers were served, a maiko appeared and performed two dances. After that, I had various conversations with the maiko. She seemed to be around 18 years old and had a very cute smile. I had thought of some questions in advance, but the two hours flew by so quickly that I ran out of things to ask.平日の12:00に東観荘へ伺いました。個室に案内され既にテーブルが用意されていました。飲み物と前菜が出された後に舞妓さんが登場して、踊りを2曲披露してくれました。その後に舞妓さんとおしゃべりを色々させてもらいました。まだ18歳くらいの舞妓さんらしく、笑顔がとても可愛いらしい感じでした。何を話そうか事前に質問事項などを考えてきましたが、質問のネタも尽きてしまうくらい、あっという間の2時間でした。
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Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you for this opportunity. We appreciate you experiencing valuable time with the maiko and immersing yourself in Japanese culture.
We will continue to strive to provide experiences that preserve traditional customs for our customers. Thank you for your valuable words.
I had the pleasure of attending an ozashiki, a traditional Japanese banquet, and was fortunate enough to be in the company of Maiko San, a skilled and talented geisha-in-training. The experience was simply unforgettable, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
From the moment I arrived, Maiko San's warm and welcoming demeanor put me at ease. Her stunning kimono, intricate hair and makeup, and graceful movements transported me back in time to a world of beauty and elegance.
Throughout the evening,… I had the pleasure of attending an ozashiki, a traditional Japanese banquet, and was fortunate enough to be in the company of Maiko San, a skilled and talented geisha-in-training. The experience was simply unforgettable, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
From the moment I arrived, Maiko San's warm and welcoming demeanor put me at ease. Her stunning kimono, intricate hair and makeup, and graceful movements transported me back in time to a world of beauty and elegance.
Throughout the evening, Maiko San entertained us with her exquisite dancing, singing, and music. She played a variety of traditional Japanese instruments, including the shamisen and the koto, and her skills were truly awe-inspiring.
But what really stood out to me was the way in which Maiko San engaged with everyone at the ozashiki. She took the time to chat with each of us individually, answering our questions and sharing stories about her life as a maiko. Her warmth and charm were infectious, and I felt privileged to have been able to spend time in her company.
Overall, my experience at the ozashiki with Maiko San was simply magical. It was a unique and authentic glimpse into a world that few outsiders get to experience, and I left feeling inspired and enriched. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and tradition. I had the pleasure of attending an ozashiki, a traditional Japanese banquet, and was fortunate enough to be in the company of Maiko San, a skilled and talented geisha-in-training. The experience was simply unforgettable, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
From the moment I arrived, Maiko San's warm and welcoming demeanor put me at ease. Her stunning kimono, intricate hair and makeup, and graceful movements transported me back in time to a world of beauty and elegance.
Throughout the evening,… I had the pleasure of attending an ozashiki, a traditional Japanese banquet, and was fortunate enough to be in the company of Maiko San, a skilled and talented geisha-in-training. The experience was simply unforgettable, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
From the moment I arrived, Maiko San's warm and welcoming demeanor put me at ease. Her stunning kimono, intricate hair and makeup, and graceful movements transported me back in time to a world of beauty and elegance.
Throughout the evening, Maiko San entertained us with her exquisite dancing, singing, and music. She played a variety of traditional Japanese instruments, including the shamisen and the koto, and her skills were truly awe-inspiring.
But what really stood out to me was the way in which Maiko San engaged with everyone at the ozashiki. She took the time to chat with each of us individually, answering our questions and sharing stories about her life as a maiko. Her warmth and charm were infectious, and I felt privileged to have been able to spend time in her company.
Overall, my experience at the ozashiki with Maiko San was simply magical. It was a unique and authentic glimpse into a world that few outsiders get to experience, and I left feeling inspired and enriched. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and tradition.
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you for this opportunity. We appreciate you experiencing precious time with the maiko and immersing yourself in Japanese culture.
We will continue to strive to provide our customers with experiences that honor traditional customs. Thank you for your valuable words.
It was a quick two hours. After enjoying the explanations from the maiko and the dance, we had a lot of fun with questions and taking photos. I think it was worth the price.あっという間の2時間でした。 舞妓さんの説明や、踊りを楽しんだ後は、質問や写真撮影など、たくさん楽しませていただきました。 値段相応の価値があると思います。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from kyohanamachi kawamura
Thank you very much for this time. Thank you for enjoying it. I greatly appreciate your kind words.この度ありがとうございました。 楽しんで頂きありがとうございます。 大変有難いお言葉ありがとうございます。
Machine translated from Japanese
Adding one more maiko, dining with two maiko.
Posted Date: 2022/04/24
しあとる
I used the service from 12:00 to 14:00. I was able to utilize the time perfectly.
Since there is a long time to talk with the maiko, it's enjoyable, but the topics start to run out. So, I went with two guests, but it might have been better to go with around four guests.
The food was delicious. There were times when I couldn't focus on the food because we were talking for so long, which felt like a waste.
Overall, it was a wonderful plan.12：00～14：00で利用。時間ぴったりで利用できました。
