All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

It's a valuable experience where you can choose from lunch and dinner options and immerse yourself in the high culture of maiko. Foreign visitors are very pleased, and I always visit with foreign guests.

ランチや夕食の選択が出来、敷居が高い舞妓さんの文化に触れられる貴重な体験です。外国人の方々にもとても喜ばれ、外国人のお客様といつも訪問させていただいております。

I was able to enjoy the wonderful sunset and the magnificent views of Okinawa from the vast ocean!

I participated with my 4-year-old son, and he was thrilled and having a great time. The staff were also very kind and even gave my son a balloon as a gift.

The live music was lovely, and at the end, everyone present got really excited with the island song, creating a wonderful memory!

素晴らしいサンセットと大海原からみる沖縄の雄大な景色を堪能できました！

４歳の息子と一緒に参加しましたが、息子も大喜びではしゃぎまくっていましたが、スタッフの方も親切にしてくださり、息子に風船のプレゼントもしてくれました。

ライブミュージックも素敵で、最後に島唄でその場にいた全員が大いに盛り上がり、素敵な思い出になりました♪

The maiko were adorable, and it was a fun experience where I could ask various questions and play games, rather than just watching. As for the food, I think there might be some differences from the photos, so it might be better not to have too high expectations!

舞妓さんも可愛らしくて、質問でいろいろ聞けたり、ゲームなどができ、ただ見るだけのものより、楽しい体験でした。料理は、写真とは、違う事もあると思うので、あまり期待しすぎないほうがいいかも！

Even though we can still feel the summer heat... I had the chance to meet a maiko, often referred to as a moving traditional craft (or perhaps an art piece?).

In Kyoto, there are five districts where maiko can be found: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontocho, Miyagawacho, and Kamishichiken. This time, I met Kanohisa from Gion Higashi.

The guests were quite diverse, coming from Chinese-speaking, English-speaking, and Japanese-speaking backgrounds (laughs). The emcee spoke in both Japanese and English, but there was a middle school girl from Shanghai at our table who was fluent in Japanese. She was interpreting the emcee's comments and Kanohisa's responses for everyone, completely overshadowing the group’s Chinese guide! It was surprising! But it’s wonderful that foreign guests can feel interest and familiarity with the Japanese language and traditional culture, right!?

While enjoying our meal, we were treated to two dance performances, explanations about the maiko, a Q&A session, and traditional games (like Konpira Funafuna). Of course, we could take two-shot photos as long as we weren't bothering others, so it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

While there are many activities like this at night, daytime options are limited, making this activity a low-threshold and reasonably priced recommendation for first-timers! ^ ^

まだまだ夏の暑さを感じる中・・・動く伝統工芸品（美術品か？）とも呼ばれる舞妓さんに逢ってきました～。
京都に舞妓さんの居る街は五つ（祇園甲部・祇園東・先斗町・宮川町・上七軒）ありますが、今回は祇園東・叶家の叶久（かのひさ）さんでした。

お客さんも中国語圏・英語圏＆日本語圏（笑）と多彩でした。
司会は日本語と英語なのですが、同テーブルの上海からって言う中学生くらいの女の子が日本語が流暢で、グループの中国人ガイドさん？そっちのけで司会の方や叶久さんの返答を皆に通訳してました～・・・ビックリ！
でも、外国の方たちにも日本語や伝統文化に興味や親しみを感じてもらえるって嬉しい事ですよね！？

食事をしながら踊りも二曲舞ってもらえて、舞妓さんの説明やQ&Aやお座敷遊び（金毘羅舟々）や、そしてそして2ショットはもちろん他の方の迷惑に無らなければ写真撮影も終始OKと至れり尽くせりです。
夜にこう言うアクティビティーは多いのですが昼ってのは少ないので、初めてって方にも敷居が低く且つリーズナブルなこのアクティビティーはお薦めで～す♪ ^ ^

Watching the sunset in Okinawa while cruising and dining was amazing! The slow pace was very relaxing! The staff's thoughtfulness provided excellent hospitality, making it a wonderful boat trip!

沖縄の夕日を見てクルージングをしながら食事は最高でした！
ゆっくり動きますのでかなり癒されました！
スタッフの方の気遣いも最高のおもてなしでサービスがとても良い船旅でした！

Everything about the dinner cruise was exceptional! The food was excellent and the views were amazing. There was a large assortment of beverages to chose from. It was the highlight of my trip to Tokyo! It was easy to find and taxi were waiting near by to return to your hotel.

This time, I made a reservation for my daughter's surprise birthday. When the song started playing, she looked surprised, but it became a wonderful memory.

今回は娘のサプライズバースデーで予約しました。
歌が流れてきたときは驚いた様子でしたがとてもいい記念となりました。

We had a wonderful time at this event. The beer was cold, the hotpot was tasty, and the maiko was very nice. I very much recommend this!

beautiful experience, very funny fir the kids as well, not too long snd adeguate for family . Il pranzo con la maiko è stata una bellissima esperienza che ha coinvolto anche i bimbi con il gioco , durato un ora e mezzo tempo adeguato per i bimbi per carpire il loro interesse , è stato veramente molto interessante

This was a great activity. The food and beer was delicious and filling and the entertainment was fantastic. We were able to talk with our Maiko for a few minutes and take a picture with her after her performance. We did not speak very much Japanese (only the very basics), but that did not diminish our experience. We had a great time, and it was nice we didn't have to spend a ton of money on one dinner like some other activities that are available with maiko. I would definitely recommend this if you'd like to meet a maiko and see her perform.

dinner was great, super good service. Make sure to wear mosquitos repellent

We participated as a couple. We had accumulated points on Veltra, so we decided to join this experience that we were interested in. The instruction was kind and thorough, and after some practice, we were ready for the real thing! Experiencing it deepened my appreciation for Edo Kiriko. The way to apply force and the difficulty of achieving uniformity were all refreshing, and enjoying a drink from the finished glass was the best!

夫婦での参加です。ベルトラでのポイントが溜まっていたので興味のあったこちらに参加しました。親切丁寧に教えていただき、練習してから本番！
体験してみて江戸切子の魅力がまた深まりました。力の入れ方、均一にする難しさ、何もかもが新鮮で出来上がったグラスで飲む晩酌は最高です。

I was satisfied as my purpose was to photograph the maiko. I used the 500 yen optional seat, but since I couldn't sit in the front, I would like to sit in the front for the next time to take photos.

舞妓さんの撮影が目的でしたので満足しています。
500円のオプション座席を利用しましたが
正面に座れなかったので、次回は正面に座って
撮影したいです。

I made a reservation for the lunch course! I took motion sickness medication and was fully prepared, but some people felt groggy (it seems the boat sways due to the waves from other boats during the day). Since it was everyone's first time on a boat, there were some unexpected events, but we had a great time taking commemorative photos with the Tokyo Skytree in the background on the deck✨

The food was the cheapest course, but the tempura was freshly fried one piece at a time and delicious.

ランチのコースを予約しました！
酔い止めを飲んで準備万全で向かいましたが、
何人かはグロッキーに
(昼は他のボート等の残波で揺れるそうです)
皆、初めての船だったのでハプニングもありつつも、
デッキでスカイツリーをバックに記念写真が撮れたり楽しく過ごせました✨

料理も1番安いコースでしたが、
天ぷらも1品ずつ揚げたてで美味しかったです

My first experience with a maiko.
With seven participants, we were able to fully enjoy the traditional parlor games. Since there were many attendees, I was able to ask the maiko various questions without feeling nervous.

初めての舞妓さん
7人参加で御座敷遊びもしっかり楽しめましたよ。出席者の人数が多いので、舞妓さんにも緊張せずにいろいろお聞きできました。

great unique experience! I lived in Japan for 4 years and this was something I never got to do.

Maiko spoke good English, which was a huge relief and surprise. Dance was cool, food was good, and the all you can drink alcohol was too much fun.

I planned a surprise for my husband's birthday gift by participating in this event. We arrived early and were allowed on the boat, where we enjoyed drinks and light snacks while waiting to set sail. Once we departed, we enjoyed wonderful performances and a course meal. There was a break in the performances, followed by a birthday celebration and the appearance of the cake, which was a nice touch. The staff was attentive, and the surprise was a great success. I was worried about the weather, but I'm glad the event went ahead.

夫の誕生日プレゼントにサプライズで計画しての参加でした。
早めに着いて、船の中に通してもらい、そのままドリンクや軽食をいただきながら、出航待ち。出航すると素敵な演奏とコース料理をいただきながら堪能しました。
一旦演奏は中休みがあり、その後にお誕生日お祝い&ケーキの登場という演出でした。
スタッフの方も気を配って下さり、サプライズ大成功でした。
天気が心配でしたが催行していただきよかったです。

Very convient pick up/drop off spot! Affordable Maiko experience, we chose this experience over parlor games/tea time because we wouldn’t know what to ask a geisha or if language barrier would be a problem. My sister and I enjoyed the performance very much. When we did it it was a small group and the tour leader was the best. One thing to take note is the experience is probably enhanced if you do speak Japanese or have someone that does so you can compliment the performance or ask the Maiko questions, but we knew this going in. Also the bus tour around town showing shrines and temples isn’t necessarily scenic, but rather a quick pass by of all the places (very easy to miss some spots if you don’t turn around quick enough) , but the view at the top of Osaka is worthwhile

The guide was polite, and the driver drove safely, which was great. I was able to see various buildings, and it was educational. Thank you very much.

ガイドさんが丁寧、運転手さんも安全運転で良かったです。いろいろな建造物を見学できて勉強になりました。ありがとうございました。

I had a wonderful experience packed with delicious lunch in a short time, conversations with maiko, and traditional entertainment. It's a must-do program for sightseeing in Kyoto.

短時間に美味しい昼食、舞妓さんとの会話、お座敷遊びとテンコ盛りの素晴らしい体験をさせて頂きました。
京都観光の必須プログラムです。

My husband and visited Tokyo from Washington, DC and were beyond pleased with our experience on the Yukatabune Dinner Cruise! We did many wonderful things on our trip to Tokyo but every part of this cruise exceeded our expectations and we both agree it was our favorite part of the trip! The food was delicious and plentiful-sashimi, tempura, noodles, and more! We were stuffed! The drinks kept flowing and the whole boat turned into one big party of laughter and fun! Friendly staff and great company! We even received a beautiful gift when the staff heard we were celebrating our wedding anniversary! We definitely recommend this cruise to anyone who is looking to experience traditional Japanese food and culture in a very fun, unique, and beautiful setting!

On the day of the event, it was unfortunately rainy and felt a bit cool, but I was able to escape reality for a moment while enjoying a delicious meal (I chose sukiyaki) at a riverside location with an outstanding view, accompanied by the dance and stories of the maiko. (Laughs) Of course, photography was also perfectly allowed!

I heard that out of the five riverside venues, four were open for guests, and we had four maiko come to us: Umetae and Fumikou from Kamishichiken, and Kikuyae and Kanesue from Miyagawa-cho. (Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn't meet Fumikou... so sad.)

Above all, I was really pleased with the attentiveness and care of the staff. I highly recommend this place! Ladies! (Laughs)

当日は生憎の雨で少し涼しく感じられる天気でしたが、抜群のロケーションのなか川床で美味しい食事（すき焼きを選択）を頂きながら舞妓さんの舞やお話しでひととき現実逃避してきました～。（笑）　もちろん写真撮影もバッチリいけますよ！

聞いたところ5つある川床のうち4つ入客あった様で舞妓さんも、上七軒から梅たえさん・ふみ幸さん　宮川町から菊弥江さん・叶季（かなすえ）さんの4名が来てくれてました。（時間の都合でふみ幸さんとはお目にかかれませんでしたが・・・悲）


なにより、スタッフのみなさんの気づかい心くばりも嬉しかったですね～・・・ここ、お薦めですよ！奥様～♪（笑）

The teacher was very kind and took the time to help us create something we were satisfied with! It became a wonderful memory.

先生も丁寧に教えてくださり、時間をかけて満足いくものを作れました！とてもステキな思い出になりました。

This event takes place in part of a studio on the second floor of a building. There are stairs outside in front of the building that go up to the studio. We arrived early, as recommended in the program description, but ended up waiting for the previous program to finish before we could enter. Before entering the studio, you need to take your shoes off and leave them on a rack.

Once inside, there are some rows of benches facing towards a low "stage" on one side of the room. After everyone has taken their seats, the maiko enters. The English translator for the maiko was very good. The maiko introduces herself, and there is an opportunity to have your photograph taken with her and receive a slip of paper with her name stamped on it (in Japanese, of course). After everyone has their photograph, the maiko performs two dances. Then there is a question-and-answer session, and then the maiko explains the rules for a drinking game. She and the translator demonstrated the game once, and then the maiko will ask a series of volunteers to come up to the front to challenge her. If you lose, don't worry--you can choose to drink a cup of water instead of sake!

All of this takes place just over a half hour, but it didn't feel particularly rushed. The maiko was very courteous with answering questions and it was fun to play the game against her. I felt like many of the people in our audience were too shy to ask questions or volunteer, but I would encourage people to not be too shy and enjoy themselves!

I watched Kyogen for the first time and I really enjoyed it. The explanation about words derived from Kyogen, like "interesting" and "hitting the mark," was also great. It was the best!

狂言を初めて観ましたが、大変に気に入りました。面白い、ツボにはまるなど、狂言由来の言葉があることの解説も良かった。最高でした！

My grandchild requested to meet a maiko, and we were able to have a wonderful time at a reasonable price. Ume-san, who has been a maiko for a year, was impressive with her dancing skills that she has practiced since childhood. She is also very good at conversation. The experience included a tea ceremony and traditional performances, making it a rich and fulfilling experience. It was a great tour where we could meet the maiko up close, chat, and take commemorative photos. I highly recommend it.

孫が舞妓さんに会いたいとのリクエストで、リーズナブルな料金で素敵な時間を過ごす事が出来ました。
舞妓さんになって一年の梅さなさんですが、小さい時から習っていた踊りはさすがです。お話もお上手です。
お点前体験、お座敷芸と 中身の濃い内容でした。
舞妓さんと身近に会え、お話や記念写真も撮れて、お薦めのツアーです。

I celebrate my birthday every year with my close friend, and this year is a milestone year. I was thinking of something memorable when I came across this experience. The explanation was very thorough, and I received various thoughtful gestures, allowing us to have a wonderful time together. I would like to use this service again if the opportunity arises. I also want to share it with my friends!

誕生日が近い親友と、毎年二人でお誕生日を祝っております。今年は節目の年。何か思い出になる品を。
と思っていた時に、こちらの体験を見付けました。
説明は大変丁寧でしたし、様々な気配りも頂き、
体験と共に、素晴らしいひとときを過ごす事が出来ました。また機会がありましたら利用したいです。
お友達にも広めたいな、と思いました！

I participated alone. It's convenient that you can leave your luggage on the bus. The cute guide shared a wealth of detailed information. The temple is quite far from the train station, so the sightseeing bus is an efficient way to get around. The admission fee is included, so I think it's reasonably priced. It was a hot day, and the cold somen noodles included in the lunch I ordered were very thoughtful. Most participants were middle-aged, but the walking pace was just right, and everyone was able to gather on time. We arrived at the station as scheduled and were able to head home. I would like to use this service again. Enjoying matcha while looking at the garden at Jiko-in is also nice.

一人で参加しました。荷物はバスに頂けることができるので便利です。可愛いガイドさんのお話がとても豊富で詳しいお話でした。お寺までは電車の駅からも遠いので、観光バスは効率よく周れます。入館料も含まれていますので、金額的にも妥当ではないでしょうか。暑い日でしたので、お願いした昼食の中の冷たいお素麺がとても心のこもった物でした。参加者は中高年齢層の人が多かったのですが、歩きも丁度よく、集合時間にも皆さん時間どうり集まることができました。予定どうり駅に到着して帰路につくことができました。また利用したいと思います。慈光院でお庭を眺めてのお抹茶もいいですね。

At the West Marine reception, they only check your name and then guide you to a boarding area a little distance away. The boat's landmark is the "pink whale."

I chose a course meal. The appetizers, soup, and dessert are self-service, while the rest is served at the table.

On stage, there is a live singing performance to enjoy.

I was looking forward to the sunset, hoping for good weather, but due to the rain, I couldn't enjoy the scenery during departure. However, I was healed by the extraordinary atmosphere.

Ah, but I really wanted to see the sunset from the boat!

受付のウエストマリンでは名前を確認するだけで、少し離れた乗り場に誘導されます。
船の目印は「ピンクのクジラ」です。
食事はコース料理にしました。前菜、スープ、デザートはセルフサービスで、それ以外はテーブルへサーブしてくれます。
ステージでは、歌のライブが楽しませてくれます。
お天気を期待して夕陽を楽しみにしていたので、雨模様での出港は景色を楽しむことは出来ませんでしたが、非日常を味わえる空間に癒されました。
あー、でもやっぱり船上から夕陽が見たかった！

There were few participants, so I was lucky to communicate directly with Maiko. I'm glad I chose the S seat.

参加人数が少なく、まいこはんと、直接、コミュニケーションが取れてラッキーです。S席にして良かったです。