Page 31) Things to Do in Japan in 2025 – Tours & Activities | VELTRA

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All Reviews for Cultural Experiences in Japan

Overall Rating

4.65 4.65 / 5

Reviews

1291 reviews

Family Friendly Memorable Kimono Studio Photo Shoot in Nagoya

Mom’s Kimono Photoshoot

Reviewed by: Aurora

This year is one of my mom’s most memorable visits in japan because of my surprise gift to her. I asked her to go with me in Nagoya to have a special lunch and after that we went straight to the kimono studio where all the friendly staff were waiting to do her hair and make-up for the kimono photoshoot. All the employees were so nice they tried to find the right kimono and shoe size for my mom. My mom enjoyed dressing in kimono. I can’t wait to share her beautiful photos. It was an amazing birthday experience for my mom.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your comment! We are very pleased to know you and your mother made a beautiful memory in Nagoya. Once again, we appreciate for joining our kimono photoshoot activity.

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Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2017/11/13
Activity Date: 2017/11/03

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Easy check-in; great experience

Reviewed by: Catherine

The Gion Odori was an emotional, moving performance. You could never have the same authentic experience anywhere but Japan. There were maiko and prominent Kyoto residents in the audience, too, so you know it’s for real! The Veltra booking service made it super easy to get a ticket as a foreigner. I picked up my ticket at the theater about 30 minutes before the performance.

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Rating:
Packages: Performance Only
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/11/12
Activity Date: 2017/11/10

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Gion Odori Fall performance

Reviewed by: Ramon

The show was very nice with magnificent colors. The location of our seats (view of the scene) was very good but the quality of the seat was poor, we were on add-on type hard seats instead of the normal softer seats. The show lasts one hour and tends to be boring with the same music and voice all along. In any case, a must-see show to get acquainted with Japanese culture.

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Rating:
Packages: Performance Only
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/11/12
Activity Date: 2017/11/04

Maiko Dance with Dinner & Kyoto Night View Tour by KYOTO Sightseeing“OKOSHI”Bus

NO Services

Reviewed by: Billy Q-Groupleader

It was 34 people in our group. The waiter and waitress were so busy catering to two groups of Japanese customers (about 20 people), they did not offer for us to order any drink. Our group was trying to get their attention to order some beverages but they did not walk over to us. The show itself is ok but I would not recommend this event.

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Rating:
Packages: Group Plan for 8 or More People
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/11/11
Activity Date: 2017/10/16

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

100% worth it, definitely one of those rare Japanese experiences you gotta do in Kyoto!

Reviewed by: Princeton

If you're fortunate enough to be in Kyoto for this, I recommend you absolutely do it!

A few things to note:
-Booking online through Veltra guarantees you a seat; we were originally going to wait for tickets at the theatre itself, but they had long lines on the day of and it was SUPER cramped.
-We arrived an hour early to check in; just showed a print out of the Veltra voucher and got some souvenir stickers, and the lady at check-in said "Your seats are not very nice, so please accept this as an apology" -she gave us a free souvenir cloth - the same ones the Geiko & Maiko throw at the crowd during the show!
-We opted for the Tea Ceremony - After getting into a bit of a tight line on the upper level for 20 minutes, we got a piece of mochi and a bowl of green tea - just enough for a few sips, nothing too crazy/big. The room it is held in is quite small; it felt like a classroom with desks very close to each other. You are squeezed into a spot as soon as the previous people have vacated their seats; No photos but there is a Maiko and a Geiko at the front of the room looking quite solemn/stern so you might be lucky to be seated directly in front of them while you're enjoying your snack but you're equally likely to be put in the far corner. Again, a tight squeeze.
-The seats were really not that bad, we were on the highest level and it seems like other Veltra buyers were too (other Westerners). The view for us was great but it seems you don't have a choice in selection.
-It's not in the same spot as Gion Corner; the theatre for this is actually across the street from the Yasaka Shrine.
-Everything's in Japanese, heads up - even the program you receive. Again, we're a couple of fairly smaller people under 5'8" and it was a bit cramped - so take note if you're on the larger side. We noticed a heftier American couple with mobility issues having a slightly tougher time... but they also talked through the entire show. Avoid coming with bags!

  • The first act of the show!

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/11/10
Activity Date: 2017/11/04

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

AMAZING!

Reviewed by: Alexandra

One of the most beautiful dances I have ever seen and one of the highlights of my trip in Japan.

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Rating:
Packages: Performance Only
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/11/10
Activity Date: 2017/11/08

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Awesome

Reviewed by: Erik

Nothing short of spectacular! These public dances emit a magical atomsphere that is sure to spell-bound everyone. There is nothing else like it in the world !

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/11/08
Activity Date: 2017/11/06

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Interesting show with beatiful outfits and dance

Reviewed by: Ingrid

Good show with a quick cup of tea at first in a separate room. Easy to change the voucher into ticket (one hour before the show). Very pleased.

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/11/08
Activity Date: 2017/11/06

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Very nice performance

Reviewed by: Raquel

Very nice and impressive performance. The tee ceremony not really worth it, but the performance was excellent

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2017/11/08
Activity Date: 2017/11/06

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Great experience

Reviewed by: Jessica

Having the ticket beforehand has been great. I think there were still available tickets onsite when we got there but the place was pretty packed by showtime so still good to plan beforehand.

If you plan to do the tea ceremony, there will be several batches as the room is small. Try to sit in the first row to experience the Maiko serving you your tea.

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/11/06
Activity Date: 2017/11/03

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Good show, bad seat

Reviewed by: Bervin Cheong

I was given a foldable chair to sit in while other had regular seats in the theatre. I understand that I was not the only one given such a seat but it indicated that the theatre oversold their tickets? And given that I purchased my ticket one month in advance, I don't see how it should come to that. Veltra, as the go between, you should really look into the matter, or at least drop the booking from your site – as it reflects badly on you to be listing activities that don't meet a certain standard for paying customers. The show was great though.

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Rating:
Packages: Performance Only
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/11/06
Activity Date: 2017/11/04

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Super style disappointing reality

Reviewed by: Tony

Performance was excellent but was treated like maximazing turnover - tea ceremony too fast and on a personal level having book most expensive options well in advance was disappointed to be on an end row -on an additional hard chair unlike the the more comfortable seats in the auditorium - so my 3 reflects the efforts of the artists not the management

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Rating:
Packages: Tea Ceremony Plan
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/11/05
Activity Date: 2017/11/03

[SOLD OUT]Reserved Tickets for 65th Gion Odori Maiko and Geisha Dance in Kyoto

Loved this performance!!

Reviewed by: jnypny

Have been to Kyoto before but never saw a dance performance. It was fantastic and the seats were very good too. I really appreciated being able to get them from the US before the trip -- I expect they would have been sold out by the time we were in Kyoto, especially as we had 7 people attending. Thanks, Veltra!

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Rating:
Packages: Performance Only
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2017/11/05
Activity Date: 2017/11/03

サンセットクルーズ ライブミュージック&多彩なディナー/サプライズ演出・記念日対応可/那覇埠頭発>

I really like it! 好きだね~。

Reviewed by: さんちゃん

I have enjoyed cruising several times abroad. My daughter said, "You really like this, don't you, Mom?" and I participated again domestically without hesitation. The staff was very kind, and the food was delicious. We didn't go far, just cruising around the bay, but I was able to enjoy the meal while watching the sunset and planes taking off. At a nearby table, a couple from the U.S. military was celebrating a surprise anniversary, which was quite touching and added to the exotic atmosphere.

海外では何度かクルージングを楽しんできました。一緒に行った娘から「お母さんも好きだね~」と言われつつ、国内でも懲りずに参加しました。スタッフがとても親切で、お料理もおいしくいただくことができました。湾の中をグルグル回り遠出はしなかったのですが、食事を楽しみながらもサンセットや飛びだつ飛行機をみることができました。近くの席で米軍のカップルが、サプライズアニバーサリーをしていたので、ちょっと感激&異国気分も味合うことができました。

Reply from activity provider

Dear San-chan,

Thank you very much for using our dinner cruise ship, the Mobideck. We are truly delighted to receive your kind words. We will continue to strive for service improvement so that our customers can enjoy their experience even more. We sincerely look forward to the opportunity for you and your party to board again.

November 8, West Marine

さんちゃん 様

この度は弊社ディナークルーズ船モビーデック号をご利用頂きまして誠に有難うございました。
お褒めのお言葉頂きまして、大変嬉しく思います。
これからもお客様にますます喜んでいただけるよう、サービス向上に努めてまいりたいと思います。
さんちゃん様御一行様のまたのご乗船のご機会心よりおまちしております。

11/8 ウエストマリン

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Packages: 牛リブロースステーキ&魚介コース
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2017/11/04
Activity Date: 2017/06/10

Kimono Rental and Town Stroll in Romantic Otaru

Awesome

Reviewed by: Fun time in Otaru

Wearing kimono is a must do in Otaru. Everyone looks and treats you like you’’re a celebrity. It was loads of fun and Mina the shop owner was fantastic. She speaks some English and is very engaging. Email her your questions and she’ll get right back with you.

Reply from activity provider

I am glad that you said so.
I was fantastic?!^^

Also, please drop me when you come to Otaru.
Thank you very much.

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Rating:
Packages: 3 Hour Course
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/10/19
Activity Date: 2017/10/17

Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Amazing Experience!!

Reviewed by: Muriel Kuroda

My two girls and I had an amazing time making ice cream sundaes!! Our host was so kind and ever so patient with my kids. Although, we do not speak Japanese, he was so gracious to speak to us in English and was easy to understand, so funny and engaging! I would recommend this workshop to anyone, it was definitely a highlight in our trip to Japan!

Reply from activity provider

Hello Muriel Kuroda

Thank you very much for coming to the store this time. The word you're praising again, receiving
Thank you very much.

The child's work is in a very pretty parfait.
It was.
If you'd enjoy yourself, I'm glad
When you're coming to Tokyo.  Please come. I'm waiting.

  • Our host was so funny and gracious!

  • My kids loved every minute, our sundaes turned out just beautiful, and what a success!!

  • The best part was that he packed them up so we could take them home as souvenirs!

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Rating:
Packages: Mini Ice Cream Sundae
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2017/10/16
Activity Date: 2017/10/13

Shared Yakatabune Tokyo Dinner Cruise with All-You-Can-Drink Plan

Great evening

Reviewed by: Hannah

This is a great way to see Tokyo at night. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive. Even though their English was limited they made sure the evening was great for us. The food was delicious and gave us a chance to sample different types of food. Definitely recommend

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Packages: Standard Cruise (Until Sept 30)
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/10/15
Activity Date: 2017/10/13

Edo Kiriko Glass Cutting Experience in Asakusa

Great experience

Reviewed by: Sato

They kindly taught how to cut and draw Edokiriko glass. We could communicate with the instructor in English as well as Japanese. The glasses we made were kind of not perfect one, but really adorable and handmade.

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Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/10/07
Activity Date: 2017/09/16

乗合屋形船 お台場&スカイツリー周遊コース 旬のお料理&飲み放題付! 全船掘りごたつ&スカイデッキ完備<両国発>by 晴海屋

Stylish おしゃれ

Reviewed by: mimiblue

The yakatabune (houseboat) is used for various purposes, and this is my first time here. It's stylish in many ways. There was a sunken kotatsu, but we had chair seating during our visit. My foreign friend was delighted! However, the sunken kotatsu allows you to feel the movement of the waves more directly. Compared to others, it feels more elegant and doesn't have a rustic vibe. The all-you-can-drink system is well-organized; they bring drinks when you order instead of self-service. It's a nice cruise dinner experience. Oh, and there was a smoking area too!

屋形船はいろいろ利用していて、こちらは初めてです。
いろいろな意味でおしゃれ。掘りごたつとありましたが、我々のときは椅子席。
外国人の友人と一緒だったので喜ばれました!
しかーし、掘りごたつのほうがダイレクトに波の動きを感じられる。
他と比べるとおしゃれです。泥臭い感じがありません。
飲み放題も自分ではなく、ちゃんとオーダーすれば持ってきてくれるシステム。
おしゃれなクルーズディナーと思えばよし。
あ、喫煙所もあったし!

  • 天ぷらはもうちょっと数増やしてほしい!

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Packages: 【9/30まで】通常プラン
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/10/05
Activity Date: 2017/10/02

Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Wonderful Experience

Reviewed by: Paula

The venue was easy to find, the signage outside made it clear we had arrived to our destination. The helpers were extremely sweet and enthusiastic about the history and process of food sample making. It took perhaps 30 minutes in total for the session-we chose to do the Full Size Parfait with 6 Pieces of Fruit. It was very quick. All of the pieces were pre-made. All we focused on was creating the parfait base and swirl. Very straightforward, fun little craft, also great souvenir to take home. Was just under the impression the process would be a bit more hands on - perhaps with the other options available? Interesting experience, would recommend to others to try at least once.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you very much for coming to the store this time.
I receive high evaluation and thank you very much.
If you'd enjoy an experience, I'm glad.
English is sorry. We will be study.
By all means, we look forward to serving you again.

Staff

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Rating:
Packages: Full Size Parfait with 6 Pieces of Fruit
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/10/04
Activity Date: 2017/09/09

Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Amazing service and detail

Reviewed by: Kanoa

The staff is so helpful and we had a really great time!

Reply from activity provider

Hello Customer

Thank you very much for coming to the store this time.
I'll receive and appreciate high evaluation.

Could you enjoy a food sample experience?
Please do a different experience next time.
I'm waiting for another coming.
Staff

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Rating:
Packages: Mini Ice Cream Sundae with Photo Clip
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/09/21
Activity Date: 2017/09/18

Bridal and Engagement Kimono Photo Shoot in Fukuoka

Great Post Wedding Photo Taking

Reviewed by: Daniel

We are so pleased with this experience. The make up and hairdo were well done. We short listed 3 kimonos beforehand and then chose 2 on the actual day. We were properly dressed in the grand wedding kimonos and then driven by the photographer in a 7 seater car to Yusentei, a wonderful house with a garden. Every time we move our assistant would adjust our kimonos. Service was excellent. The photos were very nice!

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Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/09/15
Activity Date: 2017/09/12

Edo Kiriko Glass Cutting Experience in Asakusa

Love for Edo Kiriko Glass

Reviewed by: J_L

The experience was great. The instructor knew a lot of English and was a good teacher; she worked with me to design my own custom piece. I am in love with my new little piece of art and I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants an experience different than the tourist spots. (It is a bit tough to find...when you arrive at street level, walk straight ahead about 10-15 feet and turn right onto the street. It looks like an alley, but it is not. Look for small blue signs with the house number. When you find the store that sells glass and crystal ware, you have arrived. The location/house is on your left side.)

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Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/09/12
Activity Date: 2017/09/10

Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Excellent - great fun :)

Reviewed by: Hanazono

The curry is a bit tricky to make, but the results are great. Note that as the curry is wax it can't be kept in direct sunlight or it will melt!
Instructor was very nice and helpful. Great experience.

Reply from activity provider

Hello Sir
If you'd enjoy a curry experience.
I'm glad.
Please be careful of the sun.
I'm waiting for the coming which is again.

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Rating:
Packages: Japanese-style Curry
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2017/09/12
Activity Date: 2017/09/05

Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Great experience, great instructor :)

Reviewed by: Hanazono

This was great - lots of fun and the instructor was kind, patient and friendly. Highly recommended!

Reply from activity provider

Hello Sir

Thank you very much for coming to the store this time.
I receive high evaluation and thank you very much.
If you'd enjoy an experience, I'm glad.By all means, we look forward to serving you again.

Staff

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Rating:
Packages: Full-Sized Ice Cream Sundae
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2017/09/12
Activity Date: 2017/09/05

【着物・浴衣レンタル】雷門徒歩2分!下町情緒溢れる浅草で着物散策<着付け・ヘアセット込/人力車割引券付き/浅草>by サクラフォトスタジオ

I recommend it. おすすめです。

Reviewed by: タイスキ

I surprised my foreign friend with a gift, and they were very happy. The location is easy to find, and there is a wide variety of kimono types, so I highly recommend it.

外国の友人にサプライズでプレゼントしましたがとてもよろこんでいました。
場所も分かりやすく着物の種類も豊富でおすすめです。

Reply from activity provider

Thank you very much for visiting us. We are very happy that your friends enjoyed it as well. We look forward to your next visit.

ご来店誠にありがとうございます。お友達にも喜んでいただけて大変私たちも嬉しく思います。
ぜひまたのご来店お待ちいたしております。

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Packages: ベーシックプラン(浴衣 or 着物)
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2017/09/11
Activity Date: 2017/09/09

江戸切子体験 十数種のグラスと数十もの柄サンプルから選べる 講座付きのプランもあり<浅草駅 徒歩3分!創吉浅草店>

Very satisfied! 大満足!

Reviewed by: まろまゆ

I experienced Edo Kiriko for the first time!

After choosing a glass, I received a brief explanation of the machine and then immediately practiced with a practice glass. I was so nervous thinking, "Wait, we're doing it already?" (laughs)

At first, I wasn't very good, but gradually I got the hang of it and was able to engrave my favorite design onto the glass. It was fun to work at my own pace. The instructor was also in a spot where it was easy to talk to them, which made for a very pleasant environment!

Since I made it myself, I ended up with a glass that I feel very attached to!

江戸切子を初めて体験しました!

最初にグラスを決めたあと、軽く機械の説明を受けたらすぐに練習用グラスで実践。
えっ、もうやるの?とドキドキでした(笑)

最初は下手でしたが、徐々に出来るようになって、自分の好きなデザインをグラスに刻めるようになりました。
マイペースに作業できて楽しかったです。
先生も話を聞きやすい場所にいて下さるので、とても嬉しい環境でした!

自分で作ったためにとても愛着の持てるグラスに仕上がりました!

  • 完成!

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Packages: 江戸切子体験プラン
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/09/10
Activity Date: 2017/09/08

サンセットクルーズ ライブミュージック&多彩なディナー/サプライズ演出・記念日対応可/那覇埠頭発>

A luxurious time. 贅沢な時間

Reviewed by: AYA

I got caught in traffic and arrived just in time. Despite causing a lot of inconvenience, the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Thanks to them, I was able to see a beautiful sunset! The atmosphere on the ship was great, and the food was very delicious.

渋滞に巻き込まれ時間ギリギリに到着になってしまいました。とてもご迷惑お掛けしたのにも関わらず、スタッフの方々はとても笑顔で対応してくれました。
おかげで、とても綺麗な夕陽を見る事が出来ました!船内の雰囲気も良く料理もとても美味しかったです

  • 夕陽と飛行機

  • あぐー豚

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Packages: あぐー豚のしゃぶしゃぶ&姫鯛コース
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2017/09/05
Activity Date: 2017/08/07

京都高雄 もみぢ家 川床ディナープラン 納涼川床料理+舞妓さんの京舞鑑賞日あり(2025/7/1~2025/9/21)<川床席確約/送迎あり/高雄>

It became a great memory. いい思い出になりました

Reviewed by: miiiiiiiiina

It was a very beautiful annex, and I was able to enjoy delicious sukiyaki! The maiko were lovely, and it was a precious experience to see them dance up close. I was significantly late for my reservation, but they were very polite and accommodating. I would definitely like to use this place again if I have the opportunity. Thank you!

とても綺麗な別館で、美味しいすき焼きをいただくことができました!舞妓さんも可愛らしく、近くで踊りを見ることができて貴重な体験でした。予約の時間に大幅に遅れてしまったのですがとても丁寧にご対応いただきました。また機会があれば是非利用したいです。ありがとうございました!

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Packages: 特選和牛すき焼きコース
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2017/08/29
Activity Date: 2017/08/24

Summertime Riverside Dinner in Kyoto with Maiko at Momijiya (2025/7/1~2025/9/21)

Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Kim

I booked this for 2 people even though I was going alone, because it was the only way the website would accept the reservation. The day of the tour I had my hotel contact them to update my hotel pick up info, which also updated the number of guest. I was pleasantly surprised that they refunded the second ticket. The food and location were amazing, as was the meetings with the maiko and watching them dance. I wish there was a translator during your meeting with them. Since there wasn't, I only spent about 3-5 mins with each maiko whereas the tables of Japanese guests spent as much as 15 minutes with each of them. Otherwise, it was amazing.

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Packages: Beef Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Course
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2017/08/28
Activity Date: 2017/08/24