All Reviews for Geisha & Maiko Shows

When in Kyoto, tourists walk the streets of Gion, in the hope of spotting Maiko and Geisha. Some will try and take photos inconspicuously of them as they walk by, while others will pay over $200 for a dinner in order to see a Maiko perform 1 dance. This experience which is only available each year for about 10 days in November, will give you everything you need when it comes to seeing true geisha. It’s affordable, you get to see many geisha and maiko and they perform 10 acts during the 1 hour show. You can even take a photo with 2 maiko for a small donation.
There is also a tea ceremony you can be apart of if you turn up at 1pm. It’s a rush job and really confusing because of the language barrier, but basically you sit down, put the pink ticket on the table in front of you and they give you something to eat (little glutenous bun with red bean paste inside) and some matcha tea. You also get to keep the little pink plate the treat is served on. According to the kids (who were trying to be funny), you get to keep the plate because it saves on washing. It was a bit of a production line so we just folded up our treat to go, sipped our tea quickly and left to make room for the next groups of people waiting.
Thanks to Veltra, getting our tickets was super easy and our 7 seats were in the front row. Initially we were worried we might be too close but the seats were great.

Nos encantó esta actividad aprendimos mucho sobre la
Cultura Japonesa, las personas muy amables y respondieron a todas nuestras preguntas. Aprendimos cómo preparar el famoso té japonés, sobre caligrafía japonesa, disfrutamos de un lindo baile con una bailarina profesional, nos vestimos todos con kimonos y nos enseñaron origami! Muy divertido se los recomiendo

I was very happy to find a facility where I could interact closely with maiko, who usually feel like they belong to a distant world. I believe it's because of the moderate number of participants. The flow of activities, including food, dance, talk (Q&A time), games, and photos, kept everyone engaged. Most of the guests were foreigners, but I think anyone, regardless of age, who has even a slight interest in maiko would be satisfied.

普段遠い世界の舞妓さんと、このような形で身近に触れ合える施設があるのはとても嬉しく感じました。程良い人数の参加者だからこそではないでしょうか。
料理、踊り、トーク(質問タイム)、遊び、写真が飽きない流れで展開し、ほとんどの客は外国人でしたが、舞妓さんにちょっとだけ興味のある人なら年齢問わず誰でも満足出来るのではと思います。

Seeing a maiko dance live was always one of my lifehood dreams. This dream came true that night with a magnificent performance! Accompanied by a traditional Japanese dinner of high quality, it was a pleasure having been able to attend this evening. The garden walk and the mountain view were stunning as well!

The geisha was so amateur, she was shaking while dancing. Nobody explained the way we should eat the traditional food.
On the way back, the tour leader was just speaking Japanese and didn’t care about foreigners attendants. She was speaking Japanese all the way back, and sometimes they were laughing or clapping and we as foreigners just waiting for some explanations but nothing.
In my idea it was a dishonor to non-Japanese guest. The tour provider company should provide the same Facilities for all guests. In General it was an expensive activity with poor facilities!

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。

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♪ ^ ^

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

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。

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.

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

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。

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）

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!

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。

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。

I had a precious experience with a very cute maiko. She mentioned that she had only been a maiko for less than a year, but both her dancing and conversation were professional. I will definitely participate again.

とっても可愛い舞妓さんで貴重な体験をさせていただきました。まだ、舞妓さんになって一年も経っていないとのことでしたが、踊りもお話もプロでした。また、必ず参加させていただきます。

I was able to experience the traditional tea ceremony, sitting room games, and dance performances up close, which allowed me to enjoy the essence of Kyoto even more. Additionally, the Q&A session with the maiko was great because I was able to hear things that are rarely shared. Next time I come with someone else, I would like to request this tour again.

お茶の立てかた、お座敷遊び、踊りの披露、近くで観ることができて、京都らしさをより一層味わうことが出来ました。
また、舞妓さんとの質疑応答は、めったに聞くことの出来ない事が聞けたので良かったと思います。
次回、別の誰かと来る時は、このツアーをお願いしたいと思っております。

I have visited Kyoto multiple times on business trips and have seen all the temples and shrines, but I had never had the chance to interact with the okiya, maiko, or geiko, so I wanted to experience it at least once and signed up for this.

The duration was a bit short at 90 minutes, but with food and drinks included, the friendly maiko answered various questions and posed for photos multiple times. Considering that experiences at tea houses can be quite expensive, I was very satisfied to have this comprehensive experience at such a reasonable price.

This time, I was lucky because there were cancellations, and due to the season, there were fewer applicants, so we were able to enjoy the experience with just five participants. I would like to sign up again if I have the opportunity.

出張で何度も京都に訪れていて、寺社仏閣は一通り見ましたが、お座敷や舞妓さん、芸妓さんなどと接することには縁がなかったので、一度は体験したいと思い申し込みました。
時間は９０分と少し短いですが、料理とお酒が付き、気さくな舞妓さんでいろいろな質問にも答えてもらい、写真撮影も何回も応じてもらい、また、お茶屋などでは高額なことが、この料金で一通りの体験ができ、大変満足しています。
今回は、キャンセルがでたことと、季節柄、申込者が少ないことも重なり、５人の参加者でじっくり鑑賞できましたので、ラッキーでした。
また機会があれば申し込みたいと思います。

food and show was good ,but we could have done with a intererpreter in english on bus and dinner

I loved everything about this experience. I think it was well planned and it offered a lot of cool experience.
It offered more than I expected.
Maiko was professional, dinner was tasty and the views were amazing.

Maiko don't speak English; however, the staff translate everything. Maiko is so close, and it's a perfect experience about Kyoto.

maiko don't speak English however the staff translate everything. maiko is so close and it's perfect experience about Kyoto.

This is a wonderful plan that allows you to enjoy a valuable cultural experience with a maiko, including traditional games, dinner, and photography all at once. It was also very well received by foreign guests.

舞妓さんとの貴重な日本文化体験を、お座敷遊び、夕食、撮影と全て一度に楽しめる素敵なプランです。
外国のお客様にも大変好評でした。

We participated as a group of five, including my 10-year-old daughter and my 79-year-old grandfather, and everyone said they wanted to come back. We took a lot of photos, had conversations, and played games. While watching the dance, I truly felt it was a luxurious time. Considering all the experiences we had, the price felt very reasonable. We are extremely satisfied!

79歳のおじいちゃんから、10歳の娘を含む5人で参加しましたが、全員また来たいと言っていました。写真もたくさん撮ってもらったし、お話しも出来たし、ゲームもやりました。踊りを見ている時はとても贅沢な時間だなと、しみじみ感じました。これだけ体験できてのお値段にしては安く感じました。大満足です‼︎

After an half hour bus ride to the venue, dinner was served following by a show with single maiko. It's a decent performance lasting 15 minutes. The photo taking session with maiko by individual guests took the longest time for the night's activities.