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.
Packages(2)
Starting at
12:00
Schedule
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Meet at Tokanso
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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
Starting at
18:00
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.
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。
The cuisine at the traditional ryotei was truly wonderful. Even more than that, the time spent with the lovely maiko was an experience that made my body tremble. The graceful dance of Koen-chan in Miyagawa-cho gave me goosebumps. I believe the world I was shown, which I can't experience in everyday life, will be etched in my memory for a long time. Koen-chan! You were amazing!!古風な佇まいの料亭の料理は大変素晴らしいものでした。そしてそれ以上に可愛い舞妓さんとのひと時には身体が震える思いでした。宮川町の小えんちゃんの凛とした舞に鳥肌。日常では体験できない世界を魅せてもらえたことは永く記憶に刻まれると思います。小えんちゃん！素敵でしたよ！！
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I was able to have a deep conversation with the maiko and geiko!
Posted Date: 2021/09/12
クリキー
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to talk with a maiko, and I was captivated not only by the history and culture but also by her charm as a person. I wanted to have a more in-depth conversation, so I applied for this experience.
While enjoying a full course of conger eel at a quiet ryotei located in Maruyama Park, I was able to appreciate the performances and conversations with the geiko and maiko. The conversation was so enjoyable that it was hard to focus on eating.
In addition to strict i… A few months ago, I had the opportunity to talk with a maiko, and I was captivated not only by the history and culture but also by her charm as a person. I wanted to have a more in-depth conversation, so I applied for this experience.
While enjoying a full course of conger eel at a quiet ryotei located in Maruyama Park, I was able to appreciate the performances and conversations with the geiko and maiko. The conversation was so enjoyable that it was hard to focus on eating.
In addition to strict infection prevention measures, the meal was non-alcoholic.
At first, the spacious setting felt quite luxurious and, since it was a quieter time with fewer customers, it was a calm environment. With four of us, including the maiko and geiko, and without any alcohol, I felt quite nervous at the start.
Since I was quite tense, there was an awkwardness between us while watching the dance, but as I listened to various stories from the two of them, I quickly relaxed.
We discussed the challenges faced by maiko and geiko during the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming Olympics, their past experiences, and future dreams—topics that I wouldn't normally have the chance to learn about, making it a very enriching experience.
Hearing about the difficulties faced by maiko during the pandemic, the fluent English-speaking geiko, and the stories of a geiko still active at over 80 years old made me reflect on the traditions and culture that must not change, as well as the aspects that need to adapt to the times. It was very educational.
Due to the pandemic, there are fewer job opportunities and restrictions on going out, which has led some to unfortunately leave the profession. Despite these challenges, I truly hope this wonderful culture is preserved, and I want to support it.
I would love to participate again, perhaps in a different season.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff at Veltra for accommodating my requests over the past two months. Thanks to them, I had a thoroughly satisfying experience. Thank you very much. 数ヶ月前に舞妓さんと少しお話しする機会があり、その際の歴史や文化だけでなく人としての魅力もあり是非今度はゆっくりお話ししてみたいということで今回申込ました。
Thank you very much for using the Higashikanso plan. We sincerely appreciate your valuable feedback and detailed explanation. Thank you for your satisfaction. We look forward to welcoming you anytime throughout the year. Thank you very much.
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。
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Reply from the operator
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。
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It was amazing.
Posted Date: 2023/04/15
Tiger
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.
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Reply from the operator
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.
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。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
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.
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！
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Reply from the operator
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.
Seeing performance by Geisha is a must do in Japan. In the past you need to know someone from the tea house to arrange such activity and a private dinner. It's very nice that we can book private performance and dinner with a Maiko (geisha trainee) via the internet nowadays with English translator. Highly recommended activity.
Reply from the operator
Thank you very much for booking the dinner with us, we are glad to hear you enjoyed the experience! We shall continue to strive to provide the best service possible for our guests.
Best Regards, Kyohanamachi Kawamura
The BEST experience in Kyoto
Posted Date: 2017/04/27
Paul and Marie
We booked the private Maiko dinner to end our day long tour of beautiful Kyoto. What a wonderful experience. We were escorted to a private tea house where we were warmly met and welcomed. We were placed in a beautiful room with tatami seating and lovely Japanese screens. This was booked as a completely private experience which made this all the more special. We were soon met by a lovely Maiko who entertained us with three lovely dances. Just gorgeous. Following her performance, she … We booked the private Maiko dinner to end our day long tour of beautiful Kyoto. What a wonderful experience. We were escorted to a private tea house where we were warmly met and welcomed. We were placed in a beautiful room with tatami seating and lovely Japanese screens. This was booked as a completely private experience which made this all the more special. We were soon met by a lovely Maiko who entertained us with three lovely dances. Just gorgeous. Following her performance, she joined us in conversation while we enjoyed a most delicious authentic kaiseki dinner and sake! The two hours went by all too fast! Via our private guide who served as our interpreter, we all enjoyed the company of this poised young lady. She embodied Japanese culture at its best! This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience; definitely the highlight of our trip to Japan. This opportunity should not be missed!
Awesome
Posted Date: 2017/05/06
Monica and Thomas
The overall experience was great. Highlight of our journey. The location was gorgeous, food wonderful and the maiko really nice and friendly. We felt transported into the past. Will definetly do it again!
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 the operator
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.
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 the operator
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
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 the operator
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
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 the operator
Thank you very much for your valuable comments and evaluation. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
A real classy experience
Posted Date: 2024/09/10
Wesley
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.
