Guide to Seeing Geisha, Geiko and Maiko in Kyoto

Elegant kimono, smooth white make-up, and that classic demure look — geisha are, by nature, charming. Actually seeing a geisha in Japan is rare, but it’s not impossible. And if you are going to see one, Kyoto is your best bet. Here’s our advice for how and where to see geisha (or geiko, rather) and maiko in Kyoto.

Just as swords are associated with samurai, so are geisha (or geiko) associated with Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. They are one of the most sought-after sights — to the point that “no photography” and “no trespassing” signs have been put up in the private streets in Gion where geisha live and work. So now one of the best ways to see a geisha is to book one of the many geisha experiences available. Luckily for you, we’ve done the legwork and put together a handy link on the best geisha experiences in Kyoto, as well as suggestions for other ways to see them.

First of all, what are geisha?

Known as geiko in Kyoto, geisha are high-class, greatly respected entertainers. They have trained for years in traditional instruments, dance, parlor games, conversation, flower arranging, and more. They attend dinners and gatherings at ryōtei (exclusive traditional restaurants) and ochaya (teahouses), and entertain guests with their skills. There are currently believed to be around 100 fully-fledged geiko and a similar number of maiko in Kyoto today.

An evening with a real geiko costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars — like this special evening event with geisha in Arashiyama. But there are other more affordable options too.

Read about more top Kyoto experiences here.

Geisha, geiko, and maiko: What’s the difference?

While they’re known as geisha in Tokyo, in Kyoto the correct term is geiko. Both terms have similar meaning, and can be translated into something like “person of the arts.” Geiko have to spend at least five years in training as a maiko (an apprentice geiko) and continue to train throughout their careers.

How to spot a maiko

Maiko begin training at around age 15 and become geiko at 20, meaning their youth and “innocence” are key indicators as to their position. These elements are highly valued and are therefore emphasized in their outfits; they have a more playful and bright appearance when compared to the more demure geiko.

Maiko wear brightly colored kimono with longer sleeves and an obi (sash) left long at the back. They often use their own hair for elaborate hairstyles that are ornamented with bold hairpins. Maiko may also wear higher wooden sandals and have more skin left uncovered by make-up, just below the hairline on their necks.

The geiko/geisha difference

In contrast, geiko typically wear toned-down kimono with shorter sleeves, flatter sandals; they may wear a wig, with fewer hair decorations. Although it may seem less exciting to see a geiko, it’s the geiko who are the true deal — the ones who make a career of it. (Many maiko choose not to become geiko).

Another thing to know: Many of the women you see walking the streets of Gion dressed in kimono and make-up, often they are just tourists having a dress-up. They may look the part from afar and happily pose for photographs, but once you’ve seen a genuine geisha, you’ll understand the difference.

What else should you see while exploring Kyoto? Here are our recommended top sights.

Kyoto’s five hanamachi: Where to see geisha in Kyoto

Kyoto has five hanamachi, which means “flower town.” These are the districts that have a long history of geiko culture and will have ochaya, the “teahouses” where geiko entertain; ryōtei, the exclusive traditional restaurants where geisha attend banquets; and okiya, the houses in which geiko and maiko live.

Kyoto’s five hanamachi:

• Pontochō
• Miyagawachō
• Gion Higashi
• Gion Kobu
• Kamishichiken (near Kitano Tenmangū Shrine)

Since geiko and maiko tend to live and work in the same areas, they can sometimes be spotted walking on the streets to an engagement — or slipping out of a black cab in the rain.

Now, we understand that a photo of a real live maiko or geiko is a pretty awesome souvenir. And unfortunately everyone agrees, which means some young women have found themselves mobbed paparazzi-style on their way to work.

Because of this, the Gion’s district council banned photography on private streets — most notably on Hanami-kōji Street — with fines of up to ¥10,000. There are also plenty of “no trespassing” signs around, in multiple languages. We suggest you follow these rules, and if you see geisha elsewhere, it goes without saying that it is important to respect their space and don’t interrupt their journey.

Want to learn more geiko culture? This highly-rated private walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s largest geisha district, visits some cool local spots.

Bookable geisha experiences in Kyoto

The best way to see a geisha in Kyoto is to book your own dinner or show with geiko and maiko. These experiences vary a lot in terms of price, and they can book out very quickly. But there are lots and lots of geisha experiences out there to choose from, so even if your top pick is booked out, you’ll easily find an alternative. Also keep in mind that many of these experiences do not offer refunds if you cancel.

Here are some of our top recommendations for geisha experiences in Kyoto.

Maiko experience: Affordable geisha experience in Kyoto

From ¥5,500 per person
Book here

This experience is the most budget friendly option and gives you the chance to see a maiko perform. Lunch or dinner is included, along with a small gift from the maiko. You can even opt to upgrade your seat for a better view. However, keep in mind that no English language support is included in the experience.

Discover geisha arts: Gion tour and maiko performance

From ¥17,150 per person
Book here

A great mid-range option, this experience includes a walking tour of Gion with an English-speaking guide. You’ll visit a number of key attractions in the neighborhood while learning all about its fascinating history. Then you’ll take a tea break and watch a geisha show. You can upgrade your package to include dinner.

Meet a geisha in Kyoto: Small group experience

¥24,710
Book here

A small group experience is a great choice for those who’d prefer a more personal touch, but don’t want to spend big on a private experience. An English-speaking guide will accompany you to a private geisha house where you’ll meet geiko and maiko. You’ll be treated to light refreshments and enjoy a live performance.

Private dinner with a geisha: Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience

From ¥57,756 (*minimum booking numbers may apply)
Book here

For those who want the real deal (and don’t mind paying for it), this is the one for you. This completely private experience includes a meal and live performance from a geiko or maiko. You can choose from half or full kaiseki course meals in a private room at a restaurant or go all out with a private teahouse option with two geisha, live music, and a full kaiseki course meal.

Geisha show with lunch: Walking tour included

¥17,950
Book here

During this experience you’ll learn about both geisha culture and the history of Gion. Your guide will first take you on a walking tour of Gion, before heading off to enjoy lunch and a geisha show. For lunch, you’ll have options like tempura, sushi, or karage.

Dinner with a maiko: All-you-can-drink package included

From ¥44,000
Book here

This option includes a short walking tour of Gion, a full course dinner and all-you-can-drink packages, and of course, a geisha performance. An English-speaking guide will be with you every step of the way, so you’ll learn about geisha culture and Gion’s history while you’re at it.

Evening with geisha in Arashiyama: A unique experience in the bamboo forest

From ¥300,000 per group (*minimum booking numbers may apply)
Book here

Geisha aren’t usually associated with Kyoto’s bamboo forest, but that just makes this experience unique. This option is completely private and exclusive, making it perfect for groups. It includes a seasonal kaiseki course meal and geisha performances.

See geiko and maiko at festivals in Kyoto

Kyoto has countless festivals, and many of them involve geiko or maiko — and sometimes both! Whether sitting aloft on carts or distributing beans for setsubun, they play many roles in local events.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are some ideas for either specific festivals, or shrines and temples that have affiliations with geiko and maiko. As is routine for events, do check in advance if they are going ahead and be prepared for huge crowds.

• Feb. 2–3: Catch beans from geiko and maiko at Yasaka Shrine Setsubun.
• Feb. 3: More geiko throwing out beans to waiting crowds at Heian Jingū Setsubun.
• Feb. 25: Baikasai is a plum blossom celebration and tea ceremony at Kitano Tenmangū.
• April 15–16: Heian Jingu Reisai Festival has a fantastic performance in the shrine grounds.
• May 10: In Higashiyama, the small Kaname Inari Shrine Festival has plenty of geiko.
• July 1–31: Geiko and maiko are a big part of Kyoto’s biggest annual event: Gion Festival.

Wondering what you might look like in a kimono? Check out our recommended kimono rental shops in Kyoto. Or go all in and book a maiko makeover experience.

Kyoto’s annual Odori dance performances

Every year, each of the five geisha districts in Kyoto holds a public dance show. This is where you can see geiko and maiko performing in an incredible display. Tickets are relatively affordable, starting from as little as ¥3,000 per person. Sometimes you get tea service, too.

The performances usually run for at least a week, and there are usually a couple of performances each. So while getting tickets is competitive, it’s not by any means impossible. Increasingly you can reserve tickets online, but otherwise you can sometimes purchase them at convenience stores, or at the Tourist Information Center in Kyoto Station (depending on the district).

Kitano Odori

This performance by geiko from Kamishichiken contains three parts: a short play, a series of dances, and a finale featuring the “Kamishichiken serenade.” One of the more recent performances, the Kitano Odori began in 1952 to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of nearby Kitano Tenmangū Shrine.

There are two shows daily, one at 2 p.m. and another at 4:30 p.m. Tickets, on sale from January 10, cost ¥6,000, or ¥7,000 with tea service. They can only be purchased directly in Japanese, but you can try the tourist information center in Kyoto Station (or a travel agent).

Kitano Odori

Dates:

Mid

Mar

~

Early

Apr

 2025

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥6,000

Venue:

Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater

Read more

Kyo Odori

This performance by dancers from Miyagawachō is held to welcome spring in Kyoto. The highlight is the finale, which features all the geiko and maiko dancers of the district on stage together, in gorgeous spring kimono.

Kyo Odori is currently being staged at Kyoto Art Theater while the traditional venue is under renovation. There are three shows per day, at 12:30 p.m., 2.20 p.m., and 4:10 p.m. Tickets cost ¥7,000 and can be purchased from February 6 online in English.

Kyo Odori

Dates:

Early

~

Late

Apr

 2025

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥5,500

Read more

Miyako Odori

This performance by the dancers from Gion Kōbu is known as the “Dance of the Capital.” It was first held shortly after Tokyo was named the new capital, to raise local spirits — and has been a popular event ever since.

Miyako Odori is held at Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō — kaburenjō is the name for a hanamachi’s performance space. Tickets start at ¥4,000, making this one of the cheaper shows. It’s also one of the easier ones to get tickets for, since there are three shows per day (at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.) throughout the whole month of April. And you can buy them online in English.

Miyako Odori

Dates:

Early

~

Late

Apr

 2025

Entry:

¥4,000 – ¥7,000

Venue:

Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō Theater

Read more

Kamogawa Odori

Dancers from Pontochō perform at Pontochō Kaburenjō in this final performance of the spring Odori season, a tradition dating to 1872. There are three performances a day at 12:30 p.m., 2:20 p.m., and 4:10 p.m. Tickets are on sale from April 1. Pricing depends on seat level, and whether or not you add on tea service.

Kamogawa Odori

Dates:1st May–24th May, 2025

Entry:

¥4,000 – ¥7,000

Venue:

Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre

Read more

Gion Odori

This performance by the dancers from Gion Higashi is the only autumn Odori — held just as the leaves begin to turn. It’s another long-running show, first staged as the Mima Odori in 1894; it’s also among the smaller and more intimate performances.

Tickets go on sale from August 1 and can be purchased online.

Gion Odori

Dates:1st Nov–10th Nov, 2024

Venue:

Gion Kaikan

Read more

Miyako no Nigiwai

Comprising of over 60 maiko and geiko from Kyoto’s five hanamachi, this joint performance is an annual highlight, held over a weekend in June. Tickets start at ¥6,500, and go on sale from April 25.

Miyako no Nigiwai

Dates:24th Jun–25th Jun, 2023

Entry:

¥6,500 – ¥14,000

Venue:

Minamiza Theatre

Read more

Traditional performances at Gion Corner

Gion Corner is an affordable place to sample traditional Japanese culture. Within one 50-minute show, you get to enjoy a variety of different performances, including dances performed by geiko and maiko.

The show includes the following:

• Kyo-mai (Kyoto-style traditional dance), performed by geiko and maiko
• Tea ceremony, in the ryūrei style
• Ikebana (traditional flower-arranging), often using seasonal themes
• Koto, which is a traditional six-string musical instrument played using plectrums worn on the fingers
• Gagaku, a traditional kind of music and dance performed at shrines, temples, and the Imperial Court
• Kyōgen, comedy theater depicting aspects of everyday Japanese life and typically performed during the intermission of a Noh play
• Bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theater), which is honored on the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

There is also a maiko gallery, where you can see hair decorations and accessories.

Performances are held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day from March 15, and on a reduced schedule during the off-season (December to March). You can get tickets on the day; we recommend getting there early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets cost ¥5,500 per adult, ¥3,850 for those aged 16–22, ¥3,300 for children aged 7-15, and free for kids 6 and under. There are often discounts available for foreign guests.

Gion Corner is in, well, Gion, so it’s centrally located and easy to get to. The theater is in Yasaka Hall, which was built for the welcome ceremony of the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.

Frequently asked questions about geisha in Kyoto

What do geishas do in Kyoto?

Geishas in Kyoto entertain guests with traditional arts like tea ceremonies, playing games, and musical performances.

Can you take photos of geisha in Kyoto?

No, thesedays you’re not allowed to take photos of geisha in the street.

Can you talk to geishas in Kyoto?

You can talk to geishas in Kyoto if you book an experience. Just note that the geisha herself might not speak English, so you might be communicating through an interpreter or guide.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in May 2018. Last updated: July 2024.