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Elegant kimono, smooth white make-up, and that classic demure look -- geisha are, by nature, charming. Actually seeing a geisha in Japan is uncommon, 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 the eponymous tower is associated with Tokyo, 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 are now scattered throughout Gion's private streets, where geisha live and work. Nowadays, one of the best ways to see a geisha is to book one of the many experiences available throughout the city. Luckily for you, we've done the legwork and put together a guide to the best geisha experiences in Kyoto -- with some 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. Around 100 fully-fledged geiko and a similar number of maiko are thought to be 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 more affordable options, too. Read about more top Kyoto experiences. Geisha, geiko, and maiko: What's the difference? While they're known as geisha in Tokyo, the correct term in Kyoto is geiko. Both terms have similar meanings 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 around age 15 and become geiko at 20, meaning their youth and "innocence" are key indicators of their position. These elements are highly valued and are therefore emphasized in their outfits; they have a more playful and bright appearance than the more demure geiko. Maiko wear a brightly colored kimono with longer sleeves and an obi (sash) left long at the back. They often use their own hair for elaborate hairstyles 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 difference In contrast, geiko typically wear toned-down kimono with shorter sleeves and flatter sandals. They may also wear a wig with fewer hair decorations. Although it may seem less exciting to see a geiko, they're the real 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 are often just tourists in dress-up. They may look the part from afar and happily pose for photographs, but once you've seen a genuine geiko, 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 towns". 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 are as follows: Pontochō Miyagawachō Gion Higashi Gion Kōbu 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. Everyone agrees that a photo of a real live maiko or geiko is a pretty awesome souvenir, which unfortunately means some young women have found themselves mobbed paparazzi-style on their way to work. Because of this, Gion's district council have banned photography on private streets -- most notably on Hanami-kōji Street -- with fines of up to . There are also plenty of "no trespassing" signs 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 not interrupt their journey. Want to learn more about geiko culture? This highly-rated through Gion, Kyoto's largest geisha district, visits some amazing 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 greatly in price and can fill up 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. Just 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: Kyoto geisha experience Price from Duration Highlights Booking link Maiko experience 1.5 hours Receive a small gift, affordable Book here Discover geisha arts 3 hours One drink included, geisha show, walking tour Private dinner with a geisha 3.5 hours Private experience, meal options Dinner with a maiko 3.5 hours Full course dinner, all-you-can-drink Book here Evening with a geisha in Arashiyama 2.5 hours Seasonal kaiseki course meal, private experience Book here Maiko experience: Affordable geisha experience in Kyoto From 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 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 per person A great mid-range option, this experience includes a walking tour of Gion with an English-speaking guide. You'll visit several 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. Private dinner with a geisha: Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience From (*minimum booking numbers may apply) This is the one for those who want the real deal (and don't mind paying for it). This completely private experience includes a meal and a live performance by 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. Dinner with a maiko: All-you-can-drink package included From Book here This option includes a short walking tour of Gion, a full-course dinner, 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 per group (*minimum booking numbers may apply) Book here Geisha aren't usually associated with Kyoto's bamboo forest, but the stunning location definitely adds to the charm of this experience. This option is entirely 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, many of which 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 specific festivals or shrines and temples affiliated with geiko and maiko. As is routine for events, check in advance if they are going ahead -- and brace yourself 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 an absolutely delightful plum-blossom celebration and tea ceremony at Kitano Tenmangū. April 15–16: Heian Jingū 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. Kyoto's annual odori dance performances Each of the five geisha districts in Kyoto annually holds a public dance show where you can see incredible performances by geiko and maiko. Tickets are relatively affordable, starting from as little as per person. Sometimes, you get tea service, too. The performances are typically held over the course of at least a week, and each district usually a couple of performances. So, while getting tickets is competitive, it's not by any means impossible. People increasingly purchase tickets online, but you can sometimes buy them at convenience stores or 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 , or 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). 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 and can be purchased online in English from February 6. Miyako Odori This performance by the dancers from Gion Kōbu is known as the "Dance of the Capital". In order to raise local spirits, it was first held shortly after Tokyo was named the new capital -- and has been a popular event ever since. Miyako Odori occurs at Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō (kaburenjō is the name for a hanamachi's performance space). Tickets start at , 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. You can also buy them online in English. 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 tea service. 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. Miyako no Nigiwai Comprising 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 and go on sale from April 25. 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 stringed 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 happen 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 per adult, for those aged 16–22, 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 geisha do in Kyoto? Geisha in Kyoto entertain guests with traditional arts like tea ceremonies, playing games, and musical performances. Can you take photos of geisha in Kyoto? No. These days, you're not allowed to take photos of geisha in the street. Can you talk to geisha in Kyoto? You can talk to geisha 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. When is the best time to book a geisha experience? While some experiences might be available 1–2 weeks out from the time of booking, you may need to plan at least a couple of months in advance for others. As a general rule, it's best to give yourself some time in order to secure a date that suits your itinerary. What's the best time to arrive for my booking? Most places recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. In some cases, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your booking time, your experience will be canceled, and you'll be charged the full fee. So make sure you're punctual! Do cancellation fees apply if i can no longer make my booking? It depends on the experience. Some companies may offer a full refund if you cancel more than 14 days before your booking. Others are much more strict and will charge as much as 100% of the total cost regardless of when you cancel. Be sure to read the conditions carefully before booking. 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, by Maria Danuco.

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