Tour Details
Duration
2 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Miyagawa-cho Street
- Hanamiko-ji Street
- Tea House with Geisha and Maiko
Photos & Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive hour with a Geisha and Maiko, accompanied by our expert, where you can witness their mesmerising performances
- Delve deep into Kyoto's cultural tapestry, rich in authenticity and artistry
Select a date
Tour Description
Go beyond a typical tourist experience to gain a profound understanding of Kyoto's most celebrated art form: the artistry and grace of geisha entertainment.
During this unique 2-hour tour, your expert guide will elucidate geisha culture, culminating in an exclusive audience with a geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) usually reserved for members of an ochaya, or tea house.
This experience is designed to engage and delight Context travelers who seek an intimate and respectful interaction with these revered artists.
Begin with a stroll through the enchanting streets of the Miyagawacho geisha district with your expert guide, getting a proper introduction to geisha and maiko culture on your way to the tea house. Learn the ins and outs of what to expect, what to do, and how to interact with these highly admired artistic figures.
Then, you'll take your shoes off at the door of the traditional tea house to engage directly with a geisha and maiko as they perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, play kouta on the shamisen, and perform elegant and expressive dances. They may also invite you to play a traditional Japanese game before posing for a photo with you. Remember that you must leave your socks on when you enter -- so your geisha hosts can knock them off!
Afterward, continue your stroll, heading down Hanamiko-ji street. Discuss your experience with your guide, get answers to questions you may have, and soak in the atmosphere of Gion.
From here, you are free to continue exploring. As the sun sets and the warm light of the lanterns illuminates this iconic neighborhood, you’ll be equipped with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the dedication and artistry of geisha culture.
- You’re fascinated by the rich traditions of Geisha and Maiko and want to spend 1 full hour at a tea house and be entertained
- You crave an authentic encounter with Kyoto’s cultural heart
- You want to gain a profound understanding of Kyoto’s unique heritage
- Miyagawa-cho Street
- Hanamiko-ji Street
- Tea House with Geisha Experience
Tickets
We book the Geisha Experience in advance, once the tour is booked on the website.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Kyoto, take a read through our Context Stories.
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Is there anything I need to bring with me for this tour?
Yes! You will be required to take your shoes off at the front door, and it is mandatory to wear socks inside (bare feet and shoes can both damage the tatami mat flooring) so please be sure to bring socks with you if you are not already wearing them. If you rely on a shoe-like surface that can't be removed (prosthetic leg, cast or medical boot, wheelchair wheels), please be sure to bring an appropriate cover and a small cleaning towel with you.
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Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
Yes, to ensure a respectful and immersive experience for all participants, our tour is suitable for individuals aged 13 and above. This policy helps maintain the serene and mature atmosphere essential for appreciating the Geisha and Maiko's artistry. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in preserving the integrity of this special cultural encounter.
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Are there any particular rules to respect when meeting a Geisha and a Maiko?
Absolutely yes, one of the fundamental rules is the famous "Don't touch the geisha" rule, for no reason can the Geisha or the Maiko be touched by visitors unless authorized by the same. Geishas spend many hours getting ready, putting on makeup, and wearing a very high-quality kimono that cannot be touched and potentially damaged by visitors.
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Can the tour be booked at a different time?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. The meeting with a Geisha is a special event that is organized in such a way as to preserve its uniqueness and depends exclusively on the tea house's availability, which is why this tour is only available at this specific time of the day.
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What are the drinks included during the meeting with the Geisha?
The Geisha and Maiko will serve traditional Japanese tea. No meals are served during the meeting.
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Can we take pictures and videos of the Geisha when we are at the tea house?
Yes, this is possible by always paying attention to the general rules and good behaviors. Please keep in mind that all photos of the geisha and maiko are to be kept private, and not made available for sale, publication, or any other form of wide distribution. It is essential that we honor the privacy of the geisha, maiko, and the teahouse.
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What is the difference between this tour and the Geisha District Night Tour? Can they be booked together?
The "Exclusive Private Tea Ceremony with a Geisha Tour" and the "Geisha District Night Tour: Exploring Gion" offer distinct experiences for travelers interested in the geisha culture of Kyoto. The first one provides an exclusive, intimate encounter where participants can directly interact with a geisha, learning about her life, traditions, and the art form in a private setting. This tour emphasizes personal engagement and a deep dive into the cultural nuances of geisha life.
On the other hand, the "Geisha District Night Tour: Exploring Gion" offers a more general exploration of Kyoto's geisha districts, with a focus on the historical and cultural context of the geisha community. This tour includes a guided walk through the atmospheric streets of Gion at dusk, providing insights into the geisha tradition against the backdrop of Kyoto's beautiful twilight.
The two tours can be combined - we recommend you let us know in advance by contacting our team to allow us to set them up correctly and to grant you a smooth and unforgettable experience.
- Please note: In the event that no geiko are available on your chosen date, your experience will be with two maiko instead of one geiko and one maiko. All geiko and maiko who host guests at the tea house are highly trained professionals, so the quality of your experience will remain pristine.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking. There are 18 steep and narrow stairs to access the house. Alternatively, there is a lift.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Guests with mobility issues or in a wheelchair can use the elevator to access the tea house. Heavy motorized wheelchairs can break the tatami flooring, so if that is your usual mobility method, please consider bringing a lightweight portable wheelchair with you for this visit if you can. Additionally, wheelchair wheels count as shoes when it comes to the mandatory tradition of leaving shoes at the door, so be sure to either bring a portable indoor-only wheelchair with you, or bring wheel covers and a small cleaning towel.
See Context's cancellation policy here. Please note that this tour is unique in that most of the payment goes towards a non-refundable reservation fee with the esteemed geisha tea house that is visited as a part of this experience. Due to tea house policy and the traditional Japanese cultural importance of respecting and maintaining commitments, this booking is 100% non-refundable. Therefore, we strongly recommend confirming your availability before booking to ensure a seamless experience.
Where You'll Start
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30 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Such an incredible experience. Eric was incredibly knowledgeable. The entire experience was amazing and so much fun. Interacting with the maiko and gaiko after the tea ceremony was great! Highly recommend!!!
Kellie
Reviewed on:
Oct 4, 2025
Excellent! Very informative and entertaining. Eric, our guide, shared some interesting history of the geisha, and some things to look for during the presentation. The performance was lovely, graceful and elicited emotion. Well worth the cost!
Duane
Reviewed on:
Sep 18, 2025
Gavin was great! Very interesting experience.
Becky
Reviewed on:
Sep 11, 2025
