Dinner with Maiko in Gion

INTRO:

What is the best way to learn about Maiko (Geisha Apprentice)? Although an evening with geisha and maiko entertainment is not going to be cheep, it is the only way to truely witness a geisha performance and appreciate the immense training that goes into their music, dancing and hospitality. See everything from their complex makeup and hairstyle to the elegant way in which they move. By experiencing Geisha you gain a true insight into traditional Japan.

Whilst in Kyoto, everyone dreams to meet and greet with Geisha and enjoy “ozashiki asobi”, a traditional game. Unfortunately, in reality, there still remains a common culture in Gion in which these traditional restaurants do not accept first-timers to come in, including local people, which makes it difficult for everyone to meet with Geiko and Maiko.

However, this program makes your dream come true! You will have an access to a local restaurant where you will have gorgeous traditional cuisine and the performance by Maiko.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:

• Watching dance performance by Maiko while having a traditional cuisine with sake served by Maiko
• Interact with Maiko and play traditional games, Ozashiki Asobi. with Maiko
• Take a photo with Maiko
• Dinner menu:
  – Appetizer, pan-fried dish, sashimi, steamed dish, deep-fried dish, bowl dish, rice, pickled vegetables, dessert. *Menu is         subjected to change by season.
  – All you can drink: Beer, shochu, Japanese sake, wine by the glass, whiskey, cola, apple juice, orange juice, Sprite, and           Perrier.
• Seating:
  – Table with chairs (2-4 persons per table)
  – Required to share a table
  – Non-smoking

*This restaurant cannot prepare special meal, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.

PRICE PER PERSON: (The currency in Australian dollar)

• A$310
  *Children under 7 years old are not admitted

GROUP SIZE:

• 1 to 8 persons per group
• Please note that there may be other participants

OPERATING DAYS AND HOURS:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only
  *Min. number of participants must be 10 persons to operate this program; otherwise, the program will be cancelled 10 days prior to the program date. (Money will be refunded)

NOTE:

• Please note that there may be other participants.
• Program is offered in English. *Our interpreter supports conversation with Maiko.

ABOUT GEISH & MAIKO:

Origin of Geisha culture is 450 years ago and Gion is the area where this Geisha culture is well rooted as tradition. Gion has been one of the busy towns in Kyoto as shrine town of Yasaka shrine since long time ago and still now. Gion is famous for Geisha town and there is a chance to see Geisha on the street who are now rare to see elsewhere. In Kyoto, Geisha is called Geiko and trainee is called Maiko. After years of training, Maiko will become Geisha. In that sense, it is rare and a chance to meet with Maiko.

HOW TO BOOK:

1. Please contact us for availability through ‘CHECK the availability’ button
2. We will check the availability and come back to you within 1 business day
3. Payment request will be sent
4. You can then use ‘BOOK this tour’ button to make your payment through our secure booking system
5. Reservation is done upon receiving your payment. Confirmation e-mail will be sent to you

PAYMENT:

• Fees shall be paid through Credit Card. Currently no other payment method is accepted.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• Reservations may be cancelled without a charge up to 8 days prior to the program date.
• Reservations cancelled less than 7 days before the program date will incur the following charges:
  – Between 7 days and 2 day: 40% of the program charge
  – 1 day before or no show: 100% of the program charge
  *Time in JST