How to Book a Kyoto Geisha Performance: Tips and Expectations

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Japan is synonymous with Geisha. Well, at least it used to be. Nowadays, they are not as common as you might think. And their services are costly. I am not kidding. Time spent in the company of a geisha is ridiculously expensive. And more often than not, you’ll see Geisha in Kyoto. I booked seats on the bullet train, a hotel room, and dinner in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese-style room). I signed up for a tour to see a reserved Geisha performance and take part in a traditional tea ceremony because I’ve Got a Date with a Geisha in Kyoto.

Table of Contents

• I’ve Got A Date with a Geisha in Kyoto
• Kyoto, Here We Come
• A Curious Tea Ceremony
• Geiko in Kyoto
• Geisha Watch
• Book a Tour with a Geiko in Kyoto
• The Ban on Tourists in the Geisha District

What Makes a Geisha

Geisha, or Geiko as they are known in Kyoto, are highly trained performers in traditional Japanese arts, including dance, music, tea ceremonies, and conversation. Their training begins at a young age, starting as Maiko, where they spend years mastering these arts while living in Geisha houses, known as okiya. Throughout their training, they learn the subtle skills that allow them to entertain and engage guests with grace and poise while keeping Japan’s cultural traditions alive.

Their distinct appearance is a key feature that sets them apart, with elaborate kimonos, intricate hairstyles, and traditional white makeup with red accents. The clothing and style they wear often vary depending on their rank, age, and the event they are attending. Whether it’s during a performance or hosting a tea ceremony, every movement and gesture made by a Geisha is deliberate and refined, showcasing the years of discipline and dedication they have put into their craft.

Geisha are also known for their exclusivity, often only available to those who have longstanding relationships with tea houses. This creates an air of mystery around them, which, combined with their cultural significance, makes them unique figures in Japan’s social and cultural landscape. Their role has evolved over the years, but they remain revered for preserving and passing on centuries-old Japanese traditions with dignity and grace. Where to book a Geisha performance?

I’ve Got A Date with a Geisha in Kyoto

I planned to visit Kyoto on another trip, but we have so many countries on the list to visit over the next two years that we decided NOT to go to any country twice. However, everyone I spoke to about my upcoming Tokyo trip urged us to detour to Kyoto. So I researched and booked a hotel, transportation on the Shinkansen (bullet train), and a tour of the famous Gion Center. Kyoto, here we come.

The tour also includes the Gion Corner (including Geisha performances) for the budget price of $750 for everything… the train, hotel, dinner, and tours… and that’s the budget tour. I’m excited about it all. But weirdly, I was most excited about the tea ceremony.

When I was in college, I took an Honors seminar that included learning how to perform a traditional tea ceremony. I learned how to pour, how each cup is placed and held, and the table layout. Trust me, it’s very detail-oriented and can last for hours!! I’m curious how much I remember.

Get Your Mind out of the Gutter

Geiko in Kyoto

Geisha (more correctly referred to as Geiko) are not prostitutes. They are trained to embody both a child’s innocence and a temptress’s seductiveness. They are performers. The idea of a Geiko really fascinates me because I am a visual person. Geikos move gracefully and fluidly– no erratic or jerky hand or body movements. You aren’t supposed to notice when one movement stops and another starts.

Warning… be careful not to mistake tourists for the real thing! Gion Corner is a theater where they perform a touristy version of the seven Japanese traditional performing arts. The performances include a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto (Japanese Harp) playing, gagaku (court dance), kyogen (comic play), Maiko dance, and Bunraku (puppet play). At the show’s end, a Maiko or two dance, a traditional Japanese dance.

The theater was built for the Tokyo Olympic Games to welcome foreigners and it has various language brochures and earphone guides, for an extra charge of course.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony in Gion

Sitting in the soft glow of candlelight, the tea room felt like a world frozen in time. The Geisha, dressed in an elegant kimono, moved gracefully as she prepared the tea, each motion deliberate and slow. The flicker of the flame cast a gentle warmth across the room, illuminating the delicate utensils she used.

The ceremony was not just about drinking tea; it was a meditative ritual. Every element, from the steam rising from the teapot to the subtle clink of the ceramic bowls, contributed to a sense of calm. The earthy aroma of matcha filled the air as she whisked the tea to perfection.

I sat quietly, mesmerized, appreciating not just the drink, but the atmosphere of serenity and respect that surrounded the experience. There was a certain magic in the simplicity, a peaceful connection between host and guest.

Geisha Watch

As a matter of fact, for a long time, teahouses didn’t accept guests without references from other clients. This ensured security and maintained a certain level of availability. Until recently, this made it especially difficult for foreigners to witness the traditions. Even now, Maiko and Geiko are a mystery to many Japanese people, too. Not many people have seen or met one in person. So if you visit, just because you know a girl in a traditional dress, don’t assume they are one. But you’ll be more likely to see a Geiko in Kyoto, where the traditions are still preserved.

They dress inexpensively, and brightly colored kimonos, flowers, and other ornaments decorate their flawlessly pinned hair. I thought the kimonos were so beautiful that I decided to buy one for myself as a keepsake. They are trained to anticipate their patron’s needs before they know them themselves. Geikos are both timid and disciplined. They were initially highly skilled artists who trained for years, mastering traditional music and dance, flower arranging, and the art of conversation to entertain emperors and other royalty. These days, Geikos perform for wealthy businessmen.

Book a Tour with a Geiko in Kyoto

There are roughly 100 Maiko, apprentice Geiko between the ages of 15 and 20, and about 200 Geiko in the city of Kyoto. They all live in the same area of Kyoto, which has withstood the tides of change and is called Gion. Gion Corner, in Kyoto, is also the best place for an unscheduled sighting of the painted ladies. Geisha performances are typically contracted and paid monthly, where no money is exchanged in person. A few houses have opened their doors to foreigners for a price, and if you know the right people to ask.

The Ban on Tourists in the Geisha District

Recently, the city of Kyoto banned tourists from photographing Geisha and Maiko in the famous Gion district. The decision came after growing concerns that the area’s traditional atmosphere was being disrupted by tourists trying to capture the perfect shot. Some visitors followed Geiko and Maiko down the streets, treating them more like attractions than artists. The ban was necessary to protect the cultural integrity of the district and to ensure the safety of its residents.

While I had the chance to take many photos, I chose not to. I didn’t want to interfere or make the Geisha feel like they were part of a zoo exhibit. As a Black woman traveling the world, I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of unwanted attention. I’ve experienced being stared at and even photographed without permission. It’s a feeling that can make you feel less human, and I didn’t want to impose that on anyone else.

Kyoto offers a rare opportunity to experience the traditions of Geisha and Maiko, but it’s important to approach with respect. While the allure of capturing these moments on camera is tempting, being mindful of their cultural significance can create a deeper appreciation for the experience. Whether it’s through a tour, a performance, or simply observing the graceful way of life in Gion, Kyoto invites you to step back in time—without disrupting the delicate balance of tradition and artistry. Would you book a date with a Geisha in Kyoto? I’m glad I did.

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