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Where to See Geisha in Kyoto: Complete Guide with Links

Two maiko bowing on stage during a traditional dance performance in Kyoto

You can see geisha in Kyoto almost any time of year. From official performances to private experiences, there are more options than most people realize. And none of them involve sticking a camera in front of someone just trying to get to work.

This guide is split into two parts. First, the things you can do year-round. Then, the events and performances that only happen at certain times. If you’re curious about geiko and maiko and want to see them in a way that feels genuine, this will show you how.

Table of Contents

How to See or Meet Geisha in Kyoto (Anytime)

I’ve ordered this part from the least personal and authentic, to the most.

1. Geisha Makeover Experiences (Tourist Costume Experience)

If you’re just looking to take photos in a kimono and look like a maiko for the day, this is the easiest option. Several studios in Kyoto offer “maiko transformation” plans where tourists get dressed in full costume, complete with wig, white makeup, and a short photo shoot. Some plans even let you walk around Gion for a little while in costume. It’s a fun way to get a souvenir photo, especially if you’re traveling with friends.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t a real geisha experience. You won’t be meeting a geiko or maiko, and the people applying your makeup or dressing you up aren’t geisha either. Some tourists confuse this with the real thing, but it’s really just dress-up.

Maiko makeover experience recommendations:

2. Spotting Geiko and Maiko in Gion

If you’re curious to see real geiko or maiko but don’t want to spend money, you might be able to spot one walking to or from an appointment in Gion. The best place to do this is late afternoon or evening around Hanamikoji Street, from around 5:30 PM. Shirakawa is another good area to try.

This is free, but also the least predictable option. You may see several, or none at all. Also, not everyone dressed like a maiko is real, as some are tourists who booked makeover experiences mentioned above. If you want to avoid confusion, look at their behavior: real maiko look like they’re on their way somewhere (because they are). They’re not sightseeing, they’re not posing for photos, and they’re definitely not with a friend taking pictures of them. 

Needless to say, if you do spot a geiko or maiko in the street, the most important thing is to be respectful. Don’t block their way or follow them with your camera. They’re often just trying to get to work (where you can meet them – see points 6 and 7 in this list).

3. Visiting the Gion Corner Show

The Gion Corner show is a tourist-friendly introduction to seven traditional Japanese arts, including a short maiko dance. It runs year-round and is held in the Yasaka Hall, right in the heart of Gion. The show is just under an hour and gives you a taste of everything from koto music to tea ceremony.

It’s a good option if you’re on a tight schedule or can’t afford a geisha experience. While you won’t get to speak to the maiko or take a photo with her, you’ll see an actual dance and get a sense of her presence on stage. Tickets are reasonably priced, and you can usually just walk in and buy them before the show.

4. Visiting the Gion Kagai Art Museum

Homepage of the Gion Kagai Art Museum showing a close-up of a maiko holding a gold fan
Homepage of the Gion Kagai Art Museum

If you want to learn more about the world of geisha without attending a performance, you can visit the Gion Kagai Art Museum dedicated to geisha history and culture. It’s small but detailed, with real items used by maiko and geiko, like hairpins, dance fans, and seasonal kimono.

The museum hosts live events like short geiko and maiko performances or photo sessions. It’s worth checking the schedule in advance and booking your ticket ahead of time. Overall, this is a quiet, informative option as it is more about understanding the culture than actually meeting anyone.

5. Booking a Geisha Experience through a Tour Agency

For something a little more immersive, you can book a geisha experience through online tour agencies like Viator, Klook, or GetYourGuide. These are often organized in small groups and include either a walking tour, a tea ceremony, or a multi-course meal. You will usually meet one or two geiko or maiko, and a guide might be present to help interpret and explain what’s going on. You’ll watch them dance and play traditional instruments, perform a tea ceremony, play traditional games, and/or have a chance to chat (with help).

They’re more polished experiences made for tourists, but that’s not a bad thing. They’re easier to book, more accessible, and don’t require insider connections like authentic experiences do. If you’re curious but not ready to drop a huge budget, this is a good middle ground.

Geisha experience recommendations:

6. Staying at a Ryotei or High-End Ryokan

Maiko performing a traditional dance indoors at Fortune Garden restaurant in Kyoto, with a bamboo garden visible through the open doors
A maiko performs a traditional dance in a private room at restaurant Fortune Garden in Kyoto. Photo credit: Wabunka.

One of the most exclusive ways to meet a geisha is to stay at a luxury ryokan or dine at a traditional ryotei that offers maiko or geiko entertainment. These places often have long-standing relationships with local geiko houses and can arrange private evenings where the geiko come to entertain you during dinner.

These aren’t tourist packages. They’re the real thing. They would be nearly impossible to book directly by yourself, so it helps to go through a hotel concierge or a service that understands both the local culture and your expectations (like Wabunka, see my experience recommendations below). It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for something special and authentic, this is the way to do it.

High-end geisha experience recommendations:

Wabunka offers some of the most authentic experiences available to international visitors in Japan. All their experiences are private (no mixed groups) and take place in historic venues with real artisans, artists, monks, or in this case, geiko and maiko. I always recommend them to anyone looking for traditional, deep experiences when visiting Japan:

7. Booking a Private Cultural Experience with a Geiko or Maiko

If you’re looking for something truly intimate and personal, consider booking a private session with geiko and maiko through a cultural experience company. These take place in a tea house or private venue and might include a kaiseki meal or a tea ceremony, traditional games, a short performance, and a chat with the geiko or maiko through a private guide interpreter.

Compared to the group dinners, those are much more personal. It’s also more flexible, since it feels less like a show and more like a casual conversation, where you can actually ask questions and talk about whatever you’re curious about. 

It’s more expensive, but keep in mind that those experiences are usually impossible to book, even for Japanese people (they usually need to an insider connection). These are the most exclusive and authentic type of geisha experiences you can have.

Private geisha experience recommendations:

Seasonal Events and Festivals Where You Can See Geisha

Here you’ll find annual events, public performances, and seasonal festivals where geiko and maiko appear. Some take place on stage, others in the streets, but all of them are tied to specific dates.

A. Geisha Districts’ Dance Performances

Each of Kyoto’s five geisha districts puts on a public dance performance once a year. Most of them started over 70 or even 100 years ago, and they’re still one of the easiest ways to see real geiko and maiko perform. Tickets can be booked online and all visitors are welcome.

1. Miyako Odori (April 1–30)

Held every April in the Gion district, the Miyako Odori is probably the most famous way to see geisha in Kyoto. It’s a month-long series of performances by the geiko and maiko of Gion Kobu, Kyoto’s most prestigious geisha district. The show is held in the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, and features seasonal dances, elegant kimonos, and live traditional music.

Tickets start at ¥4,000, and while it’s tourist-friendly, the performances themselves are authentic and worth seeing. There are three performances daily, and you can also book an optional tea service served by a maiko before the show (¥7,000 ticket). If you’re in Kyoto in April, this is the easiest way to see the real thing on stage.

2. Kitano Odori (Late March to early April)

Kitano Odori is similar to the Miyako Odori, but it’s performed by geiko and maiko from the Kamishichiken district, Kyoto’s oldest. It usually runs for about two weeks from late March to early April, right as cherry blossoms begin to bloom.

There are two shows daily. Regular tickets cost ¥6,000, but you can also book a ticket that includes a short tea ceremony before the performance for ¥7,000. If you’re already planning to visit the nearby Kitano Tenmangu Shrine for plum or cherry blossoms, this is an easy detour.

3. Kyo Odori (Early to mid-April)

The Kyo Odori is the annual spring dance performance of the Miyagawacho geiko district. It usually takes place for about two weeks in early to mid-April at the Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater, which is right by the Kamogawa River and easy to reach from Gion.

There are usually two shows per day during weekdays and three during weekends. It’s a good pick if you’re visiting during cherry blossom season and want to experience a seasonal and traditional show.

4. Kamogawa Odori (May 1–24)

Held by the Pontocho district, the Kamogawa Odori has a slightly different feel. The program typically starts with a short play and ends with a more traditional dance segment. The shows are held in the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, right near the river.

It’s a good pick if you’re visiting in May and want to see a performance without the full crowds of April. There are usually two shows per day, and tickets are similar in price to the others, starting at ¥6,000. The venue is small, so book early if you’re traveling during Golden Week (a full week of national holidays starting at the end of April or early May).

5. Gion Odori (November 1–10)

If you’re in Kyoto during the fall, the Gion Odori is the seasonal dance performance to look for. It’s hosted by the Gion Higashi district and held in the Gion Kaikan Theater. The show has a slightly different style and tends to be a bit more modern than the spring dances, but it’s still rooted in traditional performance.

There are usually two shows daily, and the area around the venue is especially beautiful in November with fall colors. Tickets also start at ¥6,000. If you missed the spring dances, this is your next best bet.

6. Bonus: Miyako no Nigiwai (Late June)

Miyako no Nigiwai is a special joint performance that brings together geiko and maiko from all five of Kyoto’s hanamachi. It’s usually held over a weekend in late June at the Minami-za Theater, and features about 80 performers showcasing the unique dance styles of each district.​

This event started in 1994 to mark Kyoto’s 1200th anniversary as the imperial capital. It’s a unique chance to see all five districts on the same stage, and the finale often includes a group performance of “Gion Kouta,” a song closely tied to Kyoto’s geisha culture. 

Tickets are a bit pricier than the seasonal odori, starting around ¥6,500 and up to ¥14,000, and tend to sell out quickly.

B. Other Festivals

7. Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine (February 2–3)

This one isn’t a stage performance, but it’s a great chance to see geiko and maiko up close. Every year for Setsubun (a festival marking the beginning of spring), they take part in a bean-throwing ceremony at Yasaka Shrine. They also perform short dances and mingle a bit with the crowd afterward.

It usually happens on February 2 and 3, around midday. You don’t need a ticket, but expect large crowds and lots of cameras. If you’re visiting Kyoto in winter and want to catch a glimpse of maiko without booking anything, this is your best shot.

8. Gion Matsuri (July 1–31)

Kyoto’s biggest festival takes place across the entire month of July, and while it’s not centered on geisha, you can often spot geiko and maiko attending events, especially around the main parade days on July 17 and 24. During those evenings, you might see them walking around in summer kimono.

This is more of a bonus sighting than a guaranteed appearance, but it’s still worth noting. If you’re visiting in July anyway, keep your eyes open, especially in the evenings around Shijo and Karasuma.

9. Hassaku in Gion (August 1)

Hassaku is a more local, traditional event, where geiko and maiko visit the teahouses, restaurants, and other small businesses they work with to show respect. It’s one of the few times you can see many of them walking around Gion in full formal kimono, during the day, without any performances or ceremonies.

The best time to catch them is in the morning between 10:00 AM and noon, especially along Hanamikoji Street. If you’re visiting in August and don’t mind the heat, it’s a very photogenic and culturally rich thing to witness.

But just keep in mind that this isn’t a public event like Setsubun or Gion Matsuri. A lot of people go to take photos, but Hassaku isn’t meant for an audience. If you’re reading this article, I’m sure you already know to be respectful, but it’s even more important if you decide to go to Hassaku.

The Bottom Line

With new restrictions in place in Gion, it’s becoming harder to rely on chance encounters or street sightings. But there’s a quiet upside to that shift. It pushes more people toward the options that are deeper, more respectful, and more meaningful. That’s where the real experience has always been anyway.

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Things To Do

Private Geisha Dinner in Kyoto: What to Expect and How to Book

A geisha and a customer playing traditional games at a geisha dinner in Kyoto

Geisha, written 芸者 in Japanese, literally means “person of art.” The first kanji, 芸, conveys the meaning of art or performance, while 者 refers to a person, and is often used in combination with other kanji to describe someone’s role or profession. In Kyoto, geisha are called geiko, and those who are still in training are known as maiko.

At their core, geiko are highly skilled entertainers trained in traditional arts such as dance, music, conversation, and hosting. They emerged around the 18th century and have been part of the Japanese culture ever since. Even though their numbers have decreased significantly since their peak before World War II, it’s still possible to meet real geisha and enter their world through a private dinner in a Kyoto ochaya (tea house).

Table of Contents

Why Are Geiko Dinners So Difficult to Book?

However, booking such an experience is notoriously difficult. Reservations usually require an introduction, and unless you’re well-connected and fluent in Japanese, it’s nearly impossible to arrange on your own.

Very few companies have the connections to organize this kind of experience—especially one that isn’t designed for tourists but reflects what Japanese local customers would receive. Wabunka is one of those rare companies, specializing in private and authentic cultural experiences.

Thanks to Wabunka, I had the chance to attend one of these dinners. What I thought would be just a high-priced experience turned out to be one of the most memorable evenings I’ve ever had in Japan.

What Happens During a Dinner with Geiko and Maiko?

The evening started outside the ochaya, tucked away in Kyoto’s Gion Higashi district, one of the city’s five geisha districts. In order to ensure stress-free communication with the geiko and maiko attending the dinner, Wabunka arranges a private guide and interpreter for all bookings. My guide for the night, Selina, was already waiting for me when I arrived.

From the outside, the ochaya looked beautiful and inviting, with soft lights and a wooden design that felt both traditional and elegant. It gave off a sense of mystery—the kind of place where you don’t know what happens inside, but you know it must be something special. Tonight, I was finally going to see for myself.

Exterior the ochaya. Photo credit Wabunka

Before heading inside, Selina explained the traditions of ozashiki (banquets) and the culture surrounding geiko and maiko. It is not my first time joining a Wabunka experience (I can’t recommend them enough – they offer the most authentic experiences in Japan), but I’m always impressed by how kind and knowledgeable their guides are. 

Once we entered, we were guided upstairs to a private ozashiki room, a beautifully arranged tatami-floored space. I’m always a bit nervous about traditional Japanese rooms because they often have low tables and floor chairs. These chairs have a backrest but no legs, so you’re still sitting directly on the floor. This usually means having to sit cross-legged or in seiza position, which can get uncomfortable quickly, especially for people with non-existent flexibility (like me). But this ozashiki room was surprisingly comfortable. It had a recessed space under the table, so I wouldn’t have to deal with the usual discomfort. My legs sighed with relief.

As we settled in, our guide Selina helped us order our drinks, and soon after, the geiko and maiko entered to greet us. The geiko was Masaki, an experienced artist, elegant and confident. The maiko was Masane, a promising apprentice with youthful grace and charm. Both belong to Ochaya Man, the teahouse where this experience takes place, owned by the fourth-generation proprietress Masami Ueyanagi.

Interior of a tea house in Kyoto where guests can have private dinners with geiko and maiko
The interior of an ozashiki room. Photo credit Wabunka

I’m not going to lie. I was quite nervous about meeting a real geiko and maiko, especially in a language I don’t speak fluently. But from the moment they stepped into the room, the atmosphere transformed. Their presence filled the space with warmth and energy.

I had seen geiko and maiko passing by on the streets, but being so close to them, seeing their kimono and make-up up close, being able to hear their voices, felt completely different. As we started chatting I could ask many questions that had been in my mind for a long time. 

Why did they decide to pursue this specific profession, how do they see the profession evolving in the coming decades, what do their daily lives look like outside of appointments, and of course what did they think of the current over-tourism trend (Kyoto even started limiting access to specific streets in Gion in April 2024), among other things.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with my guide translating everything flawlessly.

While we chatted, the meal began. We were served a kaiseki dinner (Japanese style multi-course meal), with each dish beautifully arranged and perfectly balanced, as usual with kaiseki meals. The in-house chef tailored the menu to our preferences, offering a tempura dish instead of raw fish for one course after a last-minute request of one of my companions (but please, do communicate any dietary preferences in advance when booking to avoid any surprise for the chef).

Kaiseki meal a geisha dinner in Kyoto
The meal was exceptional. Photo credit Wabunka

Traditional Performances and Games

Partway through the evening, Masane performed a traditional dance while Masaki accompanied her on the shamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument. The guide told me these performances were often the highlight of the evening. I understood why right away. The precision of their movements, their grace acquired after years of dedication, the music, and the atmosphere all came together to create a moment I’ll never forget.

Geisha dinner in Kyoto
Preparing for the performance

After the performances came ozashiki asobi, or traditional parlor games. We played Konpira Funefune, a rhythmic hand game, and Toratora, a fast-paced version of rock-paper-scissors. By this point, I noticed my initial nervousness had completely vanished. I was actually surprised at how fun these simple games were. Maybe it was due to the geiko and maiko being such good entertainers, or maybe because of the few drinks I had so far (drinks were unlimited and Masaki and Masane were refilling my cup as soon as I finished it), but it was surprisingly very easy for me to join the fun despite my introverted nature.

By the end of the games, I felt completely at ease, and the evening had flown by faster than I could have imagined.

A geisha and a customer playing traditional games at a geisha dinner in Kyoto
Playing Konpira Funefune, surprisingly really fun game

After a final chat, it was time to say goodbye to Masaki and Masane and leave the ochaya. As we stepped out, my friends and I looked at each other and said almost in unison: “That was amazing”.

Since we were heading in the same direction, we walked with Selina for a few streets, chatting about our impressions and asking her a few last questions. Then we parted ways and headed back to our hotel.

Why This Experience Is Special

Before attending, I’ll admit I was skeptical about the cost of this kind of experience. I’d always thought that a dinner with geiko and maiko might be overpriced for what it was.

But I was completely wrong.

What makes a geiko and maiko dinner so special is the personal connection you feel throughout the evening. Being able to speak directly with them, ask questions, and see their performances up close is something you can’t experience anywhere else.

Maiko performing a traditional dance at geisha dinner in Kyoto
Meeting the geiko and maiko in private changes everything. Photo credit Wabunka

The ochaya itself added to the magic. You could feel this place was authentic, and the ozashiki was private and comfortable, perfect for enjoying the dinner and chatting with the geiko and maiko.

Something else that really stood out throughout the night is the hospitality. The geiko and maiko poured drinks for me, refilled my cup before I even noticed it was empty, the in-house chef accommodated our dietary preferences, and every moment of the evening felt smooth and seamless.

Is a Private Geisha Dinner Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you’re interested in the geiko and maiko culture or looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I highly recommend this experience. 

That said, it’s important to note that this evening is on the expensive side. It’s worth considering only if you have the budget or if it’s a lifelong dream of yours.

For other ways to see and meet geisha in Kyoto, read my full guide here.

Opportunities like this are incredibly rare. With fewer geiko and maiko in Japan today, this is a unique chance to meet some of the most talented geiko and maiko of our time in the heart of Kyoto’s most famous geisha district.

If you’d like to book this geiko and maiko dinner, you can do so through Wabunka. They’ll arrange everything for you, including a private guide and securing access to some of Kyoto’s best geiko and maiko. But be prepared to have multiple dates available for flexibility as these bookings are notoriously difficult to secure.

You can book online with wabunka here

If this is on your bucket list, don’t hesitate. It wasn’t even on mine, but now I’m adding it to my friends and family’s.

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