oiran Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

If you don't make it to Kyoto to see the geisha of Gion, fear not. There are opportunities to see geisha in Tokyo, too -- you just have to know where to look. Everyone knows about geisha, be it from that (in)famous book, the movie, or general Japan knowledge. Seeing one is often high on the bucket list -- but how do you make it happen? While Kyoto has a reputation for traditional Japanese experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to see geisha in Tokyo, too. Nearby Atami, too, has some top-tier experiences. How to meet a geisha: One of the easiest ways is to book a Tokyo geisha experience. Options include kaiseki dining, tea ceremony, and more. What are geisha? Geisha are performers who are classically trained in a range of skills. These include the art of conversation, playing instruments like the shamisen, drinking games, poetry, and dance. They spend years polishing their skills, and typically entertain at high-end events and dinners. Now, we'll level with you -- seeing a real geisha in Tokyo is expensive, and can be difficult to arrange. Ozashiki, the places where geisha perform, often have a referral-only policy, and many are (let's put it politely) reluctant to allow foreigners in. You have options, though -- so don't worry. There are still plenty of opportunities to see geisha in Tokyo. 1. Bookable experiences and geisha shows in Tokyo If you don't mind splashing out, a bookable experience is the best way to guarantee seeing a geisha in Tokyo. Prices vary depending on whether you want a private dinner or a more informal experience, and you can choose to combine it with a meal or tea ceremony to make the most of your time. Here are some recommended geisha experiences: Geisha show and dinner in Asakusa (per person, groups of two or more) / (single person booking) Book here This option is the real deal. It includes a traditional, full-course kaiseki dinner and entertainment by geisha. An English interpreter will accompany you, so you won't miss a thing. You'll get to enjoy a full geisha experience, take lots of photos, and brag to your friends back home about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Note: This experience is only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and is non-refundable. Private tea ceremony with a geisha From (per group, 1-8 participants) Book here This is a great option for those seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. You'll enjoy a private tea ceremony in a traditional tatami room, with your geisha host serving up matcha, sweets, and delightful conversation. Add on a shamisen performance or dance lesson to make it an even more special event. 2. See geisha in Tokyo at various festivals Not every festival has geisha, but there are a few in Tokyo where they make appearances. You'll usually see them on floats or performing during ceremonies. It's a fantastic chance to see them -- plus, it's usually free. However, these events can draw big crowds, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot with a good view. March: The Akasaka Odori is not actually a festival, but instead a ticketed geisha performance at the Akasaka Act Theater. Performed by the most talented geisha, it is an honor to participate and also to watch. The tickets usually cost between and . April: The Asakusa Kannon-ura Ichiyo Sakura Festival features an Oiran Dōchū, a procession of traditional Japanese courtesans. You'll get the chance to see their amazing costumes, make-up, and stoic expressions. They are a step up (or down, depending on how you look at it) from regular geisha, with more extreme outfits. May: The Kagurazaka Street Stage Ōedo Tour is a cultural celebration and showcase of all the most traditional skills of the residents. There are shamisen performances, chances to play traditional parlor games with geisha, live street concerts, and more. The events take place at a number of venues, including local shrines, temples, and streets. December: Asakusa's Toshi no Ichi Fair is where locals gather to purchase their hagoita -- lucky rackets exquisitely decorated and placed in Japanese homes to bring good fortune. While they are not performing, you might see geisha buying their own hagoita or perusing the stalls. 3. On the streets: Tokyo's six hanamachi Hanamachi (literally "flower towns") are the geisha districts found across Japan, with most in Kyoto and Tokyo. The six hanamachi in Tokyo are: Shimbashi, Yoshichō, Hachiōji, Mukojima, Kagurazaka, and Asakusa. However, today, Kagurazaka and Asakusa are the most active. These areas are home to restaurants, teahouses, and training areas for geisha, with many maintaining a traditional atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto. You can attempt to get a reservation at one of the establishments in those areas -- possibly through your hotel -- or you can try your luck at geisha-spotting in the evening as they make their way to their appointments. But if you do decide to try your luck, be respectful and do not follow them, trespass onto private property, or take photos without permission. Pro tip: Join and gain valuable local insights into the history and culture of this fascinating geisha district. Frequently asked questions Does Tokyo have geisha? Yes, there are geisha in Tokyo, but not as many as in Kyoto. Is a geisha experience in Tokyo worth it? If you want an authentic geisha experience in Tokyo -- and don't mind splashing out -- it will definitely be worth it. But if you're also visiting Kyoto, we recommend saving the geisha experience for there. You'll have a lot more options to choose from, including some budget-friendly ones. Read our guide to seeing geisha in Kyoto for more information. 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 cancelled, and you'll be charged the full fee. So make sure you're punctual! Do cancellation fees apply if i can no longer make it? 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 March 2018. Last updated: July 2024, by Maria Danuco.

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