Japan Awaits

If you’re interested in the Geisha Experience dinner but prefer an exclusive event for your group only, our Private Geisha Experience offers a truly intimate and unforgettable cultural evening.

Enjoy lunch or dinner with two certified Geisha (also known as Geiko in Tokyo) from the prestigious hanamachi (geisha districts) of Asakusa, Shinbashi, Mukoujima, or Omori Kaigan. Your private gathering will feature captivating performances of traditional dance and music, as well as meaningful conversations with the geisha—facilitated by an English interpreter for a richer, more personal experience.

Availability: Any day of the week except Mondays (subject to availability)
Time: 2 hours for dinner (lunch available upon request)
Location: Traditional Japanese restaurant (ryotei) in Tokyo

Included:

• Elegant Japanese Dining Course
• Authentic geisha performance and entertainment
• English interpreter
• Chair seating is default unless otherwise specified
• Photo opportunities with geisha and commemorative moments

Excluded:

• Transportation to/from the venue
• Gratuities
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Non-Smoking

All seats are non-smoking. Designated smoking areas are available outside the venue for guests who wish to smoke.

Seating

Age Requirement

The dinner experience is open to guests aged 10 and above. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children under 10 years old.

All-you-can-drink Option

For groups of 10 or more, a nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) package is available at ¥2,900 per person, payable in cash at the venue. Please inform Japan Awaits at the time of booking if you wish to add this option.
For groups of 9 or fewer, the nomihodai package is not available.

Payment

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

What is a geisha?

The geisha dedicates her whole life to mastering the art of entertainment. She entertains guests with singing, dancing and playing musical instruments at dining events, typically at traditional Japanese establishments, such as ryoutei or ryokan. Since the Edo period, the geisha has been iconic to Japan and even to this day, the geisha world is highly mysterious and exclusive, as requesting a geisha’s services require an introduction or referral from an existing customer or venue. Japan Awaits presents a historic dining experience with traditional performances by the geisha.

What makes Japan Awaits (JA) different?

Unlike other companies, JA wants guests to experience the most authentic Japanese experiences. Geisha are known for their acuity and wisdom-training from a young age to be able to carry any type of conversation; traditionally, geisha were known for having a vital voice in politics as many political meetings involved the accompaniment of geisha and they had the ability to intellectually hold debates, influencing laws and policies in Japan. Thus, JA want our guests to experience what it truly means to be in the presence of a geisha, through dance, song and conversation.

What is the difference between geisha (geiko) and hangyoku (maiko)?

Hangyoku (or also known as maiko in Kyoto) are apprentice geisha (also known as geiko in Kyoto) who are still in training. While having hangyoku/ maiko instead of geisha performances or appearances may significantly reduce the event cost, maiko generally are still training while geisha have been practicing for several years. Especially in recent years, less and less maiko complete training to become a full-fledged geisha, meaning that they could practice for less than a couple of years before leaving the geisha world. For our event, geisha may introduce their successor, or practicing maiko/ hangyoku, during the event but always with her oneesan (older sister) that is a professional geisha.

Looking for a tour in a different city?

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.