Rickshaw Tour of Asakusa with Geisha Dinner
30,000
If you’re interested in learning about geisha culture in Tokyo, join us on our Geisha Asakusa Rickshaw Tour around the Asakusa and Sumida area of Tokyo. Ride a rickshaw around Asakusa where you’ll see the Sensoji Temple and other historical landmarks, as well as the Kenban (geisha association) and hanamachi (geisha district).
After the 30 minute rickshaw ride (included from the beginning to meet the guest until the end ricksaw tour at the restaurant) around the geisha district and neighboring areas of Asakusa, you will arrive at a traditional Japanese restaurant (ryotei) where you’ll join a small group and experience geisha entertainment with dance, music, and real conversations with geisha (English interpreter will be present to translate) and kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dinner. The dinner event will feature a certified geisha (also known as geiko in Tokyo) from the geisha district of Asakusa, Mukoujima or Omori Kaigan.
Availability: Thursday and Saturday evenings (other days may be available)
Location:
Meeting location for rickshaw is at Kaminarimon Police Station in Asakusa, Tokyo.
Dinner will be held at a traditional Japanese restaurant (ryotei) in Tokyo
Included:
- Rickshaw tour of Asakusa and geisha districts
- Kaiseki Dinner (multi-course traditional Japanese meal)
- Authentic geisha performance and entertainment
- English interpreter
- Free souvenirs
- Photo opportunities and more
Price
-
(Ages 6 years and up)
¥38,000 per person (Group of 1 person), 1 Rickshaw
¥32,000 per person (Group of 2 people), 1 Rickshaw
¥30,000 per person (Group of 3 or more people), 2 Rickshaw
Add-on: 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour
- 2 or more people: 11,000 JPY per person
- 1 person: 22,000 JPY per person
The 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted before the Geisha event from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.
Add-on: 8-Hour Private Tokyo Tour
- 2 or more people: 19,500 JPY per person
- 1 person: 39,000 JPY per person
The 8-Hour Private Tokyo Tour will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted after the Geisha event from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.
Schedule
5:00 PM – Start of Rickshaw Tour
Meet your rickshaw tour guide at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Tour around the neighborhood and see the geisha quarters and learn more about the area.
5:45 PM – Arrive at restaurant for Geisha Experience dinner
After arriving at ryotei, you’ll be greeted by your English guide and host, who will provide you the introduction to the event. Before your food is served, you can also mingle with other guests from around the world and make new friends.
6:15 PM – Introduction to Geisha
As you indulge in the scrumptious meal, our interpreter will introduce you to the culture and history of the geisha.
6:45 PM – Geisha Performance
Traditional dances and songs will be performed by geisha.
7:10 PM – Q&A and Games
Ask questions, learn more about geisha and have some fun playing a few traditional Japanese games with them!
7:30 PM – Geisha Conversations
Have fun stirring up conversation with geisha as they pour you your drinks (converse with the help of your English interpreter).
8:00 PM – Dinner ends
After making new friends and learning about the geisha culture, take photos and say, “Sayoonara,” before you end your night!
Additional Information
Non-Smoking
All seats are non-smoking; there are designated areas outside for those who would like to smoke.
Age Requirement
The dinner experience is for ages 6 and up. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate any younger children.
Pending Approval
Bookings are subject to availability.
Payment
All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.
Cancellation Policy
Moderate Cancellation Policy:
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 20 days or less before event
Q&A
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.
