Japan Awaits

If you are interested in the Geisha Experience dinner with Japan Awaits but would prefer a private event for your group, private events are available upon request. Lunch or dinner are available with either one or two geisha. The dinner event will feature two certified geisha (also known as geiko in Tokyo) from the hanamachi (geisha district) of Asakusa, Shinbashi, Mukoujima or Omori Kaigan. The exclusive private event will include entertainment with dance, music, and real conversations with geisha (English interpreters will be present) for a more enriching experience.

Availability: Any day of week except Mondays (based on availability upon request)

Time: 2 hours for dinner (lunch event may be available upon request)

Location: Traditional Japanese restaurant (ryotei) in Tokyo

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 10 and up. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate any younger children.

All-you-can-drink Option

For groups of 10 or more people, nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) is available at 2900 JPY per person, payable in cash at the venue. At the time of booking, please let Japan Awaits know that you would like to include nomihodai (all-you-can-drink). For groups of 9 or less people, nomihodai 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.