There are a few ways to see the geishas in Kyoto, but none of them are guaranteed. This happens because geisha are very reserved artists who only perform in certain pre-scheduled locations. But don’t worry, you can learn a little more about this Japanese tradition.
Kyoto is one of the most emblematic cities in Japan where the geisha tradition is still preserved. There are 5 geisha districts here, the most famous being Gion, Pontocho, Miyagawacho and all are full of tea houses, where geisha perform.
In this article I will explain what a geisha and a maiko are, interesting facts about Japanese culture, the best attractions in the Gion district and how to see geishas in Kyoto!
5 tips for seeing geisha in Kyoto and interesting facts
As I mentioned above, Kyoto is one of the cities that maintain the geisha tradition. In Tokyo you can also see them, but I think Kyoto has a more historical and traditional feel.
Geisha tour in Kyoto
We took a walking tour of the Gion district to better understand the culture and history of geisha in Kyoto. Our guide was Japanese and explained various details of the story to us as we walked through the neighborhood.
In this article I will share what I learned about geishas during this tour.
The tour lasts 90 minutes and can be booked here Guided tour in the Gion district
What is a geisha?
Geisha are traditional Japanese entertainers who specialize in various forms of entertainment such as music, dancing, singing and games. In Kyoto, geisha are called geiko.
They wear traditional costumes (kimonos, belts) and elaborate accessories and perform in tea houses or theaters. Kimono prints are more sober and use simpler makeup for a refined appearance. Furthermore, they wear wigs.
A striking feature is the white makeup, because in the past there wasn’t much lighting in houses, just candle lights. The geisha painted her face like this to stand out from the other guests.
There is no age limit to act as a geisha, they usually become apprentices at the age of 15 and it takes a few years to achieve geisha status. What usually happens is that when a geisha gets married, she stops acting.
What is a maiko?
A maiko is an apprentice to a geisha. They wear more colorful kimonos, use their own hair to style their hairstyles and wear taller wooden slippers (geta). They have a younger appearance.
They work inside the tea houses and learn music, dancing, singing, games and etiquette for several years and have a “debt” to the owner of the house.
In Kyoto it is possible to dress like a maiko in the activity Maiko 2-Hour Makeover and Photo Shoot: a unique experience to step into the shoes of an apprentice geisha! You will be able to wear a kimono, have makeup on and learn to pose like an artist.
What is Ochaya?
Ochaya is a tea house associated with geisha, intimate traditional houses that provide an exclusive atmosphere. Most of the time it is necessary to have an invitation to enter one.
The most famous in Kyoto is Ichiriki Chaya, a super old tea house over 300 years old structured into separate rooms and gardens. Normally the events are sophisticated and exclusive to renowned politicians or businesspeople who have ties to the founding family. The family that owns the establishment is now in its 9th generation.
This tea house also gained fame because of a historical event called 47 Ronin, samurai who had their master signed and sought revenge. One of the samurai pretended to be a drunk gambler in this tea house to gain the killer’s “trust” and then eventually the latter was attacked and killed by the other samurai.
Ichiriki Chaya is located at the entrance to Hanamikoji Dori Street, a private street where photography is not allowed.
Gion: What to see in the geisha district in Kyoto
Gion is one of the geisha districts in Kyoto and features traditional architecture with teahouses and restaurants that reflect classic Japanese aesthetics. The streets are narrow with many wooden houses lined up. It’s a very beautiful place.
In some of these houses geishas and maikos live and are called okiya. They are easily identified by the plaques hanging above the doors, where the names of the women being trained there are written.
During our trip to Kyoto we were able to visit several points in Gion and Pontocho. In the video below you get a better idea of the place and also the history, as well as the geisha tour in Kyoto and what to do in the city! Click to watch!
Here I will list some interesting ones in Gion like streets and shrines. If you do it on your own you might get a little lost, but overall it will take around 2 hours.
1 – Hanamikoji Street
Hanami-koji Street (Street of Flowers) is one of the most famous streets in Gion, where several old and traditional wooden houses (machiya) are located. These houses had the front part dedicated to commerce, while the rest were residences. They are usually very long and have 3 floors, to avoid high taxes hehe
Hoej as machiya have been converted into galleries, antique or kimono shops or even Airbnbs. This is one of the private streets where you cannot take photos.
2 – Shijo Dori
This is the main street full of sophisticated stores with very expensive items! We saw a hair accessory popular among geishas in Kyoto that cost $2,000! Here traditional mixes with luxury. This street is easy to find, it is the only wider one where several cars and buses pass.
At the end of the street you arrive at the Yasaka shrine.
3 – Yasaka Jinja
Take the opportunity to visit Yasaka Jinja, a very large Shinto shrine dedicated to Susanoo, a god associated with the sea and storms. Construction of the sanctuary began in 656.
During the night it is all lit up and its lanterns add a special touch to the visit!
In summer you can see many festivals at this sanctuary and on the streets of Kyoto. A special date is July 17th when a procession takes place with “floats shaped like towers” pulled by more than 50 men! This event is called Yamaboko Junko. Stay tuned on the nights between 2pm and 4pm when preparatory festivals take place for this event.
4 – Tatsumi Shrine
I also recommend passing in front of Tatsumi Shrine and Tatsumi Bridge (bashi). Both are located close to the river and legend has it that in the past they were haunted by raccoons (tabuki) who played tricks on passersby lol For this reason, they built the sanctuary, so that they would behave.
During spring it is beautiful because of the cherry trees.
5 – Shirakawa
On Shirakawa Street you can find several charming houses along the canal of the same name. Several willow trees are planted here, which give the area a phenomenal appearance. This area is very beautiful, especially at the end of the day. You will also find more tea houses here.
6 – Geisha theaters in Kyoto
There are some theaters where you can see traditional geisha performances with music, dance and other arts.
One of them is called Gion Corner, a place that attracts many foreigners. The other is called Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theaterbuilt in 1873 where an annual geisha performance known as Miyako Odori is held.
5 tips for seeing geisha in Kyoto
1 – On Hanamikoji Dori Street you may see one geisha or another. They can occasionally be seen in the early evening, when they leave their homes to carry out their professional commitments.
2 – During festivals or special celebrations, it may be possible to meet geisha in Kyoto at the Yasaka temple.
3 – There are several tours in the Gion district that include a geisha performance. I recommend this one: Gion walking tour with geisha performance. This tour lasts 2.5 hours through the Gion district with a dance performance and tea ceremony with geisha and maiko at the end
If you can’t fit in, you can take a faster walking tour and get to know the neighborhood at the same time. I strongly recommend taking a guided tour in the Gion district to better understand the geishas. It was so worth it! It lasts 90 minutes, costs R$60 per person and can be booked here Gion Night Walk: Kyoto’s Geisha Quarter
4 – Book a play at a geisha theater in Kyoto. Tickets usually sell out quickly and the theater is entirely in Japanese, which can be difficult to understand.
5 – It is not so easy to see a geisha on the street, they usually hide to escape harassment. I could almost see one, but she opened and closed the door so fast I couldn’t see it!
If you manage to see one of the geishas in Kyoto, be very polite and respect the space. Don’t touch them, don’t cut them off and don’t try to take selfies lol It’s important to note that there are private streets within the district, where it is not possible to film or photograph. You could get a fine, so pay attention to the signs.
In the photo below you already have an idea of what a geisha and maiko face every day.
I found this geisha tour in Kyoto on GetYourGuide, a platform that brings together activities with locations around the world and also sells tickets and tours! It’s a German company that I trust and always use on my trips. Now she has become a sponsor of the blog and our YouTube channel and we are very happy to share the best experiences with you!
Did you like these tips on how to see geishas in Kyoto? Another cool experience is participating in a Tea Ceremony in Japan or renting a Kimono in Japan
Make your reservation through the blog’s partners! YOU DON’T PAY MORE FOR THIS, it helps us create better content as we earn a small commission. Thanks!
Discover my special collection of cell phone filters and make your photos more vibrant with just one click!
VIRTUAL INTERNET CHIP
Get connected anywhere with the company’s virtual internet chip Holafly! Apure Guria readers get a 5% discount!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is mandatory in many countries, get a quote from Real Seguros and guarantee better value for money. Exclusive 10% discount for readers! See why travel with Travel Insurance.
ACCOMMODATION
The best hotels and hostels in one place with free cancellation. meet the Booking.com!
DISCOUNTED TICKETS IN EUROPE
Guarantee your place on tours and attractions with my ANGELA10 COUPON Only for new users of Get Your Guide.
DISCOVER ALL THE BLOG SERVICES!
