All visitors to Kyoto wish to catch a glimpse of a maiko (apprentice geisha) while she gracefully walks along the narrow streets of Kyoto to her appointment. The beauty and grace of maiko and geisha is something one must see and there is no better place than Kyoto.

Maiko / geisha are highly skilled artists who diligently train in performance arts including singing, dance, musical instruments, flower arrangement, tea ceremony and many other arts of beauty. It is no wonder why they are considered "Living Art". In fact the kanji for geisha means art person.

Hiring a maiko or a geiko is popular but a very expensive high-class traditional form of entertainment. For a private viewing of Maiko and Geiko itself is highly priced plus you would have to dine at a room at a Japanese haute-cuisine restaurant with a stage on which maiko/geiko dances. Furthermore, even if someone can afford to hire them, one is not always welcome. In fact many places in Kyoto would not do business with anyone totally new. One would have to be introduced by one of their regular guests. We call this system "ICHIGEN-SAN OKOTOWARI" (Regular Customer Only).

However, we are how pleased to tell you that our close relationship with the flower town makes it possible for you to briefly meet with a maiko for about one hour over a light dinner (tempura, sushi and some small dishes).

The tour starts with 2 to 3 hour walking tour of the Gion or Kamishichiken area, two of 5 flower towns associated with Maikos/Geikos in Kyoto. Our licensed tour guide can explain to you about the history of Maiko/Geiko as well as the traditional wooden structures in the area. After learning about Maiko/Geiko, we will go to a Japanese restaurant where a maiko is waiting for you. Over a light dinner you can ask questions to Maiko about what she wears or her daily life. You can even take some photos with the genuine Maiko. There are a few restaurants where customers can enjoy PUBLIC VIEWING of Maiko/Geiko : a large audience sharing the moment with a Maiko/Geiko. But This is probably the most reasonably priced program which makes your dream of privately hiring a Maiko come true!

1. Contact us by using our BOOK/INQUIRY Form with your preferred date(s)
2. Upon receipt of your reply we will then contact a Maiko to see if she is available on the day you wish to see her and come back to you with a reply (if your preferred date is NOT possible, we will suggest an alternative date.) We will also tell you which area (Either Kaimishichiken or Gion) you will meet with a Maiko.
3. Please reply to us if you are happy with the date and give us your payment information.
4. Upon receipt of your payment information, we will issue a CONFIRMATION. We are also happy to discuss the sightseeing route before meeting with Maiko. 1) In case of Kamishichiken (north east Kyoto) we will suggest Daitokuji or Kinkakuji (gold pavilion) and then traditional area of Kamishichiken. 2) In case of Gion, we will suggest Yasaka shrine, Ishibe-koji, and Gion.
5. On the program day, our guide will meet you at the pre-agreed meeting place and start the guided tour, terminating at a restaurant where you meet with Maiko! Please enjoy your little chat with her!

Responsibility
These Cultural Liaison activities are operated with the member’s understanding that Japanese Guest Houses acts only as an agent for the participants and such parties, firms, or corporations providing services herein. By promoting these activities, Japanese Guest Houses does not assume liability or costs for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity due to weather or any act or default of companies or persons engaged in providing these services. Japanese Guest Houses reserves the right to change or modify the itinerary as circumstances may require to expedite these activities and assure the safety of its members. Japanese Guest Houses has the right to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of these activities at any time. Registration is your agreement to these terms.