Traditional arts
Gion, Lunch, and an Afternoon with a Maiko
Explore the historic streets of Gion and enjoy a delicious local lunch. Meet a Maiko, discover her traditional dance and music, and experience a traditional Matcha tea ceremony with Japanese sweets. Enjoy an authentic taste of Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
An apprentice geiko performs, pours, and answers your questions through your guide. Before that, a walk through Gion with the etiquette explained — including why photographing maiko in the street is a problem.
What you get
- Lunch with your guide in the Gion district, then preparation for the traditional maiko experience and the etiquette
- Gion on foot, with the geography of the district explained
- A private ozashiki: the maiko’s Japanese dance with a fan, a traditional ozashiki game, and conversation
- Tea ceremony by the maiko
- Ask anything — your guide interprets both ways
- Maiko, geiko, geisha: what the words actually mean
- Why the ochaya world is invitation-based
- Photographs taken with permission, which is the entire difference
Included
- Professional English-speaking guide and interpretation throughout
- Lunch at the restaurant in Gion
- All arrangements with the ochaya
- Seasonal sweets and matcha tea
- Photographs taken with permission
Not included
- Dinner
Where we meet
The restaurant for lunch in Gion. A map link is shared on booking.
Cancellation policy
Please notify us of any cancellation at least one week in advance. Free cancellation up to one week before the experience. If you book directly with us, we refund the amount paid less the card processing fee. Cancellations within one week of the experience, and no-shows, are not refunded.
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