Geiko Performance and Behind the Scenes Tour

The tour provided a deep insight into the culture of the Geiko.

A truly insightful experience into the world of the Kanazawa Geiko. Thank you!

The afternoon was enjoyable and very informative of the ceremony and lifestyle of the geiko. Having read the Geisha of Gion, this experience really opened our minds to the centrality of geiko to the Japanese culture.

I had a lot of great experiences in Japan, but the Geiko Performance and Behind the Scenes Tour was without question the highlight of my entire Japan trip. You can meet Geikos and Maikos in Kyoto, but what made this experience truly exceptional was being welcomed inside an active teahouse and feeling how warm, open, and generous everyone was with their time. I felt a genuine connection with the Geikos. They were curious about where we were from, shared personal stories, and we even shared a few laughs together. The performance itself felt incredibly special within the intimate walls of the ochaya, and I loved getting to play the drums with them. It was such a joyful, memorable moment. The world of the Geiko is known for being exclusive and secretive in Japan, so being invited so warmly into an active ochaya felt deeply meaningful and unforgettable. Our guide and translator was also fantastic. Her English was excellent, she was very knowledgeable, and she was a pleasure to be around. Every event I did with The Art of Geisha was perfectly organized, and their staff always went the extra mile. Thank you so much for creating such a special and beautiful experience.

Invited into Geiko house. Where they explain how they operate and share their art/culture with the world. They answer all the questions presented and at the end they perform. With only a maximum group size of 12, it's very up close and personal experience. Highly recommend if given the chance.

It was a wonderful experience. The geikos were very kind, the price is fair and they made sure to take their time, even beyond the official length. Highly reccomend

Absolutely do this if you have a chance. The season is very limited and the group is very small but getting a behind the scenes look at an ochaya combined with a performance and Q&A is just amazing. You get to tour through the ochaya and see areas that are normally off limits, have a Geiko go through her handbag, how many fans can she fit in there? Experience a haunting performance on the Japanese flute and a dance before the taiko drums make an appearance and everyone gets a chance to be part of the band. Outstanding.

Great insider Geisha experience! We visited the inside of a Kanazawa Geiko tea house, with detailed explanations & stories. We saw upclose how the Geiko carefully store their dozens of gorgeous kimonos, and for what seasons and occasions each is used. We viewed the various rooms and multiple secret staircases to ensure perfect discretion. We got a fun, lighthearted look inside a Geiko’s bag and description of their many accessories. Not to mention dance, flute, and participative taiko. Unforgettable!

+2

We joined the Geiko Performance and Behind-the-Scenes Tour today in the Nishi Chaya District, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we met our guide Aya, we knew this would be something special. She spoke with warmth and deep respect for the centuries-old traditions of the Geiko world, explaining the symbolism behind their exquisite attire, makeup, and the rituals of their art. Her perfect English brought the district to life — its quiet lanes, wooden teahouses, and gentle sense of history felt like stepping back in time. The highlight was meeting two genuine Geiko ladies in an authentic Geiko house and watching their graceful performances and hearing their personal stories offered a rare and intimate glimpse into a world that few ever see. It felt genuine, never staged — a respectful cultural encounter that honoured both tradition and curiosity. Everything was perfectly organised, from the pacing of the tour to the small group size, which allowed plenty of time for questions and reflection. The attention to detail and care shown by the organisers made it feel both exclusive and personal. If you find yourself in Kanazawa and want to experience something truly meaningful, this tour in the Nishi Chaya District is a must. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s a window into Japan’s heart and heritage.

Honestly the highlight of my entire trip and I don’t think anything will be able to top it. Normally, interacting with geiko-san or entering an ochaya (teahouse) is impossible unless you are formally introduced by a long term client. Even so, clients are only able to enter certain sections of the ochaya. We were shown what the geiko san keeps in her bag and were able to ask her and the lady of the house plenty of questions throughout the experience. It was then time for a few performances before we were able to have a go at playing the taiko drums with geiko san. This experience was very authentic and was worth every penny and more. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Thank you for such a beautiful opportunity!