I’ve recently updated my website with a travel story I wrote about my efforts to see an authentic geisha while in Kyoto. The story received interest from a few newspapers, but the lack of professional photography prevented me from selling the piece. The version on the site is the longer, less practical version, but it tells a better story. I’ve assembled some links for people interested in seeing maiko or geisha for themselves.
Seasonal ($)
Gion Odori runs from November 1-10. This is the unforgettable performance I attended.
Kamogawa Odori runs from May 1-24 and showcases the maiko and geisha from the rival Pontocho district.
Miyako Odori runs from April 1-30 and features Gion maiko and geisha.
Year-round ($)
Gion Corner offers a condensed program to introduce tourists to a variety of Japanese arts, including a maiko dance performance.
Year-round ($$$) [Edited May 26, 2015]
Maiko and Geiko Banquets can be arranged if you stay at the right hotel. At approximately $500USD a person, it might seem pricy, but it is a relatively good deal considering how next to impossible it is to get into a traditional Japanese teahouse.
N.B. Geiko is the preferred term in Kyoto for what we in the West refer to as geisha.
Seasonal ($)
Gion Odori runs from November 1-10. This is the unforgettable performance I attended.
Kamogawa Odori runs from May 1-24 and showcases the maiko and geisha from the rival Pontocho district.
Miyako Odori runs from April 1-30 and features Gion maiko and geisha.
Year-round ($)
Gion Corner offers a condensed program to introduce tourists to a variety of Japanese arts, including a maiko dance performance.
Year-round ($$$) [Edited May 26, 2015]
Maiko and Geiko Banquets can be arranged if you stay at the right hotel. At approximately $500USD a person, it might seem pricy, but it is a relatively good deal considering how next to impossible it is to get into a traditional Japanese teahouse.
N.B. Geiko is the preferred term in Kyoto for what we in the West refer to as geisha.
If your budget allows for a stay at the Hyatt Regency, here's another opportunity worth investigating:
ReplyDeleteJapan Times Article
www.sayuki.net
ReplyDeleteSayuki, the first white geisha in Japanese history, can arrange banquets at a genuine tea-house in Tokyo, or for geisha to come to your event.
Thanks for sharing the link to Sayuki's website. I was unaware that she was working in Tokyo. Here's a clickable version of her home page: www.sayuki.net
ReplyDeleteI should note that Liza Dalby worked as a geisha under the name Ichigiku in Pontocho (Kyoto) from 1974-1975.