Private Tour
Private Dinner with a Geisha
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Geisha traditions are traced to the spiritual center of Kyoto, where they were specified as geiko and maiko. Such a lovely tradition can hardly ever be enjoyed privately. From centuries ago, geiko and maiko parties have been given privately only for limited members of society. This tour makes it possible for visitors to truly experience the essence of geiko and maiko in an authentic manner. During the event, English-speaking guides will escort you around the geiko and maiko district, to be followed by a dinner or party arrangement lasting two hours. Since geiko or maiko are privately arranged only for your group, you will have the chance to fully exchange conversations with them and hear their stories which would normally not be told to the public.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant meals not included (free for Infant as long as they belong to adults guests)
Due to the nature of this tour to introduce authentic and noble traditions, which are not open to the public, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who do NOT respect our traditions with the proper manner. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund
Minimum drinking age is 20 years in Japan
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Drinks (Only if Private Tea House is selected)
Geiko or Maiko accompaniment
Professional guide
Dinner
Geisha's dance performance at dinner time
Drinks (available for purchase), drinks included for private tea house option
Gratuities
What To Expect
Minamiza Theater
Meeting location is in front of Minamiza Kabuki Theater facing the Shijo street.
Gion
Guided walk on the way to private tea house or Japanese restaurant, and private party with Maiko / Geiko accompaniment. Total 3 hours (walk + party)
Options
Full Kaiseki course
Full Kaiseki dinner and geiko or maiko performance in a private room
Half Kaiseki course
Half-course Kaiseki dinner and geiko or maiko performance at Japanese restaurant's private room
Private Tea House
True visit to a private teahouse, which is definitely not open to the public, the real world of the Memoirs of a Geisha. With two Geishas, Shamisen live music, sake & beer and full Kaiseki course.
Reviews
61 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely experience
Yo E,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00After a warm welcome we had al walk trough Gion explaining the cultural background. Our guide Miyah was the best. She made it fun even for the teenagers present in our family. No question was to much. After a visit to the tea house. Warm welcome as a family and Miyah for perfect translation.
Great host, great activity, great info, bad food
Amie S,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
4.00MIA was an adorable host. A wealth of very interesting information, handled our groups requests well, and kept us great company. The Maiko-san was also super cute and interesting. The food, however was barely edible and it was 2 hours too long. Sorry to say that!!! But - true:)
Beyond Expectations
geoffrey p,
May 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a pricey tour, and we hoped for a good outcome. We got more than we could have imagined. Our guide, Mia, could not have been kinder or more well versed in Geisha culture. We felt like long lost friends, immediately. Her walk around the Geisha area of Kyoto was fascinating and so insightful in preparing us to meet our Geisha for our private dinner. The restaurant was in a quiet alley and had a private room awaiting us. The many course meal was served over two hours and was a very traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner, far from the Western version of Japanese cuisine. One must be adventuresome when booking this tour when it comes to food. The Geisha was in training, a “Maiko,” as there are many steps to being a a full- fledged and recognized Geisha, but she could not have been sweeter or more representative of the art of her pursuit. If at first we felt awkward, we became a wonderful little group around the table with Mia as translator. Many smiles and some good chuckling. Our Maiko performed two beautiful dances in our private room. We asked many questions and shared stories of our lives and pets. Thanks to Mia as a teacher and translator and historian, the evening was something we will always cherish. We learned and laughed so much, and we saw the inherent grace of Geisha culture.
Gaiko experience
CharlesDan P,
Mar 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guild, Mia was truly fantastic. Her knowledge of the area and history, particularly Geisha (Gaiko) was outstanding. highly recommend the experience.
Outstanding Experience
Brian F,
Mar 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is the “real deal” experience with a Geiko San (Geisha) and/or Maiko San (Apprentice Geisha). We learned so much from our Guide Mia prior to and during our dinner at the Tea House. This experience is everything we expected and more. The food was outstanding as well.
Related Experiences
Operated by WaRaiDo Guide Networks