Tea with a Maiko
Discover the essence of Kyoto’s main geisha district, the neighbourhood of Gion, where the captivating sight of a geisha adorned in vibrant kimonos can still be witnessed gracefully darting through the narrow streets on their errands.
Area
Kyoto & Around
Type
Art & Architecture
Community & Culture
Grade
Luxurious
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
1-2 Hours
The traditional neighbourhood of Gion is known to be Kyoto’s main geisha district, where it is still common to see geisha dressed in colorful kimonos darting along the city’s narrow streets as they run errands or attend their evening engagements.
This afternoon find out more about this world by meeting a maiko, an apprentice geisha, and have tea with her at a local tea house in Gion.The Japanese tea ceremony is a structured ritual where all gestures, movements and even the colors of pottery and sweets have a precise meaning and function, and very little is left to chance.
Explanations of the meanings behind this ancient ritual will be given as the maiko leads the tea ceremony. The surprisingly bitter tea will be accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets, creating that harmonious blend of flavors that is so highly prized in Japan.
Savor the tea and sweets while enjoying the maiko’s traditional dance performance.
There will also be some time for an explanation about the history of geisha and maiko, and about their lives in present day Kyoto.
After this lovely experience, keep exploring the magnificent city of Kyoto, or return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourJourney through Japan and South Korea
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Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHoshinoya Kyoto
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View AccommodationAman Kyoto
Inspired by the traditional ryokan and onsen it has been thoughtfully designed making it one of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
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View AccommodationThe Thousand Kyoto
Experience the epitome of Kyoto hospitality with a warm welcome and personalized stay at The Thousand Kyoto, a bold new luxury hotel located in the heart of central Kyoto.
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View AccommodationThe Celestine Kyoto Gion
The Celestine Kyoto offers guests a truly authentic experience showcasing the best of Japanese hospitality and unique experiences within the ancient city of Kyoto. The Celestine has a fantastic location facing Yasaka Doori avenue in the heart of Gion.
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View AccommodationHOTEL THE MITSUI
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The property has an excellent location on the Kamogawa River, close to Kyoto’s downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori and is one of the city's most desired abodes. Guest rooms offer stunning views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.
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View AccommodationHyatt Regency Kyoto
Located close to the center of Kyoto, a pleasant walk from the famous Geisha Gion district and opposite the Kyoto National Museum, the luxury Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a great base from which to explore the cultural heart of Japan.
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View AccommodationShuisui Hotel
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxurious addition to Kyoto, the Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious, contemporary accommodation with a Japanese flare in the historical heart of Kyoto. Enjoy the sites of this former Imperial city during the day before returning to this Japanese haven.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceNara City Tour
Be charmed by the ancient capital on this Nara day trip. Explore famous landmarks such as the 8th-century Todai-ji Temple and quiet back roads brimming with atmosphere, for a glimpse of Japan’s incredible heritage.
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View ExperienceKyoto Family Adventure
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