Tokyo has six geisha districts, known as hanamachi (flower towns), making it an ideal place to enjoy enchanting geisha culture. I’ve found the most authentic geisha and maiko dinner shows to save you time and effort.
For each experience, I’ve highlighted what’s included, from the type of cuisine and meal or tea ceremony to the performance by Japan’s most legendary entertainers. I’ve also included a comparison guide to make it easier for you to decide.
Why should you trust me? I’ve lived in Japan for nearly a decade and hand-selected these adventures for you.
Here are the best geisha and maiko dinner show experiences in Tokyo.
If you’re in a hurry, jump down to my at-a-glance comparison guide.
Price per person based on two people attending an experience: $ = up to $225; $$ = between $400 & $525; $$$ over $700.
1. Private Tokyo Geisha Dinner and Show
Immerse yourself in an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime private geisha dinner and show at a traditional 125-year-old Japanese restaurant in Tokyo. Experience a rare private opportunity to witness the elegance and artistry of Japan’s world-renowned performers in a setting reserved just for you.
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of exquisite entertainment and fine cuisine.
- Enjoy an exclusive authentic dance and music performance from two geisha or maiko
- Savour an extravagant kaiseki multi-course dinner with seasonal ingredients
- Play classic ozashiki asobe (traditional geisha games) and converse and take photos with your geisha
- Relax and enjoy yourself in a private tatami mat banquet room for up to eight people
- Learn about geisha and maiko culture with your English-speaking guide
- Optional: 4-hour or 8-hour private Tokyo tour by car or public transport add-on
- Includes: Private geisha and maiko dinner and show, one drink, English-speaking interpreter, playing games and photos with the geisha
- Price: $$
- Location: Sumida City
- Duration and start time: 2-2.5 hours, 6pm
2. Private Luxurious Kaiseki Cuisine with a Geisha Performance
Embark on a journey into the richness of Japanese culture with a sumptuous kaiseki lunch accompanied by traditional geisha entertainment in Tokyo. Prepare for a sensory overload beyond your wildest imagination, offering a unique insight into one of Japan’s ancient and classical arts of refinement.
Delight in an unrivalled private lunch of five-star Japanese cuisine with Japan’s most illustrious performers.
- Savour Japanese fine dining with an elaborate kaiseki (luxury multi-course meal) made with exquisite seasonal ingredients
- Enjoy the geisha’s elegant music and dance show, a performance that has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries
- Converse with your geisha and learn more about her art and lifestyle, along with playing games and taking pictures
- Learn about traditional Japanese dining manners and underlying values from a schooled master of etiquette
- Discover the artistic craftsmanship and beauty of your dining space and culturally significant property during a tour
- Immerse yourself in the distinctive cultural heritage of Japan through this unique dining experience
- Includes: Private kaiseki multi-course lunch and one drink with geisha entertainment, Japanese dining etiquette, a tour of the premises and an English-speaking guide
- Price: $$
- Location: Asakusa
- Duration and start time: 2.5 hours, 12pm and 1pm
3. Authentic Geisha Performance with Kaiseki Dinner in Tokyo
Discover authentic geisha and maiko arts at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Tokyo. Settle in for a banquet-style dinner and live performance, offering a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Don’t miss this excellent-value opportunity to experience a geisha and maiko dinner with classical entertainment.
- Savour a kaiseki (luxury multi-course) Japanese haute-cuisine dinner with high-quality seasonal ingredients
- Enjoy geisha and maiko traditional music and dance and be amazed at their artistry
- Play classic drinking games, speak to and take photos with your geisha
- Optional: 4-hour or 8-hour private Tokyo tour by car or public transport add-on
- Includes: Small group geisha and maiko dinner with one drink and performance with games and photos and an English-speaking host
- Price: $
- Location: Sumida City
- Duration and start time: 6pm, 2-2.5 hours
Compare Tokyo Geisha and Maiko Dinner Show Experiences: Comparison Guide
Here’s a quick comparison guide to help you choose a Tokyo geisha and maiko dinner show experience. Compare what’s included with any extras and optional add-ons and price.
| What’s Included | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour 1 | Private dinner & show:
Kaiseki dinner & one drink Optional: |
$$ | |
| Tour 2 | Private lunch & show:
Kaiseki lunch & one drink Japanese dining etiquette class |
$$ | |
| Tour 3 | Small-group dinner & show:
Kaiseki dinner & one drink Optional: |
$ | |
| Tour 4 | Private tea ceremony & show:
Tea ceremony & sweets Personalised geisha arts lesson |
$$$* | |
| Tour 5 | Private tea ceremony & making:
Tea ceremony & sweets |
$ |
Price per person based on two people attending an experience: $ = up to $225; $$ = between $400 & $525; $$$ over $700.
* Fixed price up to eight people. Full group cost is less than $100 per person.
4. Private Geisha Tea Ceremony with Traditional Music and Dance Performance
Embark on a unique, luxurious geisha tea ceremony, music and dance performance, and personalised experience of your choice. Dive into the world of geisha elegance and customs in a beautiful, intimate cultural restaurant in Shinjuku.
Experience a rare and thrilling opportunity to interact intimately with a geisha and learn her art.
- Savour matcha or sencha (an infused green tea) complemented with a nerikiri (seasonal Japanese sweet) in a tea ceremony prepared by your geisha
- Be enchanted by the artistry and grace of a music and dance performance by your geisha and jikata (musical geisha)
- Engage with your geisha and ask her questions about her lifestyle, culture and dress
- Tailored geisha arts lesson, such as music, dance and fan handling, or playing traditional games
- Satisfy your senses in a tranquil tatami mat room and admire the stylish decor
- Includes: Private geisha tea ceremony and dance and music performance, tailored geisha arts lesson and English-speaking interpreter
- Price: $$$
- Location: Shinjuku
- Duration and start time: 1.5 hours; 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm and 7.30pm
5. Private Traditional Geisha Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
Enjoy a traditional geisha tea ceremony and a matcha-making workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo’s geisha district. Observe the occasion’s serenity and learn about the tea ceremony, one of Japan’s ancient and classical arts of refinement.
Combine two of Japan’s time-honoured traditions into one great value package.
- Discover the elegance and timeless beauty of a geisha or maiko-led tea ceremony
- Explore tea ceremony customs, rituals and utensils and learn how to make matcha tea
- Take photos and interact with and speak to your geisha or maiko for one hour
- Relish your experience in an authentic nijiriguchi (tea room) with an opportunity to shop for tea-making utensils after
- Optional: English-language assistance for an additional fee (recommended)
- Includes: Tea ceremony by a geisha or maiko with conversation and photos, and making and drinking matcha tea with guidance
- Price: $
- Location: Asakusa
- Duration and start time: 2 hours, 3pm
Image credits:
- Geisha bowing – orei by Japanexperterna, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED / Edited from original
- Performance at AVAR 2009, Kyoto, Japan by Andrew Hayter, used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED
- Image: Maiko Koyoshi 5 by Japanexperterna, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED / Edited from original