Private Kanazawa Geisha Experience with Dinner

Dinner with the Geigi
After the performance begins, enjoy a speciality dinner presented in a traditional box and prepared by a long-established Kanazawa restaurant. The geigi remain with the group during dinner, creating time for conversation and questions in a more relaxed atmosphere. Guests may wish to ask what inspired them to become geigi, how they train, how performances are prepared or how Kanazawa’s geigi culture differs from that of Kyoto.

Drinks are not included in the tour price. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local sake, may be ordered separately. Please provide detailed information about food allergies and dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Japanese cuisine frequently uses fish-based dashi stock, and complete accommodation may not always be possible. Guests with serious allergies should contact us before booking.

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Experience a Historic Kanazawa Machiya

The experience takes place at IN KANAZAWA HOUSE, a restored historic townhouse officially designated as a Kanazawa Machiya. Before the geigi performance, your guide will introduce the building and explain selected features of traditional machiya architecture. The intimate rooms, wooden details and preserved architectural elements create a setting very different from a theatre or large restaurant.

Hosting the experience in a private machiya allows guests to observe the performance at close range and enjoy more direct communication with the geigi. Please note that parts of the building are accessed by stairs. Guests with mobility concerns should contact us before booking.

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Why Choose a Private Geisha Experience?

Public geisha performances provide an opportunity to watch traditional dance and music, but personal interaction may be limited. This private experience offers:

• Exclusive use of the venue for your group

• Close-up dance and shamisen performances

• Cultural explanations from an English-speaking guide

• Direct conversation with Kanazawa geigi

• Participation in traditional games

• Dinner from a long-established local restaurant

• Opportunities for photographs and movies

• A flexible atmosphere for couples, families and private groups

It is particularly suitable for travelers seeking a premium cultural experience rather than a short stage show.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this a private Kanazawa geisha experience?

  • Yes. The experience is reserved exclusively for your group and is not shared with unrelated guests.

• What is the difference between a geisha and a geigi?

  • Geigi is the term traditionally used for professional geisha performers in Kanazawa. Their artistic training includes dance, shamisen music, singing, traditional games and hospitality.

• How many Geigi join the experience?

  • Two geigi normally join the experience. Additional performers may be arranged, subject to availability and an additional fee. ​

• Does the experience take place in a geisha district?

  • The experience takes place at IN KANAZAWA HOUSE, a historic Kanazawa Machiya, rather than inside a chaya in one of the geisha districts.

• What is included?

  • The experience includes a machiya introduction, live geigi performance, traditional games, interaction with the performers, a speciality dinner and an English-speaking guide.

• Are drinks included?

  • No. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks may be ordered separately and paid for at the venue.

• Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

  • Please inform us of all dietary requirements and allergies when booking. Complete accommodation may not always be possible because Japanese cuisine commonly uses fish-based dashi.

• How is this different from a public geisha performance?

  • A public performance focuses mainly on watching traditional dance and music. This private experience also includes direct conversation, ozashiki games, photographs, cultural interpretation and dinner in a reserved historic machiya.​

• Can children participate?

  • Yes. Families are welcome. Children aged six and under may join free of charge, but their dinner is not included.

• Can we take photographs?

  • Yes. Personal photography is generally welcome. Please follow the guide’s instructions during the performance.

• Do we need to speak Japanese?

  • No. An English-speaking guide is included. French, German, Spanish or Chinese support may be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability.

• How many people can participate?

  • The standard experience accepts between two and fourteen guests. Online requests are currently limited to eight guests, so groups of nine or more should contact us directly.

• What should we wear?

  • Smart casual clothing is suitable. Traditional Japanese clothing is not required. Guests should wear socks because shoes are removed inside the machiya.

• What is the difference between the dinner and tea experiences?

  • The dinner experience takes place in the evening and includes a full two-hour program with dinner. The afternoon tea experience includes Japanese tea and sweets and is suitable for guests who prefer a daytime cultural activity.​

 

Prefer a daytime experience without dinner?

Discover our Private Kanazawa Geisha Performance and Tea Experience, featuring traditional dance, shamisen music, cultural games, Japanese tea and sweets.

Private Kanazawa Geisha Performance and Tea Experience