Découvrez la splendeur des performances des geishas de Kanazawa : une expérience culturelle inoubliable
- Sep 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Kanazawa is a city where traditional Japanese culture harmoniously blends with beautiful nature and art, attracting visitors from Japan and around the world.
Among its many cultural offerings, an experience with Kanazawa geisha (geisha) stands out as a truly special activity. Spending time in the presence of a geisha offers a rare opportunity to create unforgettable memories and gain insight into a refined cultural tradition.
In this article, we introduce the appeal, program details, and pricing of Kanazawa’s geisha experience tours.
■ The Appeal of the Kanazawa Geisha (Geiko) Experience
Since the Edo period, Kanazawa’s geisha (geiko) have refined their artistry while preserving a deep spirit of hospitality rooted in the city’s history. In Kanazawa’s three historic teahouse districts—Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi—geisha continue to train diligently every day, keeping this elegant tradition alive.
Experiencing Kanazawa geisha offers a rare opportunity to witness the emotional depth of their graceful dance and refined music. Each performance reflects generations of dedication, discipline, and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
Why the Kanazawa Geisha Experience Is So Popular with International Visitors
The Kanazawa geisha experience has become especially popular among international travelers because it offers a truly unique cross-cultural encounter. The refined movements of geisha dance and the atmosphere of traditional Japanese entertainment embody what many visitors perceive as the essence of “Japanese beauty.”
Compared to cities such as Kyoto or Tokyo, Kanazawa allows guests to enjoy geisha culture in a more relaxed and less crowded setting. This quieter environment makes the experience feel more intimate and authentic, adding to its appeal for travelers seeking a deeper cultural connection.
■ Kanazawa Geisha (Geiko) Ozashiki Play Experience Plan
We are pleased to introduce the details of our Kanazawa geisha (geiko) experience plan, designed to offer an immersive encounter with this refined cultural tradition.
Enjoy Dance and Drumming Up Close
Experience the elegance of geisha dance and the powerful rhythms of traditional drumming from an intimate distance. As you watch the performances, you will also have the opportunity to converse with the geisha, allowing you to fully appreciate their artistry, grace, and charm.
Savor the Flavors of Kanazawa
Enjoy a specially prepared Shokado bento lunch, made with seasonal local ingredients and provided by a long-established restaurant in Kanazawa.
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local sake, is available, and you may enjoy having your drinks poured by the geisha themselves. This creates a rare opportunity to experience Kanazawa’s traditional cuisine while deepening your connection with the geisha.
A Two-Hour Cultural Experience
Over the course of approximately two hours, you will gain a deeper understanding of geisha culture through dance, drumming, cuisine, and personal interaction.
To ensure that first-time participants can join with confidence, experienced guides fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Chinese will provide attentive support throughout the experience.
(If you require a language other than English, please indicate this at the time of booking.)
Pricing and Group Size
This exclusive experience is available for groups of two people or more, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups of friends. The limited group size allows for more personal and meaningful interaction with the geisha.
164,000 yen for up to two people
12,500 yen for each additional participant
Drinks are not included in the price. Please select from the alcoholic or non-alcoholic menu on the day of the experience. Payment by cash or card is accepted.
Children aged 6 and under may participate free of charge. Please note that meals are not provided for children, but outside food may be brought in.
■ Trivia About Kanazawa Geisha (Geigi): Know This to Enjoy the Experience Even More
Understanding the history and present-day life of Kanazawa geisha (geigi) will enrich your experience and deepen your appreciation of their art.
A Day in the Life of a Geisha
A geisha’s day is largely dedicated to training. From morning through the afternoon, they attend lessons to refine their skills on a daily basis. Their training covers a wide range of traditional arts, including nagauta and kouta singing, shamisen, dance, and ohayashi musical accompaniment.
Ozashiki Taiko Drumming
Kanazawa is said to be the only place in Japan where you can experience ozashiki taiko as part of traditional ozashiki entertainment. This style uses a pair of large and small drums, played in rhythm with shamisen music based on the opening melody. Even first-time participants need not worry—geisha skillfully guide and support you throughout the experience. Their exceptional hospitality is one of the defining charms of Kanazawa geisha.
Independent Living of Kanazawa Geisha
Unlike Kyoto, where geisha live in teahouses, Kanazawa geisha live independently. As a result, they personally cover the costs of their kimonos and professional training.
Time Required for Makeup and Dressing
Although it varies from person to person, the process of applying makeup and dressing typically takes around one hour.
The Present State of Kanazawa Geisha
Today, there are approximately 40 to 50 geisha in Kanazawa, and their numbers are gradually increasing. In the city’s historic teahouse districts—Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi—more young people are aspiring to become geisha. Kanazawa City and the local Tourism Association actively support the preservation and development of geisha culture through experience programs and cultural classes.
■ Comments from International Visitors Who Have Experienced Kanazawa Geisha
A special private evening with the artists.
A wonderful experience, a private evening with the artists to know more about the geisha world. Dance, music, singing, interaction were all part of the program. Very good food and very friendly interpreters. Thanks to the whole team. Don't miss it.
Très belle expérience d'une soirée en privé avec des artistes pour mieux connaître le monde des geishas. Danses, musique, chants et interactions au programme. pas manquer.
We had the best time!
I was both excited and nervous about what to expect, but in the end, I had the best time. The service was great, the interaction with the Geishas was fun, and the games were engaging and fun. It was a unique experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
We didn't know what to expect going in, but ended up having the best time. The service was great, the geishas were fun to interact with, and the games were engaging and hilarious. Was a unique experience and would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area.
The parlor play was great!
When the hotel where I was staying told me about a delicious restaurant in Kanazawa, by chance I was also told about a geisha and an event, so I participated in the geisha event at In Kanazawa House. After watching the geisha show, the geisha who sat at each table taught me a lot about Kanazawa and the tea houses while eating dinner! After dinner, it was also fun to play taiko drums and games with the geisha! There were also two foreign guests at the same event, and we all had a great time playing the taiko games together lol
■ For a Kanazawa Geisha (Geigi) Experience, Visit IKH
If you are considering a geisha experience in Kanazawa, we invite you to contact IKH.
With a variety of carefully curated experience plans and attentive, personalized support, we are dedicated to helping you create truly unforgettable memories.
Geisha Experience Details
