Private audience with a maiko
InsideJapan are proud to offer an exclusive, private meeting with a Kyoto maiko.
Many Kyotoites spend their whole lives in Kyoto City, but never have the opportunity to meet a geisha, as this is an elusive, expensive experience usually reserved for visiting dignitaries or elite business men. However thanks to our links with a Gion tea house, InsideJapan are delighted to offer an exclusive maiko (apprentice geisha) experience.
Over afternoon tea served in a tatami-mat room, the maiko will entertain you with dances and a few traditional games. With a translator on hand to help this experience grants you a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the geisha world.
When to go:
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya—plus time on the old Nakasendo. A classic route with samurai connections and space to slow down.
Samurai Footsteps
Start in modern Tokyo, then explore Kyoto's traditions, Osaka's street food, and Nagoya's samurai heritage. Walk quiet stretches of the Nakasendo, stay in a mountain ryokan, and finish with Matsumoto's black‑timbered castle. A well-paced journey following in the footsteps of historic samurai.
Tour Gallery
Other Geisha experiences
View more >Gion walking tour at dusk
Gion comes alive as night falls and the geisha go out to entertain at tea house parties.
Geisha photoshoot
We'll grant you exclusive access to photograph a bona fide geisha on location in Kyoto.

Asakusa geisha dress-up
Get the geisha or samurai look in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district.

Maiko makeover
Become a maiko yourself with a wonderful makeover including white make-up, a black wig and a beautiful kimono.