Kagurazaka Geisha
What You Will Gain from This Tour
1. Witness the captivating dance, songs, and shamisen performances of geisha (not in a geisha bar).
2. Enjoy engaging games with geisha that can only be played in a private setting (not in a geisha bar).
3. Engage in direct conversation with geisha to learn about their history and personal stories.
The Kagurazaka geisha district was established in the late Edo period. Its origin dates back to 1788, when an entertainment venue was created within a section of the Gyoganji temple grounds. By around 1857, a geisha district had formed, where geishas specializing in shamisen, singing, and dancing livened up the sake gatherings. At its peak around 1937, Kagurazaka became one of Tokyo's most prominent geisha districts, boasting about 600 geishas, approximately 150 Ryotei (Japanese restaurants), and Machiai-Chaya (waiting tea houses).
Today, about 20 geishas are active in Kagurazaka, playing a crucial role in conveying Japanese traditional culture to the modern era. They also participate in local festivals and events such as the "Kagurazaka Odori (Dance festival)" and "Setsubun bean throwing" at Bishamonten, deepening their interaction with the local community.
Tokyo's six geisha districts are Shimbashi, Akasaka, Yoshicho, Kagurazaka, Asakusa, and Mukojima, known as "Tokyo Rokkagai (Tokyo 6 geisha districts)." Kagurazaka's geisha district has a history dating back to the Edo period and is known as the only geisha district that was spared from the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923). Along with Akasaka, it is frequented by politicians and business magnates, often visited incognito even today.
Would you like to enjoy the enchanting songs and dances of Kagurazaka's geisha and engage in conversation with them? Even among Japanese people, conversing with a geisha is considered a high barrier and an experience the majority have never had. Geishas, who have entertained dignitaries from the political and financial worlds through banquets, embody Japan's 'Omotenashi' (hospitality) culture itself. You will surely be amazed by their art and eloquence. The wonderful experience with geishas, enjoyable for children as well, will become an unforgettable memory in your lifetime.
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Kagurazaka Geisha
Kagurazaka Geisha
Kagurazaka's Geisha District Boasts Over 200 Years of History
The Kagurazaka geisha district was established in the late Edo period. Its origin dates back to 1788, when an entertainment venue was created within a section of the Gyoganji temple grounds. By around 1857, a geisha district had formed, where geishas specializing in shamisen, singing, and dancing livened up the sake gatherings. At its peak around 1937, Kagurazaka became one of Tokyo's most prominent geisha districts, boasting about 600 geishas, approximately 150 Ryotei (Japanese restaurants), and Machiai-Chaya (waiting tea houses).
Geishas are women who entertain guests in the tatami rooms of Japanese restaurants by engaging in conversation, serving drinks, performing dances and other arts, and playing games with the guests.
Particularly, Kagurazaka geisha, having entertained dignitaries from the political and financial realms, are distinguished not only by their high level of artistic skill but also by their conversational abilities to entertain guests. This adeptness at building interpersonal relationships is also evident with children. Children of foreign tourists are often delighted to speak with Kagurazaka geisha, and some even send letters to the geisha after returning home.
A characteristic of Kagurazaka geisha is that they do not wear white face makeup
One distinctive feature of Kagurazaka geisha is that they do not wear white makeup on their faces. This practice stems from a concern that geisha walking outside with dignitaries from the political and financial world, who visit Kagurazaka incognito, would easily reveal the identities of these dignitaries if they wore white makeup. This is a major difference from the geisha in Kyoto, who do apply white makeup. However, on official occasions such as New Year's or during geisha debut ceremonies, Kagurazaka geishas do wear white makeup.
Apprentice geisha are known as 'Hangyoku'
Apprentice geisha are called 'Hangyoku' in Tokyo. A distinctive feature of Hangyoku is that they always wear white makeup on their faces. This is because Hangyoku are apprentices and thus do not entertain dignitaries from the political and financial world. The term 'Hangyoku' (apprentice geisha) is written in kanji as 'half jewel' (半玉). The origin of 'Han'gyoku' comes from the term 'Gyokudai' (jewel fee), which refers to the fee for a banquet with a geisha. The fee for an apprentice geisha, or 'Gyokudai,' was set at half the amount of that for a full geisha, hence the term 'half jewel' or 'Han'gyoku'.In Kyoto, geishas are referred to as 'Geiko,' and apprentice geishas are called 'Maiko.’
Kenban: The Place for Arranging and Practicing Geisha Performances
In Kagurazaka, there is a street named 'Kenban Yokocho'. It was named after the 'Kenban' located along the road. The 'Kenban' serves as a place for arranging geisha performances and for practice. Suitably for a district inheriting the traditional performing arts of the Kagurazaka Karyukai (geisha district), occasionally, the emotional sounds of the shamisen can be heard emanating from the 'Kenban'.
From casual conversations to full-fledged artistic appreciation with geisha
Our geisha tours range from casual to authentic experiences. You can enjoy a relaxed conversation at a bar run by geisha or engage in brief 'Ozashiki asobi' (parlor games) with geisha at the restaurant 'Torijaya' and 'Shimakin.' Alternatively, you can participate in a full-scale 'Ozashiki asobi' at an upscale ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) frequented by dignitaries from the political and financial world, all while savoring high-end Japanese cuisine.
'Ozashiki asobi' involves appreciating geisha dances and music performances, and enjoying traditional games and conversation with geisha. Notably, the authentic 'Ozashiki asobi' experience at a ryotei is known for its exclusivity, to the extent that even Japanese newcomers may be refused entry.
Kagurazaka Geisha
Kagurazaka Geisha2
Ozashiki Asobi
Konpira Fune Fune
Konpira Funefune
How to Play:
The guest and the geisha sit facing each other with a table between them.
While singing the song "Konpira Funefune," they alternately place their hands in the "pa" (palm down) position on a bowl on the table, in rhythm with the music.
When you pick up an imaginary object, your opponent places their hand in the "gu" (fist) position on the empty table.
This action is repeated, and the first to make a mistake loses.
Origin of Konpira Funefune:
"Konpira Funefune" is an old Japanese folk song based on the Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, known as the guardian of maritime safety. The lively tempo and richly described lyrics of the song, along with its fun as an "Ozashiki Asobi," have made it popular in ozashiki settings nationwide.
Konpira Fune Fune (Guest)
Toratora
How to Play:
Toratora means 'Tiger Tiger'. This game is a physical version of rock-paper-scissors played by two people. First, the geisha will demonstrate the game and lead the guests through it, so even beginners can enjoy it.
The outcome is decided using a "rock-paper-scissors" style game but with body gestures.
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A screen or sliding door is set up between the guest and the geisha so that they cannot see each other.
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Both the guest and geisha choose a pose to match the song, and at the same time, they lean out from behind the screen to reveal their pose.
The poses are:
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Samurai (Watounai): A pose as if thrusting a spear.
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Tiger: A crouching pose, like a tiger.
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Old Woman (Grandma): A pose as if using a cane.
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Samurai beats Tiger (Watounai's spear defeats the tiger).
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Tiger beats Grandma (The tiger defeats the old mother).
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Grandma beats Samurai (The old mother defeats Watounai).
It may seem strange that the old woman defeats the samurai. However, the old woman is the samurai's mother. In any world, a mother is strong. A son can never defeat his mother.
Watounai (和藤内): The protagonist of "Kokusenya Kassen," modeled after Zheng Chenggong, a Chinese politician from the Ming Dynasty.
Origin of Toratora:
"Toratora" is a traditional ozashiki game derived from Chikamatsu Monzaemon's Joruri play "Kokusenya Kassen." "Toratora" has existed as an ozashiki game since the early Meiji period (1868-1912). Many games based on the "three-way standoff" concept have been played throughout history, and one of these games became rooted in ozashiki culture.
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Kagurazaka Geisha Tour Information
Meeting point
Meeting place will be decided upon consultation with the customer.
Hotel pickup is also available for an additional fee.
Tour Duration
The Geisha Tour is divided into three tours: 1) Geisha at Bar, 2) Geisha at Restaurant, 3) Geisha at Ryotei.
The duration for each is as follows:
1) Geisha at Bar: One hour for conversation with a geisha at a bar
2) Geisha at Udon Restaurant: A two-hour tour includes watching a Geisha's performance for one hour and having a meal at the famous traditional Japanese restaurant "Torijaya."
3) Geisha at Eel Restaurant:
A two-hour tour includes watching a Geisha's performance for two hours and having a meal at the famous traditional Japanese restaurant "Shimakin."
4) Geisha at Luxury Ryotei: Two hours in total for an authentic geisha performance viewing and a meal at a luxury ryotei, "Yukimoto," with the performance itself lasting two hours.
5) Ozashiki Asobi at Luxury Ryotei:
One hour in total for an Ozashiki Asobi with geisha at a luxury ryotei, "Yukimoto."
Accessibility
We strive to make the geisha tour accessible to as many people as possible.
However, please note the following conditions for participation:
1) Geisha at Bar are restricted to customers over 20 years old due to the alcoholic nature of the venue.
2) Geisha at Udon Restaurant is a private tour, and children are welcome to participate.
3) Geisha at Eel Restaurant is a private tour, and children are welcome to participate.
4) Geisha at Luxury Ryotei is a private tour, and children are welcome to participate.
5) Ozashiki Asobi at Luxury Ryotei is a private tour, and children are welcome to participate.
1) Geisha at Bar
2) Geisha at Udon Restaurant (Torijaya)
3) Geisha at Eel Restaurant (Shimakin)
4,5) Geisha at Ryotei, Ozashiki Asobi (Yukimoto)
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Insurance
We are covered by Tour Operator Liability Insurance, so you can join our tours with peace of mind. In the event of an injury during the tour, please go to a hospital promptly with your guide and receive a medical examination. If the hospital confirms that the injury was due to an accident during the tour, we will cover the medical expenses. However, please note that if the hospital does not recognize the injury as tour-related, we will not be able to cover the expenses.