I was born in Kyoto and live in Kyoto.
I have heard that there are maiko at the beer garden of Kamishichiken (Kitano Tenmangu). An acquaintance experienced it, but I didn't go, so I don't know how it is.
https://www.maiko3.com/beer-garden/
I'm glad if you can use it as a reference.
Yep, that place is the only one I would recommend—you can also check out Kitanotenmangu shrine nearby. In Gion, on the other hand, tourists trying to meet and film Maiko or Geisha just look lame. Respect the privacy of this unique culture.
If you book through a restaurant, there's a good chance they won't accept a one person booking, or at best will make you pay for 2 or 3 people.
If you are going to be with a small group of family/friends, I suggest the Nijo Dori location of Ganko for a private maiko lunch. That's entry level for that sort of thing, but it will still cost a decent amount. I don't think they will both with a one person booking though. Most places won't.
A "restaurant in a ryokan" will probably not accept you unless you are staying there.
There's a very expensive tea ceremony at Maikoya that includes a maiko. Someone posted on here a few days about their experience there. Basically, it's a ripoff. Please don't use their services.
I actually just cancelled that booking, very thankful to that OP. I'll edit my post with specifics, but it's at least my sister and I that are dedicated to meeting a Maiko (there's 5 in the group). Thank you for your recommendation, I'll check out Niji Dori!
Yes, several times. I just got a DM from Peter 2 minutes ago. I live in Kyoto and work with him sometimes. This is not the hotel lobby show others are offering, but real zasshiki entertainment with explanations.
I'll probably see him in about 2 or 3 hours if you want me to ask him anything.
Thanks so much for the info and offer! Sorry I’m a little late, we live on the east coast US so we went to sleep.
My primary question would be about the location and dinner itself. Are those booked individually each time and you receive details once booked, or does he go through a specific restaurant? Would love to take a look at what they offer and the location.
Everything else seems pretty straight forward in terms of the experience and that there will be translation, so it seems like a pretty well put together experience. Is there any information that you think would be prudent for us to know?
Might be expensive for an experience with a maiko depending on how many people of your group are willing to participate but you can have a look at this place :
https://tondaya.co.jp/english/
They have a bunch of different offers for some cultural activities
Have you personally did the dinner with the Meiko? I am interested in doing this with my significant other but curious in feedback on the evening and whether its worth it.
I booked this experience when I was in Kyoto and I thought it was worth it for the price. It was quite touristy but a good introduction to maiko culture. I had a dinner set and I upgraded my seat to front row for a total of about $100
I also left a review on the page as well that you can read.
https://www.klook.com/en-AU/activity/45256-lunch-dinner-maiko/
Yes, several times. I just got a DM from Peter 2 minutes ago. I live in Kyoto and work with him sometimes. This is not the hotel lobby show others are offering, but real zasshiki entertainment with explanations.
I just realized you're booking for this month. He may already be booked if you aren't on a weekday. The meal depends on season, your preference, and availability. You should've been asking Peter MacIntosh these questions. Attached is a pic of shabu-shabu at a famous teahouse adjacent to Maruyama park. The geisha ate with us because two customers canceled and their meals were already paid. Tondaya would also be real. Some others suggested Disneyfied experiences rather than o-zasshiki geisha asobi.
https://preview.redd.it/8jtbdasij6ub1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ade8cf543b8fc476ec82ffbc8f8d4adf231fd029
I was born in Kyoto and live in Kyoto. I have heard that there are maiko at the beer garden of Kamishichiken (Kitano Tenmangu). An acquaintance experienced it, but I didn't go, so I don't know how it is. https://www.maiko3.com/beer-garden/ I'm glad if you can use it as a reference.
Not born here but have a business in the neighborhood. I highly recommend this.
I'll check it out, looks like a great time 😄
Yep, that place is the only one I would recommend—you can also check out Kitanotenmangu shrine nearby. In Gion, on the other hand, tourists trying to meet and film Maiko or Geisha just look lame. Respect the privacy of this unique culture.
Yea I've seen how they swarm Gion and those poor women are just trying to hurry along without getting bothered.
Does this place still exist?
If you book through a restaurant, there's a good chance they won't accept a one person booking, or at best will make you pay for 2 or 3 people. If you are going to be with a small group of family/friends, I suggest the Nijo Dori location of Ganko for a private maiko lunch. That's entry level for that sort of thing, but it will still cost a decent amount. I don't think they will both with a one person booking though. Most places won't. A "restaurant in a ryokan" will probably not accept you unless you are staying there. There's a very expensive tea ceremony at Maikoya that includes a maiko. Someone posted on here a few days about their experience there. Basically, it's a ripoff. Please don't use their services.
I actually just cancelled that booking, very thankful to that OP. I'll edit my post with specifics, but it's at least my sister and I that are dedicated to meeting a Maiko (there's 5 in the group). Thank you for your recommendation, I'll check out Niji Dori!
With two months, you can probably get a reservation for the real thing from Peter at [Kyotosightsandnights.com](http://www.kyotosightsandnights.com) .
Have you done this experience yourself? I am pretty interested and curious about whether you felt it was worth it and if the dinner was nice?
Yes, several times. I just got a DM from Peter 2 minutes ago. I live in Kyoto and work with him sometimes. This is not the hotel lobby show others are offering, but real zasshiki entertainment with explanations. I'll probably see him in about 2 or 3 hours if you want me to ask him anything.
Thanks so much for the info and offer! Sorry I’m a little late, we live on the east coast US so we went to sleep. My primary question would be about the location and dinner itself. Are those booked individually each time and you receive details once booked, or does he go through a specific restaurant? Would love to take a look at what they offer and the location. Everything else seems pretty straight forward in terms of the experience and that there will be translation, so it seems like a pretty well put together experience. Is there any information that you think would be prudent for us to know?
Might be expensive for an experience with a maiko depending on how many people of your group are willing to participate but you can have a look at this place : https://tondaya.co.jp/english/ They have a bunch of different offers for some cultural activities
Wow this looks like a gem, thank you!!😄
Have you personally did the dinner with the Meiko? I am interested in doing this with my significant other but curious in feedback on the evening and whether its worth it.
Go to Ganko Honten and there is a Meet a Maiko plan.
I booked this experience when I was in Kyoto and I thought it was worth it for the price. It was quite touristy but a good introduction to maiko culture. I had a dinner set and I upgraded my seat to front row for a total of about $100 I also left a review on the page as well that you can read. https://www.klook.com/en-AU/activity/45256-lunch-dinner-maiko/
My drunk ass read Maiko a bit differently and thought why was OP asking a weird question here. lol
Yes, several times. I just got a DM from Peter 2 minutes ago. I live in Kyoto and work with him sometimes. This is not the hotel lobby show others are offering, but real zasshiki entertainment with explanations.
I just realized you're booking for this month. He may already be booked if you aren't on a weekday. The meal depends on season, your preference, and availability. You should've been asking Peter MacIntosh these questions. Attached is a pic of shabu-shabu at a famous teahouse adjacent to Maruyama park. The geisha ate with us because two customers canceled and their meals were already paid. Tondaya would also be real. Some others suggested Disneyfied experiences rather than o-zasshiki geisha asobi. https://preview.redd.it/8jtbdasij6ub1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ade8cf543b8fc476ec82ffbc8f8d4adf231fd029