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Geisha Experience at Chaya in Tokyo

40 reviews

from £62.80

This cultural tour is a 1.5 hour geisha experience at a modern ochaya, or contemporary tea house, where geisha entertain guests with song, dance, games and conversation. Guests may learn about the geisha culture and history while seeing how the locals interact and support geisha. This is a shared tour with included food (if option is selected).

Please note regarding English information and translation: Some events may have English-speaking geisha or translator present. If there are no English-speaking translators at the event, English pamphlets and brochures detailing more information regarding the geisha performances, etiquette for the event, history of geisha, and what to expect will be provided to the guests.

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In Brief

Location:

Ota City, Japan

Country:

Japan

Duration:

1 hour 30 minutes

Operates:

See Availability

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Japan Awaits, Tokyo Prefecture

Travel company

Pass By: Shinagawa Shrine, 3-7-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001 Tokyo Prefecture

Shinagawa Shrine is one of 10 shrines forming a ring around the Imperial Palace

Pass By: Senso-ji Temple, 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture

It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant.

Pass By: Tokyo Skytree, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida 131-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.

Pass By: Tokyo Tower, 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato 105-0011 Tokyo Prefecture

Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark features observation areas & other attractions.

Pass By: Meiji Jingu Shrine, 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya 151-0052 Tokyo Prefecture

Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.

Pass By: Imperial Palace, 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda 100-8111 Tokyo Prefecture

This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.

Pass By: The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin), 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda 100-0001 Tokyo Prefecture

Large landscaped gardens in the grounds of a palace first built in 1888, with some Edo castle ruins.

Pass By: Tsukiji Fish Market, 4-14-2 Tsukiji, Chuo 104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

Sprawling wholesale fish market with an array of seafood & viewing areas for a popular tuna auction.

Pass By: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, 11 Naitocho, Shinjuku 160-0014 Tokyo Prefecture

This former estate is now a 143-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

Pass By: Harajuku Station, 1 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture

Buzzing Harajuku is renowned for its colorful street art and fashion scene, with quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along Takeshita Street

Pass By: Roppongi Hills, Shop & Restaurant, 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato 106-6108 Tokyo Prefecture

Roppongi is a lively entertainment district where locals and tourists mix in buzzing late-night bars and clubs.

Pass By: Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya 151-0052 Tokyo Prefecture

Large, public city park with lakes, fountains & forested areas with mature trees.

Pass By: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0023 Tokyo Prefecture

Kenzo Tange-designed City Hall complex with views from the tallest building's observation decks.

Pass By: Hamarikyu Gardens, 1-1 Hamarikyūteien, Chuo City, Tōkyō-to 104-0046, Japan

Public park with a pond, laid out in the Edo-period style, on the site of 17th-century Shogun villa.

Pass By: Omotesando, Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture

Omotesandō is a zelkova tree-lined avenue located in Shibuya and Minato, Tokyo, stretching from the Meiji Shrine entrance to Aoyama-dōri,

Pass By: Ueno Park, 5_20 Uenokoen, Taito 110-0007 Tokyo Prefecture

A paradise-like oasis of green in the heart of busy Tokyo, Ueno Park is the city's largest green space and one of its most popular tourist attractions.

Pass By: Takeshita Street, 1, Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture

This popular pedestrian street features trendy independent & chain shops, along with eateries.

Pass By: Kabukicho, Shinjuku Tokyo Prefecture

Kabukichō is an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.

Pass By: Tokyo National Museum, 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito 110-0007 Tokyo Prefecture

Stately museum complex devoted to the art & antiquities of Japan, as well as other Asian countries.

Pass By: Rikugi Park Playground, 6-16-10 Honkomagome, Bunkyo 113-0021 Tokyo Prefecture

Picturesque garden featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, several teahouses & a central pond.

Pass By: Nakamise Shopping Street (Kaminarimon), Asakusa, Taito 11-0032 Tokyo Prefecture

Bustling shopping street connecting the main gate of Sensoji Temple & the main hall.

Pass By: Edo-Tokyo Museum, 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida 130-0015 Tokyo Prefecture

Major museum opened in 1993 & displaying artifacts from Tokyo's Edo period & one-off exhibits.

Pass By: Taito Station Ueno Ameya Yokocho, 4-10-17 Ueno, Ueno, Taito 110-0005 Tokyo Prefecture

Popular indoor-outdoor market with many shops selling everything from food & gifts to apparel.

Pass By: Edo Castle Stone-walled Moat, Kirigaseki, Chiyoda 100-0013 Tokyo Prefecture

Moats, walls & other remains of this castle built in 1457 are now part of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Pass By: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo 112-0004 Tokyo Prefecture

Tranquil, scenic landscape garden dating to the 17th century, with walking paths, a pond & bridges.

Pass By: Yasukuni Shrine, 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda 102-8246 Tokyo Prefecture

Shinto-style shrine commemorating Japanese war dead with a military history museum on its grounds.

Pass By: Shinjuku Golden Gai, 1-1-6, Kabukicho, Shinjuku 160-0021 Tokyo Prefecture

Festive, popular city district famed for its narrow, winding alleys & numerous snug taverns.

Pass By: Kappabashi Street (Kappabashi Dogugai), 3-8-12 Matsugaya, Taito 111-0036 Tokyo Prefecture

Popular shopping street known for its many restaurant-supply shops & kitchen-equipment dealers.

Pass By: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-2 Akasaka, Minato 107-6290 Tokyo Prefecture

Tokyo Midtown is a 569,000-square-meter mixed-use development in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan

Pass By: Mori Art Museum, 6-10-1 Roppongi Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 53F, Minato 106-6150 Tokyo Prefecture

Art museum in the Mori Tower featuring a rotating exhibition of international contemporary artwork.

Pass By: Zojo-ji Temple, 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato 105-0011 Tokyo Prefecture

The main temple of Jōdo-shū Buddhism, this compound includes ornate buildings dating to the 1600s.

Pass By: National Museum of Nature and Science, 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito 110-0007 Tokyo Prefecture

Sprawling museum with a 360-degree movie theater & exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs & evolution.

Pass By: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Miraikan, 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto 135-0064 Tokyo Prefecture

Hands-on exhibits & classes exploring the future of science & technology, plus a cafe & a gift shop.

Pass By: Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture

Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.

Inclusions

One drink and sweets
Live entertainment
Photo opportunities

Exclusions

Transportation to/from attractions
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure Point

Omori Chaya, 1 Chome-12 Omorikita, Ota City, Tokyo 143-0016, Japan

Returns To

Returns to original departure point

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Please only make bookings 6 months in advance of tour date. The schedule for events may not be set before 6 months of tour date, and your tour may be rejected or canceled if a booking is made too early in advance.
Tour starts at 1pm, please arrive 15 minutes before the event for seating
Please wear socks to walk on the tatami mats.
Adult pricing applies to all travelers, except for infants
Minimum drinking age is 20 years
Non-Smoking: All seats are non-smoking; there are designated areas outside for those who would like to smoke.
English information and translation: Some events may have English-speaking geisha or translator present. If there are no English-speaking translators at the event, English pamphlets and brochures detailing more information regarding the geisha performances, etiquette for the event, history of geisha, and what to expect will be provided to the guests.
Kimono: There are some kimono with obi (belt) that are at the venue. This is a free service that are sometimes offered to guests if there is enough time (at the discretion of the geisha). There is no guarantee of kimono dressing being available for guests, or if there is time to put kimono on all guests.
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
For 1 person bookings, please note that if others do not join the same event, this experience may be canceled (as we cannot operate with 1 guest only). We may ask you to reschedule for another event date, or if there are no other availability, we will cancel this booking and provide you with a full refund.
Private: At check-out, you can book the private geisha experience for your group. The private experience is for your group only (others cannot join this experience). Maximum number of people for the private experience is 30 people. The private event will be from 3:30 to 5 PM.
Add-on 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour: At check-out, you can add-on the 6-hour Private Tour in Tokyo. It will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted before the Geisha event from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM or 1:30pm to 7:30pm . Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.
Add-on 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour: At check-out, you can add-on the 4-hour Private Tour in Tokyo. It will include an English-speaking guide. This tour can be conducted before the Geisha event from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 2:30pm to 6:30pm . Public transportation costs are included. Admission fee or other optional activity fees for guests and tour guides are not included.
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

Booking Information

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation Terms

Once booked, this trip is fully non-refundable

Booking Terms and Conditions

When you book this trip, you need to read and accept the terms and conditions for booking our day trips in excursions.

Scoring an average traveller rating of 5 out of 5 based on the last 24 recent reviews

“

Excellent opportunity to get nice photos from your trip. We enjoyed multiple activities, dances to watch, all while having a great time. Friendly staff and an interesting experience. You'll have fun.”

sman003 • Submitted 11 Oct 2019

“

We thoroughly recommend this experience. The geisha performed and then involved us in a very active, fun and engaging way. Both the geisha and her assistant were delightful and teased the audience about punishment if they lost the games. There was a lovely photo opportunity to dress up as well as refreshments being provided. The instructions were very clear and it was super easy to find the venue. This experience will be a memorable part of our time in this beautiful country.”

Rae-Anne D • Submitted 15 Apr 2019

“

A fascinating introduction to ma the hidden word of the geisha. The directions to th event was excellent. Lots of great photos and the chance to actually speak to a geisha San.”

Roy E • Submitted 04 Apr 2019

“

Great experience, very friendlly ladies and quite informative. Fun games The food and drinks were excellent!”

pamelasonier • Submitted 02 Nov 2018

“

Excellent. I always wanted to meet a geisha so this was a great experience. The interaction was great. she encouraged all of us to participate and we had a lot of fun. A very good hostess. Learnt a lot about the geisha life. amazing.”

MARGARET B • Submitted 31 Oct 2018

“

Our Geisha hostess Nami was most gracious and entertaining with her music performances as well as teaching the class to play games from the olden days. It was an afternoon well spent and made the trip to Tokyo all that more awesome!”

SUZANNE C • Submitted 30 Jul 2018

“

Definitely a culturally enriching experience and the best part of my visit to Tokyo. The Geisha and her assistant were incredibly welcoming and friendly, relating customs and traditions that have being in Japan for centuries. There were many small dance and sing shows as well as games that the Geisha's of old use to perform for their guests. I would recommend the experience to anyone traveling to Japan, it will really make a difference in your perception of Japanese culture.”

r_cartusciello • Submitted 11 Jun 2018

“

We did this tour on the afternoon of our first day in Tokyo, after disembarking from our cruise ship and checking our luggage at the hotel. We took the Metro and JR train to the Omori district where we located the address with the help of some instructions we got from the internet. This was my husband's idea, and I was a bit hesitant about the whole thing, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay in Tokyo. Like sumo wrestling, samurai, and zen rock gardens, the geisha is a truly Japanese experience. The geisha and her assistant/translator greeted us and sweetly persuaded us to dress in a kimono and samurai robe. Their eagerness to share the history and customs of the geisha outweighed any language barrier that existed. The geisha entertained us with singing and dancing. The session included some games, plus a wonderful Japanese lunch with sake. We will treasure this experience, and it will be foremost in our minds whenever we think of Japan.”

Karen B • Submitted 24 May 2018

“

A lovely cultural, educational and intimate afternoon with dance, music, games and fun! Lunch if you wish. A definite must do!”

vanreg • Submitted 11 May 2018

“

It is a great experience... It gives you the chance to know a Little bit of japanese culture... The geisha doesn't speak english, but it is not necessary... The experience is worthy”

Jose Juan E • Submitted 07 May 2018

“

We loved this tour! The location is great because it allows you to see a more realistic view of Japan and how people live their daily lives. My husband and I went early and ate lunch to immerse ourselves in the culture. The staff was wonderful, the entertainment and games allowed everyone to be involved and were fun. We were able to dress up and take pictures. It was a great way to spend part of the day.”

Jenna O • Submitted 27 Apr 2018

“

This was a unique experience. We took a cab to get there and at first were a little lost when we got dropped off. Be we referred to our paper work and there were pictures that were included with the directions so we knew exactly where to go. We were offered traditional food and beverages. It was fantastic to see a geisha perform and participate in some entertaining games. One of the highlights was getting dressed up in traditional kimonos etc. The overall experience was really fun while at the same time giving us a taste of Japanese culture and I highly recommend it.”

Ingabinga • Submitted 12 Apr 2018

“

Great way to spend the afternoon! We would definitely recommend this to others.”

Sumudu A • Submitted 01 Apr 2018

“

To say that I enjoyed this experience is an understatement. Nami-san and her assistant knew little English but that did not spoil the event. Nami-san was too courteous to apologize every time she could not find the appropriate English words for what she had in mind. Nevertheless, the entire experience was awesome. She first dressed us in our kimonos then she performed two songs for us. The best bit was when we played games with Nami and there was a consequence for the loser! I highly recommend this to anyone who visits Tokyo.”

Sarah • Submitted 16 Feb 2018

“

We really enjoyed our time with the geisha - we were the only two people in attendance and that personal interaction made a huge difference. We played some fun games, dressed up in traditional clothes, ate some snacks and enjoyed conversation. English is definitely a challenge for the host, but it didn't seem to matter in a small setting: we communicated without issue. And her knowledge of geisha and culture is second to none.”

Matt M • Submitted 26 Dec 2017

“

Geisha was beautiful and very confident. She didn't speak much English, but used tablet app to translate from Japanese so it worked well. She danced 2 dances: one male dance and one humorous where she presented 2 characters. I enjoyed her grace and dramatic talent. They dressed us in kimono and we took pictures with and without geisha. Geisha was teaching us to play games which was fun. Location is in southern part of Tokyo, they give you very detailed instruction on how to get there. Overall it was fun and new experience for me.”

Alla B • Submitted 06 Dec 2017

“

I had an excellent experience with the geisha and her assistant. First got dressed up in a samurai leisure suit, and then we had nice discussions and played childish but fun games. They were nice, and i am proud to be the first scandinavian visting them!”

Thomas S • Submitted 26 Nov 2017

“

Amazing!! I did this on 11/20th, and I HIGHLY recommend this Geisha Experience at Chaya. Nami was the Geisha and along with her assistant. I learned so much about the Japanese culture and traditions through this meeting. I also got to try on the outfit and become a samurai for a day. If you are a woman, they have kimonos for you to try on. The musical/dance performance was excellent. We also got to learn to play games. I actually plan on doing this again.”

Andrew C • Submitted 22 Nov 2017

“

We had an absolutely wonderful experience. We got to wear kimonos and learn a bout the geisha culture. we even sang along to the japanese songs. She did an absolute wonderful job and really lifted our spirits for the rest of the trip!”

Hsiang-Lynn P • Submitted 22 Nov 2017

“

This was such a cool experience! I had a wonderful time at this geisha event. Even though I was the only gaijin/foreigner there, I found myself welcomed by all the other Japanese guests as well they made me feel very comfortable even though I couldn't speak Japanese to any of them. The dancing and singing from the geisha were really fun and interesting. I definitely enjoyed the music and the traditional mask performance immensely. The coolest part of the whole experience was when the geisha, Nami-san, dressed us all up in modern kimonos, and we enjoyed the rest of the event in beautiful kimonos. In my opinion, I think it'd be even better if we got to wear the kimono from the beginning, but I think we were not dressed in the kimono from the start because of the food, which by the way was a really good variety bento box that I enjoyed. I also read from a previous review that it was hard to find the location, but the photo directions link that I received after booking was really helpful. I used it with the Google Maps link they sent and it worked perfectly for me so Im not sure why it was difficult for others to find this place. It was only a 4 minute walk from the station. And I really liked visiting a more local area of Tokyo going to this geisha tea house. Overall, this is a great introduction to geisha culture and local experience in Tokyo I highly recommend it!”

Lindsey Than • Submitted 31 Oct 2017

“

We were entertained by the geisha and her assistant with conversation, games, light snack. We were also dressed as geishas. A very enjoyable and entertaining hour. Address a short easy walk from Omori station.”

Rosemary N • Submitted 15 Oct 2017

“

The geisha experience at the tea house was amazing! There was only 4 other people besides myself so it was a very intimate experience, and the geisha was really friendly. She didn't speak too much English, but there was a lot of printed material for me to read about the history of geisha in Tokyo, the history of the geisha house we were visiting, the schedule for the event and proper etiquette with geisha. It was a very special experience, and since it is still new on Viator, I don't think a lot of people know about it yet so I think it's such a hidden little gem. Even though it is only a 90 minute event, I feel like we did a lot in that time since we got to watch the geisha dance and play traditional games with them. They also helped us to put on kimono for photos! I didn't know kimono was included so that was a bonus. I think this geisha experience was the highlight of my Japan trip. It felt really authentic and not like it was just made for tourists, which I really liked. I think it's because they didn't just have someone speak to us in English the whole time so I felt like. I was really immersed in the experience, and I like how few people there were there. I highly recommend this geisha event!”

Rebecca Rice • Submitted 02 Oct 2017

“

A very interesting few hours spent with 2 lovely ladies, the fact that they spoke very little English just added to the charm! I would highly recommend doing this if in Tokyo.”

Angela U • Submitted 01 Oct 2017

“

We had a wonderful day ,with music ,games and trying the maiko dress. I highly recommend this plan. Even though our guests did not spoke English, she made us feel really good and we had a really nice time.”

Georgiana P • Submitted 16 Sep 2017