---
title: "Japanese Culture: Geisha"
date: 2023-05-16T11:30:00+09:00
author: Gwen Magdamit
canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/japanese-culture-geisha"
section: News
---
[Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# Japanese Culture: Geisha

May 16, 2023

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   ![27](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/125324/27.jpg)One of the greatest examples of Japan’s traditional culture involves the blushing Geisha or *Geiko* that still exist today. Geisha are professional entertainers trained to study Japanese arts, tea ceremonies, dance, music and communication to showcase to local guests and tourists.

Originally spread throughout the cities of Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto, today the most prestigious Geisha are located in the five major districts of Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, and Kamishichiken. From their beautiful hair and ornaments to their traditional attires, geisha are the true epitome of Japan’s historical culture and beauty.

    ![26](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/125331/26.jpg)  Geisha are trained at the early age of 15. They move out from their family and live in special houses called *okiya*. At this introductory stage, they learn various lessons about traditional arts and skills, including communication and hospitality. Once they have passed this stage, they will be a *Geiko* apprentice or *Meiko* to continue their mastery of various skills and eventually become *Geiko*.

    ![23](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/125352/23.jpg)  In an exceptional experience with *Geiko*, guests are welcomed to eat and drink while entertained by *Meiko* and *Geiko*. They engage in conversation and sometimes participate in various games. The main highlight of the evening includes the *Geiko*’s majestic performance of traditional dance accompanied by another *Geiko* playing ancient music of Japan using an instrument called *shamisen*.

    ![25](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/125388/25.jpg)  *Geiko* performances can be witnessed in *ochaya* or tea houses within the *Geiko* districts. These places offer tatami rooms where dinner is served and performances are held. *Ochaya* are highly exclusive houses as they maintain their traditional roots of doing business. Guests pay the overall expenses of the *Geiko* experience, including the food, room, and transportation of *Geiko*, and guests commit to paying the charge every month. Therefore, entry access to *ochaya* is offered to trusted customers.

    ![24](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/125424/24.jpg)  Whether you want to witness the *Geiko* districts or experience *Geiko* dinners and performances, you can immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese culture and experience it with your family and friends. You can also visit a former *ochaya* in the Kanazawa Higashi Chaya district museum, where locals and tourists can view the insides of the traditional *ochaya* and exhibition of accessories, instruments and much more.

    ![22](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/125460/22.jpg)