Traditional Geisha Performance:
The Beauty of Kanazawa
An unforgettable experience in Kanazawa, where you can meet the famous geishas and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of age-old Japanese traditions.

If you ask a Japanese person what makes Kanazawa so charming, he or she will certainly answer with: its handicrafts, its gastronomy, its garden and its geisha districts. Along with other cities like Kyoto, Kanazawa shares the privilege of having kept many traditions intact, and among them are the geishas of Kanazawa, or as the locals call them, the geiko-san or geigi. To support and keep its traditions alive, Kanazawa City and the Kanazawa City Tourism Association organise the Kanazawa Geisha Experience 2023-2024. These regular events are open to the public and take place in the various teahouses located in the three geisha districts, namely Higashi Chayagai, Kazue-machi Chayagai and Nishi Chayagai.

Shinobue bamboo flute

Geishas singing and dancing

Taiko drum performance
In this small room covered with tatami mats, the ten privileged people present remain silent, spellbound by the beauty of the gestures and the fragile grace of these young geishas who move like spring birds.

Taiko drum experience with geisha
The performance continues with a session on the taiko, the Japanese drum. With vigour and clockwork precision, the bachi (drumsticks) slap the leather of the drum with a power that we would not imagine from these two young women. Finally, it is the audience’s turn to try their hand under the direction of the geishas. More than a simple performance, this is a chance to interact with the geishas and ask them questions about their work and daily life. This is definitely a performance not to be missed.
Experience the Kanazawa Geisha culture
through events starting in Spring 2023.
Geishas in Kanazawa are referred to as Geiko-san or Geigi and have inherited a history of around 200 years in the castle town. Geishas continue to carry on their traditions through performances and rigorous daily trainings in the three teahouse districts of Kanazawa - Higashi, Nishi and Kazue-machi.
Geisha Evenings Private Party
Available all year round.
A private plan at the largest teahouse in the Higashi teahouse district enables you to fully appreciate geishas’ elegant performances accompanied by English commentary from a landlady, Lady Baba. Additionally, a booking is available for a meal plan.
Geisha Evenings Project Office
Official Site
Kanazawa Geisha Experience '23-'24
Saturdays from 22 Apr. 2023 to 30 Mar. 2024
An experience held at an authentic teahouse to watch dances, taiko drums, etc. played by geishas, as well as to interact and perform together with them. This is a special opportunity not to be missed during a stay in Kanazawa!
Kanazawa City Tourism Association
Geisha Evenings Project Office
Official Site
Meet a Geisha in Kanazawa
3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 Apr. 2023
A museum in Kannon-machi, dedicated to Kanazawa Geigi culture, is offering an evening event for the public to have a rare experience. Enjoy Geisha entertainment and hospitality to the fullest.
Kanazawa Geigi and Chaya District Museum
Official Site
Geisha and Tea Ceremony
29, 31 Mar. / 3, 5, 7, 13, 19 Apr. 2023
Enjoy an exquisite, 90-minute Kanazawa cultural event in the daytime, featuring an authentic Geisha performance, a tea ceremony led by a tea master, and cherry blossoms at a traditional townhouse in the Kazue-machi teahouse district.
Art of Geisha Project Office
Official Site