Interactive dinner with Maiko
19,600 JPY
Starts at 6:00 pm on every Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat.
Yasaka-Dori Enraku is placed 2nd out of 12,888 in the ranking of restaurants in Kyoto, Japan on Trip Advisor.
July 2018
Price
What you can expect with us
The guests will be having a very rare opportunity whilst they are experiencing some of Kyoto’s everyday moments.
The event takes for 2 hours during the evening in the beautiful Gion district in the middle of Kyoto, and after your busy daytime, it is a chance to enjoy a show and simply relax.
You will be discovering Japanese culture, and also Kyoto’s organic traditions, such as what the difference between a Geiko and a Maiko is; what kimono is, and what tatami is? all by simply joining us.
You will also be gaining very rare experiences to chat with a Maiko who sits down just next to you and to play Ozashiki games and capture precious moments on your camera with a Maiko.
The time you will be spending at the event will be created by combining our guests, a Maiko, and our excellent staff.
How we are different from others
Basically, most tourists visit temples and shrines for sightseeing in Kyoto, which is not an interactive experience, so that is why there is not much communication between Kyoto people and tourists, as the language still makes things difficult to get to know more about Kyoto culture properly.
But here is the Enchanted time with Maiko, a totally different experience as you will have our staff, who have an excellent English skill, to hand offering wonderful hospitality for our guests.
The communication is the most important key for the guests.
It is a very local Kyoto-ish experience for you to enjoy – something very rare but also informal.
※We do not have an area for parking bikes or cars. So please do not bring or come with them.
If you do choose to arrive with a car or a bike, please use the parking lot nearby.
※During the event, you are going to sit on the tatami. It means you will be sitting on the floor without a chair. If you have problems on your knee or legs , please let us know.
※ We are afraid that the request for dietary restriction needs to be done in advance. We couldn't make a change to your course meal at our restaurant.
※If reservations are crowded, there is a possibility of refusing even if the reservation is completed. We kindly ask for your understanding.
※This event will be held in full English.
Menu
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We can accept your food restrictions such as allergy, vegetarian, halal and more.
When you make a reservation, please fill out the food restriction column and then we will prepare the menu for you.
※No menu alternations, options for those with dietary requirements are available.
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Program
Maiko Dance
Maiko will perform an elegant and gorgeous dance for you in their beautiful kimono. We hope you will enjoy this performance which they practice daily to perfect. Please feel free to capture the special moment in pictures or videos.
Conversation with Maiko
Maiko will take turns visiting each group. This is a valuable opportunity to speak with the girls, so feel free to ask them whatever is on your mind. Our guide will be translator for guests who cannot speak Japanese.
Ozashiki Game
The Ozashiki asobi experience involves playing traditional games with Maiko. Rather than merely watching, you can have even more enjoyment from interacting with Maiko through these games. If you can beat Maiko in a game, you will receive a small gift, so please try your luck.
Photo Shooting
You are free to take pictures with Maiko. You may also take pictures and videos during the dance and ozashiki-asobi events. Be sure to take this opportunity to capture your exclusive Kyoto experience in picture and film. You’ ll receive pictures taken by staff after the event.
Voices from previous guests
Guest from the U.S.
Guests from Spain
I can tell you I have just experienced with my daughter one of the best and most authentic nights I have had in all of Japan, here in Kyoto. When I talk about the food, I can tell you it was fantastic. When I talk about Maiko, It was an experience that took me back hundreds of years in time and made me feel like I was special. Anybody does not me here is missing something big in Japan. It is authentic. It is exceptional. And, you will laugh. And, you will drink. And, you will have more fun you could have anywhere in all of japan. Come here!!
Actually, we come here because we saw this place on the internet through Trip Advisor. We thought it will be a nice experience in Japan and Kyoto. And we are very glad we took it because it was amazing. The experience of talking with real Maiko was very nice and she was very friendly. Actually, something we could not expect that at the beginning. You could talk to her and ask her whatever question you have. She will reply very nicely. Also, you will be playing some games, drinking games which I lost all of them, but there were a lot of fun. It's a great experience. Thank you very much for the nice night and we wish all the best for you guys. Thank you.
Do you know how difficult meeting Maiko is?
In Kyoto, visitors, including Japanese, seek opportunities to bring their dreams to life by meeting Maiko. But there are some complicated and traditional obstacles such as Ichigensan okotowari*, the need for an invitation from another regular customer, it is very difficult to meet a Maiko in private.
Even if you do get the opportunity, it is a very formal event and can be very expensive.
There are other ways available, and that is by watching Maiko’s performances, but photo opportunities, having dinner and chatting together are simply not available, and in most cases, there is little or no English translation service available, and very few staff are able to speak English.
Hence, at “Enchanted Time with Maiko” we have considered what is the best way for foreign tourists to experience and enjoy the company of Maiko. We have started providing such a service, taking out the obstacles, but leaving all the enjoyment and experience.
Would you like to know how?
Firstly, Maiko. You are able to have a private conversation with a real Maiko, and with a guide who can help as an interpreter. Maiko will answer generously all your questions, such as why she became Maiko; what kind of schedule she has. The opportunity to have a private conversation with Maiko is a most unique experience.
Secondly, Staff. You can chat with the staff who have many experiences abroad, not only about Kyoto, but also about Japan and the local culture, as they are proud of what they do and have extensive knowledge.
Lastly, the customers themselves. The customers come from many different countries, and all have traveled to Kyoto to spend time together, and they’ll share stories and experiences about their trip with you, what they have done so far, and about their plans from now on, so that should be very interesting!
The event also includes Japanese cuisine and drinks (all you can drink) so it is a full package, you don’t need to look for a restaurant for dinner.
There is 100% guarantee if you choose “Enchanted Time with Maiko” for a great night-time experience in Kyoto – your dream will certainly be fulfilled!
*Ichigen-san Okotowari - Kyoto tradition
The trust from an Ocha-ya to their customers is absolutely not about money. How an Ocha-ya puts trust in their customers is by observing those customers manners and their personality, and then they decide whether they are able to look after them. An Ocha-ya will take responsibility for their customers, but they can’t do that on their first time, and it is difficult for an Ocha-ya to find out how they should treat a customer who is a stranger.
Hence, an Ocha-ya will use Ichigen-san Okotowari to those who come for the first time, for this reason. There are many places in Kyoto, not only Ocha-ya, who keep to this tradition of ichigen-san Okotowai, so it could be difficult for Japanese, even Kyoto locals, to see Maiko, as they are sometimes refused entry.
There was an episode that even a Government minister was refused entry on the grounds of Ichigen-san Okotowari!
Who are Geisha and Maiko?
Contrary to a still persistent misconception in some parts of the world, geisha are not, nor were they ever, prostitutes.
They are in fact artisans – not courtesans – being highly trained practitioners of traditional Japanese arts and customs of hospitality. As accomplished performers, story-tellers, singers, dancers and musicians, their services have long been revered and coveted by the Japanese elite. Although geisha is today a generic term throughout Japan, these women are still known as geiko in Kyoto.
Maiko, on the other hand, are apprentice geiko (who might otherwise be known as hangyoku in Tokyo). Much about the lengthy five-year training they undergo to become geiko remains a closely guarded secret.
STAFF
Our staff, who speak English, are very friendly and very definitely happy to support you at the event.
We are proud of the staff who have lots of experiences abroad and in many different countries.
Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, such as sightseeing spots both in Japan and Kyoto, or about your next plan on your trip to the staff. They are here to try their best to help you as they all love to communicate with our guests.
We believe that you will find our staff very good at looking after guests, and try their best to make your trip very special, and go towards making the special night that you will never forget.
We all look forward to meeting and chatting with you.
MIKA
MC/INTERPRETER
Welcome to Enchanted Time with Maiko, everyone! I’ll be your interpreter for your night with Maiko. We are here to make your night in Kyoto awesome and I will make sure my team and I do our best to have you a wonderful and valuable time with us.
Please feel free to ask us anything, we would love to give you some travel tips as well.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all very soon!
Location
Restaurant name:
Yasaka-Dori Enraku
594 Komatsucho Yasakadori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811, Kyoto Prefecture
Famous Landmarks nearby
Yasaka Shrine
10 mins by walk
One of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. The main gate is painted with vermilion. When you see it for the first time, you would be surprised by it.
Kenninji Temple
Within 5 mins by walk
This is also famous temple. The main building which is located in the middle of its site was built more than 400 years ago.
Kiyomizu Temple
10 mins by a taxi
This temple is really famous in Kyoto.
It is huge and traditional for everyone, I think. Also, you can find a lot of souvenir shop near this temple.
Hanami Koji St.
10 mins by walk
This street is very charming and quaint.
If you have luck you could see Maiko or Geisha who are going to work on the street.
Do you have questions?
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