Geisha Districts, the Past & the Present

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

For overseas visitors, “geisha” gives the wrong image, such as prostitute. In the past it was ambiguous to distinguish between Geisha and prostitute, but only professional entertainers now called Geisha remains. The first is the old site where geisha business has already stopped was called “red-light district.” Afterwards, you visit Miyagawacho and Gion. You enjoy the history and architecture.

ITINERARY

: Your hotel→Kaikado→ Gojyorakuen→ Miyagawacho→ Kenninji → Gion Corner → Hanami-Koji → Kiritoshi alley → Shirakawa → Tatsumi-Inari shrine

More Info: ◆Kaikado
Established in 1875, this shop has the longest history as a producer of hand-made tea caddy. The aim of the founder was to provide a well-designed, functional tea caddy capable of storing the type of tea leaves. Showing sympathy for local traditions, Kaikado designed a product that would leave a lasting impression on the discerning Kyoto locals and people from overseas.

◆Gojyorakuen
This district was once the place where red-light and flower-town were mixed, and until the end of WWII, brothel occupied a lot, but after the war, all of them disappeared. Now the shadow of that time is only buildings. In the near future those buildings may be removed, so it is the best time to visit.

◆Miyagawacho
It is one of the five Geisha districts in Kyoto, and well-known as the people who are good at Japanese Dance. Every spring and autumn you can enjoy the great performance done by Miyagawa Geisha people. Also with strolling you may bump into some Geisha.

◆Kenninji
The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto is known as the birthplace of the Japanese Green Tea. You can see “God of Thunder and God of Wind” created by the famous Japanese painter. This is replica, but still has its original dynamic and unique expression. The temple provides therapeutic peaceful atmosphere through its zen gardens.

◆Gion Corner
This showcase is located in the building which is the early 20th design amid of the traditional black tile roofed houses. You can realize what Geisha does during daytime and dinner party and how they become Geisha.

◆Hanamikoji and alley
This is the most famous street in Gion, but you can see Geisha lodging house, dinner party place, and catering restaurant that support this entertaining industry. And also you enjoy pretty entries of houses, a traditional pumping well, and may hear the sound of Shamisen, or the Japanese Banjo that Geisha people practice during the day.

◆Kiritoshi alley
Walking cross the main street called Shijo-Dori, you go into the narrow alley that is like a maze, but after passing through this, you meet the pretty landscape of the small red bridge over the pure water stream.

◆Shirakawa
This district is designated as one of four Preservation District of Groups of Traditional Buildings. Since beautiful houses with lattice window line up, this is the perfect place for taking pictures; and therefore, young couples prefer making wedding photos here.

◆Tatsumi Inari shrine
Geisha worship this Inari shrine for its power to achieve the accomplishment of their performance. Names of many celebrities, Japanese dance masters, and Geisha can be seen on the red-colored posts surrounding the main hall.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you cancel your reservation, the following cancellation fees and remittance charge will be charged:
(1) 14-3 days before the program day: 20 % of the program fee
(2) 2 days before the program day: 50 % of the program fee
(3) one day before, on the departure day, or cancellation without notice: 100 % of the program fee