DeepExperience X: A Journey Through Kyoto’s Kamishichiken and its Geiko Culture

A Special Journey into the World of Geiko in Kyoto’s Oldest Hanamachi

Nestled in Kyoto, the birthplace of Hanamachi culture, Kamishichiken stands as the oldest of its kind. We are thrilled to announce an original tour that blends unique interactions with maiko, including traditional parlor games, with experiences of traditional cultures associated with the Hanamachis, such as the tea ceremony.

What You Can Experience on the Tour

1. Special Interaction with Maiko

Enjoy watching dances, playing parlor games, and interacting with maiko in a setting that embodies the essence of the Hanamachis. For guests, changing into a maiko outfit for a commemorative photo shoot promises to be a precious experience that will become a treasured memory of your trip to Japan.

2. Nishijin Weave, Indispensable for Geiko Kimonos

Experience the creation of your own unique accessory under the guidance of traditional craftsmen using the oldest and most historic “Tsuzure-ori” technique of Nishijin weave, a nationally designated traditional craft. Choose from a variety of colorful silk threads to make something truly one-of-a-kind.

3. Tea Ceremony in the Tomita-ya Teahouse, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

Experience an authentic tea ceremony in the “Tomita-ya,” a merchant house in Nishijin preserving the architectural style unique to the area. Along with dance and shamisen, the tea ceremony is an art form that maiko practice diligently. Through this experience, we invite you to contemplate the daily life of a maiko.

“Traditions Alive: The Kamishichiken Experience in Kyoto’s Oldest Geiko District” Tour Overview

Kamishichiken, as the oldest Hanamachi, boasts a long history. Its location away from the bustling Gion area allows visitors to leisurely explore a traditional Hanamachi.

On this tour, guided by experts familiar with the Hanamachi culture, participants will delve into the world of geiko, including parlor games, Nishijin weaving, and the tea ceremony, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage preserved in Kamishichiken.

• Location: Kyoto, Kamishichiken
• Dates: Year-round (scheduling is arranged according to reservation requests with each facility)
• Time: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM
• Number of Participants: 2 to 6
• Guide Languages: English, Japanese
• Meeting Place: In front of the first Torii gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
• Ending Location: For the regular plan, near the Kamishichiken intersection; for the tea ceremony plan, in front of the “Tomita-ya”, the Museum of Living Art
• Price: From 60,000 JPY per person

The Background Behind the Tour Development

Kyoto’s Hanamachi culture represents a quintessential aspect of Japan’s traditional heritage, enjoying immense popularity among international visitors.

Kyoto, the birthplace of the Hanamachi culture, is home to five Hanamachis: Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken, and Gion Higashi. Among these, Kamishichiken is renowned as the oldest Hanamachi, where the traditional streetscapes of the Hanamachis are preserved.

The history of Kamishichiken is kept alive thanks to the efforts of the geiko and others who support the Hanamachi. However, the environment surrounding the Hanamachis is challenging, with issues such as the declining number of geiko each year posing threats to the maintenance of this culture.

In light of these circumstances, this tour aims not only to showcase the enchanting world of the geiko through parlor games and dance but also to convey the allure of their artistic and traditional cultural practices. It is designed with the purpose of contributing to the long-term protection and development of the Hanamachi culture.