VIP Services: Geisha Party

Time: 7:30pm to approx. 11:00pm

Drinking game with a Geiko You will begin with a walk lead by Peter MacIntosh lasting approximately 90 minutes that will take you through streets lined with old wooden houses and hidden alleyways in Kyoto’s world-renowned geisha districts. While answering your questions, Peter will give you an insider's view into the past, present and future of this unique and exotic world.

Following the walk, you will have traditional dinner and drinks with two hours of maiko and geiko entertainment consisting of song and dance to the accompaniment of the shamisen, jovial conversation and traditional (drinking) games. You will also have a chance to ask questions about the geisha and their world (translated into English by Peter MacIntosh). This is a special night of food, drink, traditional entertainment, and great photo opportunities. So don't forget to bring your camera.

Note: This is not a photo session for semi-pro or professional photographers/film makers. All images taken during the entertainment should be for personal use and are not to be sold or used professionally in anyway. No photos or video may be posted on the internet for public display i.e. personal websites, blogs, Youtube, etc.

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Price

120,000 yen (approx. $1,200 U.S.) for 1 person.

150,000 yen (approx. $1,500 U.S.) per group up to 4 persons.

Groups over four: Please contact us for a quote. This is a private engagement, therefore we do not combine individuals or unrelated groups.

Note: All fees are to be paid in cash (Japanese yen) before the evening begins. A 50% cash deposit (by bank transfer) or credit card number may be required.

If you have any special dietary needs i.e.: religious or medical, please inform us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Transportation to and from your hotel/ryokan is not included in the total cost of the evening.

Please note that all services and times may vary due to weather conditions, availability of the geiko/maiko and or ochaya (tea houses) etc.

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Comparison of Geisha Services

Basic Service	VIP Services
Walking Lecture Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm	Private Engagement Time: 7:30pm to approx. 10pm	Geisha Party Time: 4:30pm to approx. 8:30pm OR 7:30pm to approx. 10:30pm
Walk through the renowned geisha districts as the geiko/maiko make their way to and from their lessons.	Walk through the renowned geisha districts as the geiko/maiko make their way to and from their lessons.	Walk through the renowned geisha districts as the geiko/maiko make their way to and from their lessons.
	Light dinner and drinks followed by approx. 1 hour of maiko or geiko entertainment, including dance to prerecorded music and jovial conversation. Click here for a sample video.	Kaiseki dinner and drinks with maiko and geiko for approx. 2 hours.
Note: None of these services are photo sessions for semi-pro or professional photographers/film makers. All images taken during the entertainment should be for personal use and are not to be sold or used professionally in anyway. No photos or video may be posted on the internet for public display i.e. personal websites, blogs, Youtube, etc.		Geisha party in an ochaya/ryotei including song and dance to the accompaniment of the shamisen, jovial conversation and traditional (drinking) games. Click here for a sample video.

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Where to Meet

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Customer Etiquette

1. Long pants, long sleeve or polo shirt, socks and proper footwear (jacket and tie are optional). For women, because you will be sitting on the floor, short skirts are not advisable.

2. Please do not at anytime ask to touch the hair/wigs or kimono of the maiko/geiko. The hair and wigs have been carefully set and must last for a week or more before the next setting. Kimonos are silk and therefore hands (no matter how clean they might be) are greasy and may stain the garment.

3. This is a great photo opportunity. However, photos are to be taken only after asking permission. The number of photos taken is usually no problem but the geiko/maiko want you to enjoy their entertainment without looking through a lens throughout the whole engagement.

4. Tipping (3,000/5,000/10,000 yen per geiko/maiko) is not required but if you want to do so, please let Peter know and he will prepare the proper envelope that will be handed over at the end of the evening to the entertainer(s). Handing over bare cash in considered impolite in Japan.

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What to Expect

A unique cultural experience in an ochaya with a relaxing atmosphere.

The finest quality food and drink.

Musical entertainment–singing and dancing.

Jovial conversation (interpreted by Peter MacIntosh).

Excellent photo opportunities.

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What Not to Expect

An intimate evening of romance, etc.

Physical contact of any kind. These women are not call girls, prostitutes, or hostesses, but traditional entertainers trained in the arts.

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Cancellation Policy for VIP Services

This service was created for people who want something unique and exclusive. We are the only ones who offer such a service because many years were spent building the trust of the ochaya mothers/geiko and maiko. Therefore sudden cancellations would result in a breach of this trust and we must discourage this. We thank you for your understanding.

Up to one week before there will be no penalty.

One week to 3 days there will be a loss of the 50% deposit.

3 days or less you will be billed for the entire cost.

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