When I was a university student, I studied abroad through IES and they brought in two maiko at the ryokan the students stayed at in Kyoto to share some of the tradition. It was quite educational and incredibly generous on their part.
The hotel I've stayed had a Maiko show. She danced, played a drinking game with a customer and responded to the questions we had about her occupation. Since it wasn't really one-on-one show, it was faaaaar cheaper. It would be interesting to experience a real service, however I'm not sure if I could enjoy it completely, without speaking the language.
I lived in Japan for 4 years, in Tokyo, but my wife is from Osaka, and so while I lived there, I spent much time in Kansai, Kyoto included. I do have photos of my wife and I with Maiko in Kyoto. I love Japan, and really miss it. I cannot wait to return.
I had the pleasure of having the company of a Geiko and Maiko during dinner when I was visiting Kyoto. Maiko-san totally kicked my butt at some of the drinking games (which was funny because she was too young to drink and I didn’t drink at the time). It was really cool because a few years later I was watching NHK world and she was featured on the news and he graduated to a Geiko! I was so happy for her and so grateful to have had that ichi go ichie moment
I loved the Maiko experience I had when I was in Japan in a tradicional Japanese Hotel. The only thing I wish I knew Japanese or they knew how to speak english, even with the difficult in language It was quite amazing experience, specially the dance and the music. The way they walk, gestures and even the way they poor sake, seems so well thought you feel like you are seeing piece of art who moves and breath.
Great information on the available 3 restaurants. We visited Gion with our tour guide during the day; it was a quick walking tour. My quick impressions: Very narrow streets with cobble stones; old but very clean and well-kept; there were a few salt licks for horse that were still kept in front of a few restaurants. Our tour guide did mention that these were like private clubs where new patrons had to be invited by members.
Yeah it was a great experience. I got lucky. I just so happened to be in Kyoto when Miyako Odori was going on in Gion (I originally went because it was sakura season and I did not know about the Miyako Odori).There were only 3 tickets left for the day I went (which was a day or 2 before the performances ended), and I turned out to have a really great seat. I even spent a little extra to go to the pre-performance tea service. I lived in Tokyo at the time, but I went to Kyoto for a vacation. Something about Kyoto made it a really special place to me. Perhaps it is because (as you might be able to guess from my channel name) I have a serious passion for Japanese history and culture.
ahh this makes sense now. i didnt understand at the time why no restaurant in gion would have me usually with no explanation just a hand gesture. sometimes, we are full (when they werent), sometimes saying need to book, but then wouldnt take booking lol but a couple of times, i was told by invitation only. i walked around for about an hour asking 10s of restaurants. was just about to give up until one initially said sorry, invitation only. i must have looked defeated, as she ran away and came back and ushered me into a back room. there were maiko / geisha performing in the next room (i could hear only). the meal was expensive but delicious! :)
For anybody who is interested, you could book a shared dinner with maikos online. For 200 USD per person, you get to see maiko and geiko perform, talk to them a little bit, take a photo with the maiko and maybe play a game with the maiko (only 1 or 2 people per group are selected for games), dinner and unlimited alcohol included.
Omg, I wish I had seen this video few years early, I went to Kyoto 5 years ago and stayed in 新門莊， but I didn't know they have dining with the maiko.... But still is a very nice ryokan near 白河， really beautiful place
You can get a tour of Gion with a performance by a Maiko and a lecture by her matron Gaiko and it was fantastic. Yes, you don’t get the full experience (because that’s a different level, as explained), but it’s a wonderful introduction. I was impressed that only 10% of Maikos make it past the first year of training. They are truly dedicated to maintaining the purity of this piece of their history and tradition.
I was very fortunate to be in Tokyo when the Akasaka Odori took place. Of course it was a different experience to one of these smaller more intimate events but it was still so memorable, especially to see the dancing and music.
Awesome content! Very informative. I plan on doing a Kyoto-dominant cherry blossom season Japan trip either in 2021 or 2022 pending co-vid. I'm sure your vids will help me not to disrespect traditions/customs &/or look like a "tourist"
Fantastic ! I like the way how you explained , it’s very clear and informative, I plan to visit Kyoto and other cities as well as soon as I can . Japanese culture and food are so interesting to me. A truest Asia ., I would like to know more in reality by visit it . Also clean country .
Interesting! I wonder how お茶屋 ever get started, with that first-time customer rule? Interesting that this is one place in Japan where tipping is not only permitted but obligatory.
They probably started in the Edo period, when the word of a samurai could be trusted? These days I believe that a lot of senior managers from companies in Japan are trusted customers.
お茶屋 may be based on the idea of not tarnishing the evening with money concerns, but the main function is to guarantee exclusivity and privacy to their regular clientele. Every aspect of geisha/teahouse life revolves around providing a secure environment to discuss important business and unwind/get drunk in complete privacy. Great observation about this being the rare occasion where tipping is expected... really interesting!
I've been to Japan 4 times and never actually seen a Maiko or a Geisha. My parents when to Kyoto and saw them in Gion. The entertainment and playing games bit reminds me of maid cafes.
I must say this is a really beautiful culture, where customers can only be introduced by another customer. Would gladly pay a 100,000 yen for just 1 hour of a centuries old tradition experience.
I would love to be able to meet a maiko once but I can't justify the expense, even if it's one of the ones that is meant for average people to be able to experience. I already get too much anxiety from just eating out fast food lol. I just hope one day I can meet someone who will treat me to the experience and be able to see what it's like in person.
I wonder if in a few hundred years we will have Maiko playing Splatoon, lmao. Ps. love the editing in the beginning where Shogo splits the screen with his hands!
These are the things a dungeon master can do for you: 1. Pour drinks for you 2. Talk with you 3. Dance for you 4. Play games with you Conclusion maikos are dungeon masters
There are geisha districts in other parts of Japan that offer more reasonable prices-I didn’t avail myself of the opportunity because I was traveling alone but it was an option at the ryokan I stayed at just outside of Aizuwakamatsu.
Just to share. In bulgarian maiko=майко(mother), while it is more of an expression how would you: call/address your mother. maika=майка is actually the noun mother.
Yes. The big difference is hostess/hosts are about profit (=individualism), on the other hand geikos are mainly about ascetic practices(=apprenticeship) and perfection of art(=discipline).
It's been some years since I was back in Japan, but just so people know, there are places "gaijin" cannot go, and has nothing to do with price or trusted customers. As an American, I was able to get into some of these places even though I am white simply because I was born there and knew Japanese friends and spoke Japanese, so some would make exceptions. But others do not. I don't know if that is still practiced anymore, as it was mostly older folk who held to that at the time (certain restaurants and clubs and the like...Club Yellow in Tokyo was like this I think (it eventually closed), where I spent New Years Eve in 2000). In any event, if you are a gaijin tourist, it's always best to make a Japanese friend to go around with when visiting, if you want to see real Japan, and not just the tourist stuff. When I was a kid, it was also that certain races and nationalities wouldn't be allowed in certain places no matter what. I have no idea if that has changed recently. Having a Japanese friend is the best way to go in any case.
Non-related to the topic of this video but a question came to my mind: bearing in mind the culture of removing your shoes when visiting someone, a business or a public place how is it for a wheelchair user to experience Japan?
Years ago I was invited to a restaurant like this when I was stationed in Japan and I was told that I had to wear my dress blue uniform which is kind of equal to a nice suit and tie.
in other words if you are a foreigner or a japanese average person you cant go there its like vip lounge in the west also can you please make a video about sumo and how sumo functions thank you
I heard there are also from tokyo but instead of geiko they use the term geisha and are different from the one's in kyoto but same when it comes to service, makeups and outfits.
I agree with the payment arrangement. Thinking about paying so much on the night is vulgar and would lessen the experience. Then again, if you have to worry about paying that amount you probably shouldn't be going to these places.
Damn... I must say it is certainly interesting but very pricey not even talking about the way you need to be introduced. Im sure its a great experience though.
When I was a university student, I studied abroad through IES and they brought in two maiko at the ryokan the students stayed at in Kyoto to share some of the tradition. It was quite educational and incredibly generous on their part.
Did you have enough money although you were a student? or did somebody else pay instead?
@@화이팅-t2q It was paid for by IES as part of the fieldtrip.
@@invokingvajras that was really cool of them indeed!
I just love how your channel explains everything in great detail and mentions all the aspects and history regarding the topics you cover.
The hotel I've stayed had a Maiko show. She danced, played a drinking game with a customer and responded to the questions we had about her occupation. Since it wasn't really one-on-one show, it was faaaaar cheaper. It would be interesting to experience a real service, however I'm not sure if I could enjoy it completely, without speaking the language.
I lived in Japan for 4 years, in Tokyo, but my wife is from Osaka, and so while I lived there, I spent much time in Kansai, Kyoto included. I do have photos of my wife and I with Maiko in Kyoto. I love Japan, and really miss it. I cannot wait to return.
Lived in Tokyo for a year in 95-96 and i still miss it
I had the pleasure of having the company of a Geiko and Maiko during dinner when I was visiting Kyoto. Maiko-san totally kicked my butt at some of the drinking games (which was funny because she was too young to drink and I didn’t drink at the time). It was really cool because a few years later I was watching NHK world and she was featured on the news and he graduated to a Geiko! I was so happy for her and so grateful to have had that ichi go ichie moment
oh i'm so happy for her!
I loved the Maiko experience I had when I was in Japan in a tradicional Japanese Hotel. The only thing I wish I knew Japanese or they knew how to speak english, even with the difficult in language It was quite amazing experience, specially the dance and the music. The way they walk, gestures and even the way they poor sake, seems so well thought you feel like you are seeing piece of art who moves and breath.
Great information on the available 3 restaurants. We visited Gion with our tour guide during the day; it was a quick walking tour. My quick impressions: Very narrow streets with cobble stones; old but very clean and well-kept; there were a few salt licks for horse that were still kept in front of a few restaurants. Our tour guide did mention that these were like private clubs where new patrons had to be invited by members.
I have never met a maiko or geiko. But, I did get to see them perform publicly during the Miyako Odori in Gion several years ago.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment!
That must have been a great experience!
Yeah it was a great experience. I got lucky. I just so happened to be in Kyoto when Miyako Odori was going on in Gion (I originally went because it was sakura season and I did not know about the Miyako Odori).There were only 3 tickets left for the day I went (which was a day or 2 before the performances ended), and I turned out to have a really great seat. I even spent a little extra to go to the pre-performance tea service. I lived in Tokyo at the time, but I went to Kyoto for a vacation. Something about Kyoto made it a really special place to me. Perhaps it is because (as you might be able to guess from my channel name) I have a serious passion for Japanese history and culture.
congrats for reaching your goal and rise even higher
You have a wonderfully soothing voice.
ahh this makes sense now. i didnt understand at the time why no restaurant in gion would have me usually with no explanation just a hand gesture. sometimes, we are full (when they werent), sometimes saying need to book, but then wouldnt take booking lol but a couple of times, i was told by invitation only. i walked around for about an hour asking 10s of restaurants. was just about to give up until one initially said sorry, invitation only. i must have looked defeated, as she ran away and came back and ushered me into a back room. there were maiko / geisha performing in the next room (i could hear only). the meal was expensive but delicious! :)
For anybody who is interested, you could book a shared dinner with maikos online. For 200 USD per person, you get to see maiko and geiko perform, talk to them a little bit, take a photo with the maiko and maybe play a game with the maiko (only 1 or 2 people per group are selected for games), dinner and unlimited alcohol included.
Where?
It is great to learn more about Kyoto's culture! Thank you Shogo!
OKI.. so now Band-Maiko makes sense! Clever and funny of Band-Maid!
sugoi, good to know before making a scene
congrats for that share from Geisha Japan
Thank you so much for leaving a comment!
Yes, Geisha Japan was so kind!
Your enunciation is so precise and understandable. You speak better English that I do.
I know there is a vast difference between the professions but these traditions could explain maid cafes
Honestly, yea
Hence the Band Maid/Band Maiko crossover…………
In a few hundred years they would have history books about maid cafes haha
@@psychkick666 hahaha don't forget the breathtaking full-feature-length period drama based on a best-selling novel 😉
Your videos are so comprehensive and beautifull! Thank you!
Hi!
I just found found your channel, it’s very interesting.
Greetings from Spain.
¡Hola!
Thank you so much for leaving a comment! And I’m very glad you like my videos!
Omg, I wish I had seen this video few years early, I went to Kyoto 5 years ago and stayed in 新門莊， but I didn't know they have dining with the maiko.... But still is a very nice ryokan near 白河， really beautiful place
You can get a tour of Gion with a performance by a Maiko and a lecture by her matron Gaiko and it was fantastic. Yes, you don’t get the full experience (because that’s a different level, as explained), but it’s a wonderful introduction.
I was impressed that only 10% of Maikos make it past the first year of training. They are truly dedicated to maintaining the purity of this piece of their history and tradition.
Thank you for the recommendation Shogo I plan to follow up with on those restaurants on my next trip!
I was very fortunate to be in Tokyo when the Akasaka Odori took place. Of course it was a different experience to one of these smaller more intimate events but it was still so memorable, especially to see the dancing and music.
Awesome content! Very informative. I plan on doing a Kyoto-dominant cherry blossom season Japan trip either in 2021 or 2022 pending co-vid. I'm sure your vids will help me not to disrespect traditions/customs &/or look like a "tourist"
Thank you so much for the information, Yamaguchi-san.
Kudos and Congratulations on your acheiment !!!!
Thank You so very much for all that you do , show and present !!!!
i love Kyot! very interesting place to stay and understand Japanese culture
Those videos from you are so informational. I enjoy watching them. Greetings from Germany
Fantastic ! I like the way how you explained , it’s very clear and informative, I plan to visit Kyoto and other cities as well as soon as I can . Japanese culture and food are so interesting to me. A truest Asia ., I would like to know more in reality by visit it . Also clean country .
Your channel is very educational specially for people that wants to learn about the Japanese culture thanks for sharing it with us
Interesting! I wonder how お茶屋 ever get started, with that first-time customer rule? Interesting that this is one place in Japan where tipping is not only permitted but obligatory.
They probably started in the Edo period, when the word of a samurai could be trusted? These days I believe that a lot of senior managers from companies in Japan are trusted customers.
high position prob
お茶屋 may be based on the idea of not tarnishing the evening with money concerns, but the main function is to guarantee exclusivity and privacy to their regular clientele. Every aspect of geisha/teahouse life revolves around providing a secure environment to discuss important business and unwind/get drunk in complete privacy.
Great observation about this being the rare occasion where tipping is expected... really interesting!
Thankyou for the great information and easy/pleasant way to understand such information
Just found your channel after watching many Japanese travel documentaries! Excellent content and well explained!
Greetings from Scotland!
This is like going to japan myself great channel
I've been to Japan 4 times and never actually seen a Maiko or a Geisha. My parents when to Kyoto and saw them in Gion. The entertainment and playing games bit reminds me of maid cafes.
Thanks Shogo, itoko! The video was great!
I love kyoto, my home away from home!
You know, I've never thanked you for doing you videos in english; THANK YOU 😁
I love your channel and I just found it yesterday. Thank you.
Wow very good to know. I would also like to experience their live theater show. Kabuki show I think.
Nice video Loved it !!! Salutations from Athens , Greece
I would love to visit Kyoto, but only because that is where Tachibana is located. The very best of the very best Marching bands anywhere.
i was thinking the same thing.
Another wonderful video ! Thank you Shogo-san ! ࿗🤘🏻࿘
Very good channel about Japan, welldone, personally when i m eating i need my privacy :)
Something new I learnt today. Thanks
4:34 Wow,that's expensive! It sounds pretty cool.
This is so helpful.
Thank you very much 🙏 I learned a lot ☝🏼
I must say this is a really beautiful culture, where customers can only be introduced by another customer.
Would gladly pay a 100,000 yen for just 1 hour of a centuries old tradition experience.
Kyoto is one of my most favorite city to visit 💜💜💜
I would love to be able to meet a maiko once but I can't justify the expense, even if it's one of the ones that is meant for average people to be able to experience. I already get too much anxiety from just eating out fast food lol. I just hope one day I can meet someone who will treat me to the experience and be able to see what it's like in person.
I love how you wrap up your videos. Have you thought about releasing those conclusions as shorts?
Very interesting! Please make a video about Kyoto Tachibana, and maybe, say... the Kyoto Fire Band as well... ;-)
Crushing that 10,000 sub goal!
4:22 wow first time i've hear him say tipping and not followed by it being rude.
It sounds so fun!
Hey congrats on going over double your July 2021 sub goal in January
4:12 isn't tipping in japan seen as bad thing?
My thoughts exactly
I wonder why too, maybe it has something to do with this being in Kyoto and its unique traditions. let's wait for OP's reply.
culture is very different idk
Very informative. I always thought that a Maiko was a trainee Geisha.
2:01 broke my heart
so basically i have to be a yakuza member to enjoy a night with maikos
Only if you know someone who allready goest here.
Or know rich businessmen to rub shoulders with.
It's worth the money. 😊
Can you explain more about a geisha or maiko dance? What does the dance movement means?
I wonder if in a few hundred years we will have Maiko playing Splatoon, lmao.
Ps. love the editing in the beginning where Shogo splits the screen with his hands!
These are the things a dungeon master can do for you:
1. Pour drinks for you
2. Talk with you
3. Dance for you
4. Play games with you
Conclusion maikos are dungeon masters
There are geisha districts in other parts of Japan that offer more reasonable prices-I didn’t avail myself of the opportunity because I was traveling alone but it was an option at the ryokan I stayed at just outside of Aizuwakamatsu.
thank you!
Just to share. In bulgarian maiko=майко(mother), while it is more of an expression how would you: call/address your mother. maika=майка is actually the noun mother.
I went to a geisha show in Kanazawa and I could play konpira fune fune with a geisha, I treasure the picture I took that day playing that haha
So this where the practice of hostess/host clubs or lounge originally came from?
Yes. The big difference is hostess/hosts are about profit (=individualism), on the other hand geikos are mainly about ascetic practices(=apprenticeship) and perfection of art(=discipline).
Azming work
great video
Thanks! I wish I saw this before I took my brother to Japan. :(
Doesn't matter, you can't visit it anyway
@@duckmeat4674 I could have then and it will be possible in the future.
It's been some years since I was back in Japan, but just so people know, there are places "gaijin" cannot go, and has nothing to do with price or trusted customers. As an American, I was able to get into some of these places even though I am white simply because I was born there and knew Japanese friends and spoke Japanese, so some would make exceptions. But others do not. I don't know if that is still practiced anymore, as it was mostly older folk who held to that at the time (certain restaurants and clubs and the like...Club Yellow in Tokyo was like this I think (it eventually closed), where I spent New Years Eve in 2000).
In any event, if you are a gaijin tourist, it's always best to make a Japanese friend to go around with when visiting, if you want to see real Japan, and not just the tourist stuff. When I was a kid, it was also that certain races and nationalities wouldn't be allowed in certain places no matter what. I have no idea if that has changed recently. Having a Japanese friend is the best way to go in any case.
Non-related to the topic of this video but a question came to my mind: bearing in mind the culture of removing your shoes when visiting someone, a business or a public place how is it for a wheelchair user to experience Japan?
Bucket list! How are the customers to dress? Business suits?
Years ago I was invited to a restaurant like this when I was stationed in Japan and I was told that I had to wear my dress blue uniform which is kind of equal to a nice suit and tie.
in other words if you are a foreigner or a japanese average person you cant go there its like vip lounge in the west also can you please make a video about sumo and how sumo functions thank you
Thank you for this information. Well at lease I know what not to do. Thank you.
❤ I want to buy a house in Gion❤
As far as cost goes, I was taught young that if you have to ask how much something costs, you can not afford it.
I understand the spirit of that rule, but it really doesn't make sense.
It’s just a cliche comment. When people buy things and aren’t fools they know the ball park prices for the item that they’re buying.
Are you talking about Gion Kobu or Gion Higashi when you say the friendly restaurants are located in Gion?
crazy expensive. Obviously a lot of ẃealthy people in japan. Good for them.
Maybe next time maiko i just want to eat for today
そんなに高いとは！！！びっくりしました。
Wow!!
It passed 10k now shogo.
I heard there are also from tokyo but instead of geiko they use the term geisha and are different from the one's in kyoto but same when it comes to service, makeups and outfits.
I agree with the payment arrangement. Thinking about paying so much on the night is vulgar and would lessen the experience. Then again, if you have to worry about paying that amount you probably shouldn't be going to these places.
Here in the US we are practical, would be nice to be the owner of the establishment...
Damn... I must say it is certainly interesting but very pricey not even talking about the way you need to be introduced. Im sure its a great experience though.
Pablo from Tokyo: "Hehehehe boiiii, I have Maiko 24/7"
I see. So Kogoro Mouri of Meitantei Conan never pay when he was introduced to Maiko.
I bet Kyoto must be beautiful to see as a tourist. I have never liked Tokyo very much because I don't like big crowds and I am also an introvert
March 9, 2022
Flower fee: $259-$432 USD
Food and drink fee: $86-$173 USD
Dance fee: $86-$173 USD
Total: $431-$778 USD
Taking by example the top prices, you will spend basically $350.00 for the 3 fees.
Can you do Tokyo vs Kyoto?
Can I meet you when I arrive at Kyoto?
Very nice ... 500$ for dinner ...woow
Where to meet them in tokyo?