The website is all in English.
Some parts indicated in Japanese can be translated into
your preferred language by selecting one from the above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Geisha?
A. Geisha, or Geiko as often referred to as in Kanazawa, are female professional traditional performing artists.
They have inherited the tradition of providing the hospitality to their customers through the traditional performances of dancing, singing
and musical instruments, as well as interactions through conversations and traditional games.
Q. Will I be able to see a Geisha performance anytime in Kanazawa?
A. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Geisha performances and their hospitality are usually exclusively available at teahouses where no first time visitors are allowed.
We recommend you book our events well in advance in order not to miss an opportunity to experience their precious hospitality and performances.
Q. What are differences between Geisha and Geiko?
A. Geisha and Geiko are essentially the same. Different terms are used in different regions. Often, Geisha is more commonly used in Tokyo whilst Geiko is widely used in areas such as Kyoto and Kanazawa.
Q. It's really hot today. Can I enter a venue with bare feet?
A. Entering a venue with bare feet is a big no-no. Our venues are usually traditional buildings with tatami mat floors, which should not be stepped on with bear feet.
Please make sure you have your socks on.
Q. Can I take photos and movies of Geisha during the event?
A. Please check the photo policy of the event you are going to attend.
Useful words to remember
Ochaya
A teahouse or geisha house in English.
An ochaya is where Geiko belong to but they do not necessarily live in their Ochaya.
Geiko hold ozashiki parties at nighttime to entertain their guests with dance and taiko drum performances, traditional games and conversations.
Ochayas do not accept first-time visitors without an introduction by their trusted, regular customers, which makes their presence very exclusive.
Ozashiki
Ozashiki is a geisha party.
The name comes from a traditional tatami room called Ozashiki, in a Japanese architecture.
Ozashiki usually offers dance and musical instrument performances by Geiko, conversations
with them while enjoying drinks and nibbles.
Chaya-gai
Chaya means a teahouse, gai means a district. Chaya-gai is a teahouse district in English.
Ochayas are located only in the chaya-gai. In Kanazawa, there are 3 chaya-gai.
Higashi Chaya-gai, Nishi Chaya-gai and Kazue-machi Chaya-gai.
Maiko
Maiko is a Geiko apprentice who is between 15 and 20-22 years old.
In Kanazawa, there are no Maiko, but only Geiko who are the age of 18 years old and over.
Tachikata
Tachikata is a Geiko who dances and plays the taiko drums at the front.
Jikata
Jikata is a Geiko who sings and plays the shamisen guitar.
In Higashi Chaya-gai, Geiko is on her way back to her Ochaya.
Tachikata and Jikata performing at Ozashiki