Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple worth booking?
Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple is a 1.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $201 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (8)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $201 per person
Your 90-minute Geisha (Maiko) Show takes place at Kounji Temple, a 13th century Zen Buddhist temple and Japanese garden located conveniently by Nanzenji Temple. This temple is ordinarily closed to the public, so don’t miss this unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Unlike other geisha and maiko shows, which take place in large groups and last only an hour, our exclusive event is limited to 12 participants at a time and lasts 90 minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know the maiko, ask questions, play traditional Japanese parlor games, and take pictures! After the show concludes, join the guide for a tour of Kounji Temple, it's Buddhist Hall and the important cultural relics kept there, and the adjoining Japanese garden. What is a Maiko? • Maiko are young apprentice geisha. They wear colorful long-sleeved kimono, white makeup, and elaborate hairstyles, whereas geisha wear more subtle kimono and usually forgo full makeup aside from special occasions.
What you get
About this experience
Your 90-minute Geisha (Maiko) Show takes place at Kounji Temple, a 13th century Zen Buddhist temple and Japanese garden located conveniently by Nanzenji Temple. This temple is ordinarily closed to the public, so don’t miss this unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Unlike other geisha and maiko shows, which take place in large groups and last only an hour, our exclusive event is limited to 12 participants at a time and lasts 90 minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know the maiko, ask questions, play traditional Japanese parlor games, and take pictures! After the show concludes, join the guide for a tour of Kounji Temple, it's Buddhist Hall and the important cultural relics kept there, and the adjoining Japanese garden. What is a Maiko? • Maiko are young apprentice geisha. They wear colorful long-sleeved kimono, white makeup, and elaborate hairstyles, whereas geisha wear more subtle kimono and usually forgo full makeup aside from special occasions.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Kounji Temple
Gain exclusive entry to Kounji Temple, a 13th century Zen temple that's ordinarily closed to the public. In a traditional Japanese tatami room, you'll watch traditional geisha dances, learn and play traditional Japanese parlor games 1-on-1, ask questions, and take pictures with a real geisha apprentice (maiko). After the show is concluded, the English-speaking guide will give a tour of Kounji Temple, its Buddhist Hall, and the adjoining Japanese garden.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kounji Temple
59 Nanzenji Kitanobocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8446, Japan
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Kounji Temple · 59 Nanzenji Kitanobocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8446, Japan
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Japan Geisha & Maiko Experience Kyoto LLC
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
New experiences
It was my first time, and I had a great time asking the geisha lots of questions and talking to them; it was a valuable and enjoyable experience! The garden was also very beautiful.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $201 to $31,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple cost?
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Prices start at $201 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple?
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Included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple?
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The experience starts at Kounji Temple, 59 Nanzenji Kitanobocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8446, Japan. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Kyoto 90 mins Geisha Maiko Show in a Zen Temple if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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