Journey to Experience the Authentic Art of Kanazawa Geisha

Geishas are female Japanese entertainers who specialise in traditional Japanese arts, including music and dance. They have been a staple of Japanese culture since the Edo period, performing in specialised venues known as "chaya". Today, visitors to chaya can enjoy geisha dance performances and hear traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, bamboo flute, and drum.

Kanazawa is home to three historic teahouse districts - Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi - where around 40 geisha (known locally as geigi) continue to preserve the city’s refined traditions of hospitality and performance. While teahouses in Kanazawa are typically open only to regular patrons and their guests, the city offers a special program allowing anyone to experience this cultural heritage firsthand.

Visitors can experience this ancient beauty from April to the following March on certain Saturdays. To plan your visit, check the event website for specific dates.

Venue: Teahouses in the Higashi, Nishi, and Kazuemachi districts

• Higashi and Kazuemachi: two teahouses per session (except April 26 and May 10, one each)

• Nishi: one teahouse per session

• Capacity: 10–20 participants

Highlights:

• Traditional dance and ozashiki-daiko drum performances by Kanazawa geisha

• Hands-on experience of ozashiki asobi (traditional teahouse games)

Notes for Participants:

• Be careful not to soil the tatami rooms.

• Wear socks (especially in rainy weather) as entering barefoot is not allowed.

• Venues are on the second floor with no elevators.

• Sit on cushions in a Japanese-style room (formal kneeling is not required).

• Refrain from any behaviour that disturbs the geisha or other guests.

• Preschool children cannot attend or enter the venue.