You will first be guided through Tondaya, a 140-year-old machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) designated as a culturally significant landmark by the Kyoto City Government. Tondaya is a treasure trove of historically valuable artefacts and stories, and our knowledgeable staff look forward to sharing its rich history with you.

You will then be introduced to an authentic maiko, who will perform a traditional tea ceremony, serving Uji matcha and Japanese sweets. This will be followed by a buyō performance—a refined form of traditional Japanese dance accompanied by classical music. We hope this experience will offer you a glimpse into the elegant world of historical Japan, evoking the atmosphere of watching a performance in a machiya from the late Edo period.

After the performance, you will have the opportunity to try traditional maiko party games. The maiko will explain how each game is played and enjoy them together with you. During this time, you are welcome to ask any questions you may have about maiko culture. At the end of the experience, you will have time to take commemorative photos with the maiko.
(Maiko are not normally permitted to take photographs with the public, making occasions like this especially rare—please take this opportunity to have as many photos as you like with the maiko.)

This is truly a unique experience, as maiko are generally inaccessible during their training and are only able to interact closely with the public in special settings such as this.
Both the location—a nationally registered cultural landmark—and the opportunity to meet an authentic maiko while enjoying traditional Japanese arts and entertainment make this a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

To preview the maiko experience, please watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2UKV5kdiEU

Important Notes

• Our dedicated staff are experts in various traditional arts, including kimono, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and ikebana. While not all staff members speak English, we will do our best to arrange an interpreter. Please note that a translation device may be used when necessary.

• Reservations must be made for a minimum of two participants.

• Depending on availability, a geiko may be arranged instead of a maiko (preferences cannot be accepted).

• Please arrive on time for your experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read through the details.
We sincerely hope to welcome you to Tondaya.