An iconic cultural symbol of Japan, Geisha are the skilled artisans that have entertained Japan’s elite for hundreds of years through performances in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. An encounter with one is not as common as you might think, even for locals.
Hanamachi are particular districts where Geisha and Maiko (an apprentice Geisha) perform and entertain in exclusive teahouses and restaurants. Kyoto has five Geisha districts: Gion Kobu, Ponto-cho, Miyagawa-cho, Kamishichiken, and Gion Higashi with a history dating back to the Muromachi period (1336 – 1673).
Due to the declining number of Geisha and Maiko in recent years, there has been an ongoing struggle to find people that can carry on hanamachi traditions including hairdressers and kimono dressers that specialise in assisting these artisans with their unique and beautiful appearance.
In 2014, Kyoto recognised hanamachi culture as an Intangible Cultural Property of Kyoto, and the city is now dedicated to preserving and furthering traditional events surrounding Geisha and Maiko.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto – an award-winning ryokan located in Arashiyama, Kyoto – wanted to challenge the notion that only men can enjoy the company of Maiko at exclusive dinner parties. In 2018, the ryokan introduced an event that gave women the opportunity to meet and ask Maiko about their daily practice so as to further the interest and understanding of the women that keep this Japanese tradition alive.
Now an event run from February to March each year, guests (including males) of HOSHINOYA Kyoto are invited to mingle with Maiko from Kamishichiken, the oldest hanamachi in Kyoto. Here you can learn about their unique lifestyle, including their beauty regime as well as witness an exquisite dance performance.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto will celebrate its 10-year anniversary on 12 December 2019 in which it has been recognised each year by the MICHELIN Guide for Kyoto, Osaka and Tottori. The MICHELIN Guide carefully selects restaurants, hotels and ryokans within the prefectures of Kyoto, Osaka and Tottori where Hotels and Ryokans are awarded up to five levels of pavilions based on comfort.
For more information about HOSHINOYA Kyoto and its unique activities for guests, visit: https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/en/experience/
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