Did you know you can meet Geishas in Nara?
Exploring Nara's Hidden Culture: The Charm of Geishas
Many are familiar with the geisha culture of Kyoto, but did you know that Nara also has its own unique culture of geishas? At its peak, there were over two hundred geishas active in this ancient city. Today, only one Geisha remains in Nara. When we first learned this, it felt like an exciting opportunity to explore—how has this tradition thrived in the modern era? We were eager to dive into Nara’s Geisha culture, with the hope of creating unforgettable memories and enjoying a truly fun experience with the Geishas, for both ourselves and our guests.
An Inexplicable Connection with Geisha
Our journey with Miss Kikuno began when we met her— a Geisha with 37 years of experience. Not only is she a skilled performer, but also an accomplished teacher. Our conversation shattered all our stereotypes about Geishas—it wasn’t about mysterious rituals or a cold atmosphere. Instead, we discovered we shared the same goal: to create unforgettable experiences with the Geishas and, above all, to have fun.
Miss Kikuno showcased her shamisen performance. Before starting the performance, she presented a collection of calligraphy, the lyrics she wrote by hand!
Playing with Japanese Fans & Traditional Ozashiki Games
We created an interactive game where participants mimicked movements with Japanese fans. The moves, though graceful, were a challenge for those used to more robust actions. Miss Kikuno was also surprised by the game, never imagining fans could be used this way. Afterward, we joked that we hoped she'd be open to more innovative ideas in the future.
Have you ever tried dancing with a fan? Along with the unique games, we also included traditional ozashiki(お座敷) games. But the guests were too skilled! Many seemed like pros, even though it was their first time.
After a day full of enriching activities, participants grew closer, and our conversations naturally shifted to casual chats among friends.
Many were surprised at how quickly time flew—proof of how deeply everyone was engaged and enjoying themselves.
Everyone's wonderful smiles made the day truly special!🥰
We look forward to hosting more events in the future, bringing unique experiences to even more people.
If you're interested, join us!