Visiting Geisha in Kyoto.

8 Jan 2020

Deuce Griggs (Staff Writer, Kansai Travel Planning)

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. Best known for its green tea, a plethora of temples and shrines and its iconic women of mystery; the geisha and maiko. We had the privilege of visiting and speaking with a few geisha and maiko in Gion (祇園), Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west.

The evening began by entering a small side street from Shijo avenue. The atmosphere was completely different from the main road; from the hustle and bustle of the main strip to the quiet and serene alley way all of 30 meters apart from each other truly define Kyoto’s unique personality. Kyoto is a very popular attraction for foreigners visiting Japan, but you can still find small, off the beaten track paths even within the city itself.

Being entertained by a Geisya while dining at an ochaya. Konpira Fune Fune is the most famous drinking game .

A number of ochaya (teahouses), the most exclusive and expensive of Kyoto's dining establishments, where guests are entertained by maiko and geiko, are located in Gion. Today we would have the privilege of entering one of these ochaya. The ultimate experience is being entertained by a maiko or geiko while dining at an ochaya. As expert hostesses, maiko and geiko ensure everyone's enjoyment by engaging in light conversation, serving drinks, leading drinking games and performing traditional music and dance. Konpira Fune Fune is the most famous drinking game (pictured above) because it’s a simple game and there isn’t a lot of accessories to use for playing this game.
This game is played on a little table with a bowl. You place the bowl in the middle of the table. The players take turns to take away the bowl or leave it as it. If the bowl isn’t here when it’s your turns show the “rock” (a fist) and if the bowl is here show the “paper” (keep your hand flat).