Best of Kobe
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Port
Osaka, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$560
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Arima's geiko culture was born in the Hyogo prefecture. It has a deep connection with Arima Hot Spring -- one of the oldest and most famous destinations in Japan. In the 1960s, there were approximately 150 Arima geiko -- a regional term for geisha with an enhanced meaning of "a woman of art." Only eight geiko now remain, as this art form is slowly disappearing. Today is your chance to encounter a geiko and learn about this intriguing lifestyle-career.
Arriving at the Arima Hot Springs, enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea and some sweets. A charming geiko will introduce herself and talk about the origins of geiko culture. When the hot springs were much smaller, geiko were responsible for keeping valuables, including swords, safe. They would compose poetry, play the shamisen -- a three-stringed traditional musical instrument -- and dance to entertain the bathers. Allow yourself to be dazzled by an incredible geiko performance. A woman clad in a beautiful kimono entertains you with music and dance. As the current geiko strives to hand this amazing cultural asset to the next generation, your questions are both pertinent and welcomed. The geiko has all the answers. Next, you'll enjoy a Kobe beef lunch -- your chance to savor delicious local cuisine. Continue to a local sake museum. You can learn about the history of Japanese sake making. Inside, you can see many old wooden tools from the past. At the end of the tour, you can try tasting delicious sake. Then, back to the pier.
Please note:
Touching the geiko's clothing or person without her permission is not allowed. Tour requires walking more than 30 minutes. It takes approx.10-15 mins from Parking lot to cafe per way. The sake museum is a traditional building so has stairs and no elevator. Terrain includes steep inclines. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Bring local currency, as some vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.