Discovering Arima Geiko Culture
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port
Kobe, Japan
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$450
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
Arima Geiko Culture was born in Arima Area in Hyogo Pref. and it has deep connection with Arima Hot Spring which is oldest and one of the most famous places in Japan. In 1960s, there approximately 150 Arima Geiko in this area but the numbers has decreased to only 8 now. This culture might be difficult to imagine but origin says these ladies used to manage the people visiting Arima Hot Spring as the bathing area was only suitable for 1 guest at a time and it was not a huge place like it is today. They used to call the people in order and keep their valuables including their swords, then they would compose waka poetry, play the Shamisen-- which is three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument and perform a dance to entertain the people once they had finished their bath time. Gradually, those ladies spread the range of their work and started to entertain the guests at the diner parties more so than managing bath time.
This tour takes you to the venue where you’ll meet Arima Geiko. The venue is located in Arima Hot Spring Town, which you will arrive at after you get through the hilly hot spring district along with many shops. Feel the atmosphere of the local hot spring area in Japan! After arriving at the Spring, Japanese green tea and Japanese sweets will be served while seated then have a chance to learn the history of Arima Geiko. You will be able to learn why Geiko Culture was born in this area, their life style, their job, etc. This tour gives you a precious chance to meet/talk to Arima Geiko directly. You'll be dazzled with an incredible Geiko performance, a centuries-old form of Japanese entertainment where woman clad in beautiful kimonos regale you with a pageant of music and dance. Have your camera ready for this special experience and have your photo taken with a Geiko woman. A chance not to be missed! Normally, Geiko attend banquets at night so it is very difficult to reach out without booking in advance. However, this Geiko Café was opened in 2015 with the aim of giving visitors a taste of geiko culture, meet with Geiko more casually and hand over this culture to next generation. If you have some questions about them, you are welcome to ask any questions on this day.
Please Note:
This tour contains more than 30 mins with hilly roads and is not considered suitable for guests with walking difficultly. It takes approx.10-15 mins to walk from the parking lot to cafe each way. The touching of the Geiko clothing including a hair setting without their permission are not allowed. The return time of the tour the tour may change depending on traffic conditions and crowds. We suggest to bring a local currency for exploring Arima Hot Spring.