Geisha/Kabuki
Asakusa’s Secrets Revealed Hidden Asakusa, where the Traditional Performing Arts of Kabuki and Geisha Flourished
The Glorious Years of Kabuki and Geisha in the Entertainment District of Asakusa
Today Asakusa is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with the magnificent Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and the surrounding maze of small merchant streets exuding Edo era charm (1603-1868). While Asakusa developed as a temple town in its early days, and later as a trade center for a diverse group of artisans and merchants, the district’s true heyday occurred during the Edo period. This was mainly due to the large concentration of venues devoted to the performing arts and resident artists. In the mid-19th century, many teahouses and actors’ residences along with three of the most prominent kabuki theaters and two puppet theaters, were relocated to Asakusa, forming Saruwakacho, the largest performing arts district in Edo. Behind these relocation measures was the shogunate’s desire to sequester the pleasure districts of the urban class from the central parts of the city, Asakusa being an outlying suburb of Edo. But the effect was precisely the opposite: this led to the birth of a new type of geisha entertainer originating from these theatrical teahouses who, together with geisha from the two other locations in the area, greatly boosted Asakusa’s popularity, enhancing its reputation as a bustling center of urban culture . Today the theaters in the Saruwakacho quarters no longer exist, yet the remaining Asakusa Kagai geisha district, annual New Year kabuki performances, and numerous artisan workshops still serve to remind us of Asakusa’s enduring greatness as Tokyo’s most significant performing arts district.
Geisha
Asakusa Geisha ‘OZASHIKI’ where you can feel the Edo Atmosphere
Exploring the Enchanting World of Asakusa Kagai’s Geisha
- You can experience the Ozashiki in Asakusa’s entertainment district, which is full of lively downtown.
- The coordinator will give a detailed lecture on manners in the Ozashiki, so even first-timers can experience the Ozashiki with peace of mind.
- You can also feel Japanese culture through clothing such as kimonos, accessories, and musical instruments that decorate the Ozashiki.
STORY
The Asakusa Kagai, one of the six remaining traditional and prestigious Geisha Districts in Tokyo, stretches to the north of Senso-ji Temple. With a history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), this illustrious district boasts a heritage that spans some 400 years. During the era when Edo stood as one of the largest cities globally, Asakusa thrived as an impressive temple town hosting the famous Senso-ji Temple. Geisha, born in tea houses that welcomed visitors to Senso-ji Temple and patrons of Kabuki theaters, honed traditional arts such as singing, dancing, and shamisen playing. As a result, the Asakusa Kagai emerged as one of the most prominent Kagai districts in Tokyo. Together with the people of Asakusa, it has been cherished by locals, writers, artists, and admirers alike. The Asakusa Kagai has woven its narrative into the fabric of Asakusa’s history, steadfastly passing down Edo culture while continually refining its artistic expression.
Attractive JAPAN will support you from the initial arrangements to the experience on the day of the event so that even beginners can enjoy a friendly experience of “Ozashiki” with geisha, who preserve the traditional geisha culture of this historic town and pass it down to the present day.
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the elegant songs, performances, and dances of geisha, and to experience the Ozashiki-asobi with geisha. You can enjoy the lively Ozashiki, unique to downtown Edo, which is enlivened by Hokan (male geisha), who are only found in Asakusa in Japan.
Our coordinators will assist you in handling various requests at the time of reservation and will explain the rules of the Ozashiki so that even beginners can enjoy the event with ease.
Price
246,900JPY～ / group
Duration
2 Hours (approx.)
Savor a Unique Cultural Experience with Asakusa Geisha
- A geisha will make matcha tea just for you.
- Learn the authentic tea ceremony casually.
- A great chance to see and talk to geisha up close and personal.
- Enjoy shopping at a tea utensils shop where the tour is held.
STORY
A special experience plan where you can learn about authentic tea ceremonies and interact with Asakusa geisha. In the first half of the tour, you will have tea made by geisha. In the second half, with guidance by a tea ceremony teacher, you will drink the tea made by yourself. A professional teacher will teach you carefully in a small group, and you can also take pictures with the geisha.
Price
21,400 JPY～/gruop
Duration
2 Hours (approx.)
Kabuki
In the Footsteps of Asakusa’s Vibrant Kabuki Heritage
- Take a walk around Asakusa, the town of Kabuki, with Kabuki experts.
- Stop by the shops favored by kabuki actors and geisha and experience the arts which supported performers for many years.
- Experience Kabuki through putting on Kabuki stage make-up and making a gesture like a Kabuki performer.
STORY
Although the former Saruwakacho kabuki district no longer exists, there are many vestiges of the glorious kabuki years to be found throughout Asakusa. Many are hidden around the corners of small back alleys, within shrine grounds and even behind Senso-ji Temple itself. The best way to uncover the secrets of Asakusa’s kabuki heritage is to follow a kabuki professional (either a current actor or a stagehand), who will guide visitors around the neighborhood’s historical spots and introduce artisans who have a deep connection to the performing art. The highlight of this expedition is an introduction to the mysteries of kabuki stage makeup and basic performance styles. Visitors will even have the opportunity to apply the makeup and try their hand at performing themselves.
Price
161,900JPY / group
Duration
4 Hours (approx.)