Asakusa Geisha ‘OZASHIKI’
Enjoy the Charming “芸 -gei-” Performances and Unique, Personalized Ozashiki Rich in Japanese Performing Arts Culture
Attractive JAPAN Exclusive will support you from arrangements to the experience on the day of the event, ensuring that even beginner guests can have a friendly experience of ‘Ozashiki’ with geisha. This experience preserves the traditional geisha culture that thrives in this historic town and brings it to the present day.
This is a rare opportunity for the guests to enjoy the elegant songs, performances, and dances of geisha, and to participate in Ozashiki-asobi games with them. They can also experience the lively Ozashiki unique to downtown Edo, energized by Hokan (male geisha), who are only found in Asakusa in Japan.
We can coordinate dishes to suit the guests’ needs, including not only standard kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients but also Western cuisine and light meals. Please make use of our services for special events and banquets to entertain their loved ones.
Our coordinators will support you by handling various requests at the time of reservation and explaining the rules of the Ozashiki, so even beginners can enjoy the event with ease.
Here, we would like to introduce some aspects of the Ozashiki experience to help you vividly imagine it and make the arrangements easier.
Basic Flow of ‘OZASHIKI’ Sessions (Example)
Here’s a basic overview of what to expect during an OzashikiI session and its general flow. However, please note that Ozashiki is not a fixed-schedule show event. Instead, the geisha will coordinate each Ozashiki experience according to the guests’ preferences and the mood of the day, ensuring they enjoy it in the most personalized way possible.
1．Beginning of the Ozashiki Experience
The session will begin once all guests have arrived. If guests are late, they will have less time to enjoy with the geisha. Punctuality is important and considered good manners.
2．Enjoy Geisha Conversations and Meals
Geisha do not eat but are happy to drink. As the geisha pour drinks for the guests, please also offer them drinks by saying “douzo” as a matter of courtesy. This not only shows respect but also helps break the ice and fosters enjoyable conversation. While photography is allowed, it is polite to ask for their approval at the beginning as a matter of etiquette.
3．Ozashiki Odori Dance by Geisha
Once the dance begins, please pause talking and eating temporarily to fully enjoy watching the performance. This is considered good manners.
4．Ozashiki-Asobi Games
Enjoy Ozashiki-Asobi games as guided by the geisha.
5．Closing of the Ozashiki Experience
If you want to spend more time with the geisha, please consider inviting them for an ‘atokuchi.’ If time is insufficient, guests may be offered the choice to continue or proceed to the next venue. Please note that if the geisha have prior commitments, this offer may not be feasible. Additional charges will apply.
Geisha who Enhance the Atmosphere with their Charm and Flair
Geisha are professionals dedicated to entertaining guests with their singing and dancing. They practice daily, honing their skills in dance, taiko drums, fue (flute), and shamisen. Additionally, they study traditional Japanese arts, such as the tea ceremony, to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. In an Asakusa Ozashiki, the typical lineup includes four performers: the Hokan (male geisha), the Tachikata (performing geisha), the Jikata (instrumentalists), and the Hangyoku (trainee geisha).
幇間
Houkan
(Entertainers or male geisha)
The history of the Hokan, also known as “Taikomochi,” who play a role in enlivening the atmosphere, is preserved only here in Asakusa, Japan. In the early Showa era (1926-1989), there were nearly 480 Houkan across the country, but most disappeared due to wars, leaving only six remaining. To address the shortage of Houkan, women, who were originally excluded from this role, have now been welcomed into the profession. The art of Houkan features comedic and stylish movements, such as dance and pantomime. Mastery of these skills takes years of practice to achieve the elegant appearance seen in performances.
立方
Tachikata
(Traditional Dance Specialty)
Geisha whose major role is dancing.
地方
Jikata
(Traditional Music Specialty)
Geisha who are tasked with singing and playing the shamisen, drum, and flute.
半玉
Hangyoku
(trainee geisha)
In Asakusa, the Hangyoku are typically around 20 years old. However, even as Hangyoku, one must master exceptional skills in the art to be allowed to perform at the Ozashiki.
Engage in Ozashiki-Asobi Games Enjoyed by All
Kompira Funefune
金毘羅ふねふね
There are various types of Ozashiki-asobi games, and the geisha will decide which ones to play based on the guests’ mood that day. The games have simple rules, so even first-timers can easily join in. In an OZASHIKI, there are games or activities where guests can interact with geisha using items commonly found in the parlor, without the need for special equipment. Participating in Ozashiki-asobi will naturally bring smiles to everyone’s faces. We encourage you to give it a try.
Tosenkyo
投扇興
Game played with folding fans. A target called “Cho” (butterfly) is placed on a box made of paulownia wood called “Makura” (pillow). Participants take turns throwing their fans at the target to knock it off the box. The position in which the butterfly lands determines the name of the move, inspired by historical works such as “The Tale of Genji” or “Hyakunin Isshu,” and points are scored based on the difficulty of the move.
Tora Tora
とらとら
Gesture-based rock-paper-scissors game played by two people. Participants assume poses based on the chosen character: “Watonai” (samurai) uses a spear, “Tora” (tiger) gets on all fours, and an old woman with a cane (Watonai’s mother). The rules are as follows: Watonai defeats Tora, Tora defeats the old woman, and the old woman defeats Watonai. The game is performed in sync with local songs and music.
Key Information for Organizing Asakusa Geisha Ozashiki
Ozashiki experience is a custom-made, special event that combines various elements, including geisha, the venue, food, and entertainment, tailored to each guest’s preferences. Therefore, it is important to understand what details to inquire about from guests who wish to have an Ozashiki with geisha and what options and proposals are available. This knowledge ensures high-quality coordination and a satisfying Ozashiki experience for the guests. For this reason, we recommend making inquiries at least two weeks before the event.
Geisha
花代 / 玉代 Hanadai / Gyokudai
Charges to be paid for the ozashiki session by the geisha. The amount can vary depending on the location and venue of the ozashiki. For smoother arrangements, please let us know if you have any preferences for the number of geisha or the presence of Hokan (male geisha). For locations beyond walking distance, additional transportation costs, such as those for a jumbo taxi, will apply.
ご祝儀 Gift Money ‘Goshugi’
In addition to the fee, ‘Goshugi’ is a token of appreciation that guests give to the Geisha. It’s similar to a tip and is typically placed in a small decorative envelope called a ‘pochibukuro’ and handed over. The amount is at the discretion of the giver, but it’s generally around 3,000 JPY.
However, when arrangements are made through travel agencies or traditional Japanese restaurants, it’s common for a certain amount of ‘Goshugi’ to be included as part of the package. Therefore, there’s no need to feel pressured to give an additional gift, but it’s always appreciated if you do so.
Venue
In addition to restaurants within the Asakusa geisha district, it is also possible to arrange Ozashiki at restaurants or hotel dining private rooms outside the area.
There are two types of traditional Japanese restaurants (Ryotei):
Ryori Chaya: These restaurants prepare kaiseki (Japanese multi-course) cuisine on-site.
Machiai Chaya: These establishments offer venue rental services and typically provide catering for a variety of meal needs
.
Additionally, geisha performances can be arranged in hotel banquet halls or conference rooms, serving as an attractive option for MICE events.
Meals and Beverages
Meals
If there are any allergies or dietary restrictions due to religion or personal beliefs, please inform us at the beginning of the inquiry, as this will affect venue arrangements. Although the historical ryotei and geisha districts are working to improve their response to diverse dietary needs, they may not be able to accommodate all requests. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Children who can eat the same meals as adults and are of an appropriate age can also join the Ozashiki experiences. If they do not consume the same amount as adults, it is possible to discuss reducing the number of dishes.
Beverages
Since preferences and quantities of beverages can vary greatly among guests, we typically include only one drink per guest and the minimum amount required for the geisha. Any additional beverages will be billed at actual cost.
Special Request
While Ozashiki is often seen as the highlight of a banquet among Japanese people, it is highly regarded by international guests as a premium experience of Japanese culture. Whether guests are interested in watching only the dance, enjoying drinks and socializing without the dance, or exploring various aspects of Japanese culture and performing arts, such as instruments, kimono, and the behavior of geisha, there is a wide range of needs for Ozashiki. To ensure a smooth arrangement, it is helpful to clearly communicate what guests are looking for during the inquiry.
Special requests, such as lighting effects reminiscent of Edo-period candlelight or events held on traditional houseboats, can also be accommodated.
Holding Period
On national holidays and public holidays, the geisha community in the Hanayagi district is closed. As a result, inquiries and responses may not be available during these times. Additionally, Asakusa geisha are deeply rooted in the community, and during local events related to Asakusa Temple or Asakusa Shrine, they may not be available on the days surrounding these events.
It is advisable to provide multiple date options and to make inquiries with as much lead time as possible. While it is generally not possible to arrange geisha appearances on holidays, there might be rare instances where special arrangements can be considered. To improve your chances of a successful arrangement, please also provide alternative weekday dates.