English 
日本語 [Arts and Culture Lecture] Gion Hanamachi Art Museum "The Beauty of the Gorgeous Maiko and the Arts and Culture of Gion"
Educational travel Inquiry program
Gion Kobu in Kyoto has a history of several hundred years. The special existence of "geisha" and "maiko" is made up of the best of Kyoto's various traditional crafts and performing arts. Preserving the unchanged geisha culture since ancient times leads to the passing on of precious traditional techniques.
Geiko and maiko are communication professionals, and their beauty comes not only from their appearance but also from within.
Experience the carefully handed down craftsmanship of the masters and the spirituality of the geisha and maiko who cherish every single gesture and courtesy, and experience the essence of the Japanese culture that Kyoto is so proud of around the world.
Features of this Plan
[Program content]
① Visit to the permanent exhibition of Hanamachi art materials (time required: about 40 minutes)
We will introduce you to the culture of Gion and geisha and maiko in an easy-to-understand way. The gorgeous attire of maiko and geisha is created by the skills of masters of traditional crafts. Many items are on display, including hand-painted yuzen kimonos, Nishijin-ori obi, and cute "hana kanzashi" (flower hairpins) that change with the seasons, as well as maiko's makeup and belongings. Please also take a look at the rare hand-painted "catalogs" and valuable materials such as the formal black crested kimono that are rarely seen, as well as photographs that convey the atmosphere of Gion.②Kyoto dance performance by geisha and maiko (duration: about 15 minutes)
A geisha or maiko will perform two Inoue-style Kyoto dances. This is a special opportunity to see up close a dance that can usually only be seen at performances such as the Miyako Odori or in a traditional Japanese parlor. The gracefulness of this performance is the culmination of the hard work and daily practice.3. [Mini lecture] The history of Gion-gai and the Inoue school of Kyomai (time required: about 15 minutes)
This will be a clear and easy-to-understand lecture on the history of Gion Town, which has been around for over 300 years, and the origins of the Inoue-ryu style of Kyomai that is passed down in this town.④ [Mini lecture] Put it to use right away! Maiko etiquette and language (time required: about 15 minutes)
Geiko and Maiko learn etiquette through their daily lessons in various traditional performing arts. We will introduce some of these etiquette that will be useful to students in their daily lives. Even something as simple as a greeting is sure to bring new discoveries.⑤Question Corner with Geiko and Maiko (Time required: about 10 minutes)
You can ask the geisha and maiko questions directly about face powder, kimonos, daily training, and anything else you want to know about. It's a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people who carry on the traditions.
*Please let us know any questions you have in advance.⑥ Commemorative photo with Geiko and Maiko (Time required: about 15 minutes)
Students will take a commemorative photo with a geisha or maiko (one person) using their smartphones.*It is expected that approximately 10 people will take part in the photo shoot.
[Program schedule example]
10:00~ Visit to the permanent exhibition of art materials from the entertainment district
10:45~ Watch the Kyoto dance performance by geisha and maiko
11:00~ Lecture on history and etiquette
11:30~ Question corner for geiko and maiko
11:40 - Commemorative photo with Geiko and Maiko
11:50 ~ Disband (shopping at souvenir shops etc. is also available)
[Inquiries]
Kyoto Educational Research Program Office
Phone number: 075-284-0171
Email address: kyototankyu@bsec.jp
Business hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
SDGs area of this content
Tour overview
- Possible implementation period
- Available all year round
*Please note that some program content will change between mid-March and Golden Week in May. Please contact us for details. - Time required
- 10:00-12:00 (2 hours)
- Implementation site
- Gion Flower Street Art Museum
Yasaka Club, 570-2 Minami-gawa Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 605-0074 - price
- 5,600 yen per person (tax included)
- Cancellation Policy
- ・If the number of users on the day is less than 30,
A minimum of 30 people must pay for the program. - Number of participants
- Minimum 30 people / Maximum 150 people
[Pre-learning]
・Receive a brief online explanation about the Gion-cho area, geiko, maiko, and more.
・Experience the beauty of Gion through a screening of a video interview with Miyako Odori or the head of the Inoue School of Kyomai, Yachiyo Inoue (approx. 25 min.)
-You will be given a briefing about the Gion Geisha Art Museum.
・Think about whether there is traditional culture in the area where you live.
-Think about why so many traditional cultures were born in Kyoto and how these cultures are passed down.
[On-site learning]
- Learn about Kyoto's history and traditional crafts through the existence of geisha and maiko.
- The opportunity to learn and think about how to preserve traditional culture and pass it on to future generations by looking at actual kimonos and tools and interacting with geisha and maiko.
- Enjoy the beauty of the geisha and maiko that has been shaped by the history of Gion, and their highly artistic dancing.
[Post-learning]
-Look back on how the traditional culture of Kyoto and Gion has continued to this day.
- Think about how to preserve the unique culture of Gion for future generations.
- Think about how you can apply what you learned there, such as etiquette, to your future lifestyle.
・Summarize the rarity of Japanese beauty that you have experienced.
Kyoto experience
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