Although it takes place in an elegant traditional setting, the purpose of the evening is simply to enjoy good food, light conversation, laughter, games, dance, and the company of geisha and maiko. As a result, the geisha world has few strict rules for guests. Think of it instead as spending time making new friends.

Geisha and maiko are happy to answer questions about their training, music, dance, kimono, makeup, hairstyles, and life in the “Flower and Willow World,” as they call it. As with meeting anyone for the first time, it's best to avoid overly personal topics.

Please do not worry about sitting in the formal Japanese (seiza) style throughout the evening. While we gather on traditional tatami mats, tatami chairs with backrests are provided, and you are welcome to sit in whatever way is most comfortable.

Our teahouse is a beautifully preserved traditional wooden building that is more than 130 years old. Like many historic buildings in Kyoto, it has stairs and was not designed with modern accessibility in mind. If you have mobility concerns or other accessibility needs, please let me know when booking. I'll be happy to discuss the layout with you and do everything I can to arrange the most comfortable seating possible.

Finally, please do not overly worry about accidentally making a cultural mistake. I will be with you throughout the evening to interpret, explain customs, and make introductions, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. Geisha and maiko consider it one benefit of their art that they can meet people with different customs and backgrounds from around the world, and they do not expect first-time visitors to understand all the customs of their community. As in most circumstances, mutual respect goes a long way to making new friends!

There is no formal dress code. Smart casual attire is perfectly appropriate and is a thoughtful way to show respect for the occasion and the traditions of the teahouse.

One practical note: it is considered poor etiquette to walk barefoot on tatami mats, so please wear socks. If you're wearing sandals while sightseeing, simply bring along a clean pair of socks to change into before entering the teahouse.

Finally, although attitudes are changing in Japan, visible tattoos are still uncommon in traditional settings. If possible, covering visible tattoos is a courtesy to the traditions of Kyoto's geisha world. If that isn't practical, however, please don't worry. They often become a fun point of conversation, and your hosts will be delighted to welcome you just the same.

Absolutely. One of the pleasures of a private ozashiki is that you are welcome to take photographs and videos throughout the evening. If there is a particular pose or composition you would like, the geiko and maiko are generally happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

There are just two small courtesies to remember. First, out of respect, guests are asked not to put an arm around them or touch them when taking group photographs, and should refrain from touching their accessories or their kimono. Second, because the teahouse is a privileged atmosphere, photographs should be handled with care. Sharing them privately with family and friends is perfectly fine, while posting them on open SNS platforms is strongly discouraged. Teahouse culture still privileges face-to-face encounters rather than screens.

If you have any food allergies or ingredients you prefer to avoid, simply let me know at least two weeks in advance. The chef will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.

The meal is typically a kaiseki-style bento, carefully prepared to reflect the time and tastes of the season. While the menu varies, it commonly includes rice, pickles, seasonal vegetables, tofu, and grilled fish. Because the meal is prepared especially for your group, everyone generally receives the same menu, with modifications made as needed for each guest with dietary restrictions.

Beer, Japanese sake, shōchū, plum wine, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including tea, ginger ale, and orange juice, are also available.

If you have severe allergies (for example, anaphylaxis), please let me know when making your reservation so that I can discuss the options with the teahouse in advance.

Reservations: From your initial inquiry through the end of the evening, I handle all arrangements with the teahouse on your behalf, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the experience. To initiate an inquiry all I need is your preferred date(s) and time(s), the number of people in your party, and the kind of evening you're hoping for. I'll take care of everything else.

Deposit and Reservation Timeline: To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total cost is required at the time of your booking. The remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior to your scheduled evening.

Reservations for geiko and maiko are typically made well in advance, and once your evening has been confirmed, those artists have reserved that time exclusively for your party. For that reason, the remaining balance becomes due 30 days before your scheduled evening, and cancellations made after that time are non-refundable. Of course, unexpected situations do arise, and if you have concerns about your reservation, please let me know as soon as possible. I'll always do my best to help.

Tipping: Unlike most situations in Japan, tipping is part of traditional teahouse culture. Because it follows its own customs and etiquette, however, I take care of gratuities for the geisha and maiko on your behalf, so there is no need to worry about when, how, or how much to give.

If you feel that my own services have enhanced your evening, a gratuity is always appreciated but never expected.