Unique Eats: Enchanted Time with Maiko

Our Japan trip was filled with many unique and beautiful experiences. One of my absolute favorite experiences during the entire trip was our incredible private dinner with a maiko hosted by Enchanted Time with Maiko.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Yasaka-Dori Enraku

We arrived at the restaurant, Yasaka-Dori Enraku, and were shown to our traditional tatami room where you sit on the floor.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Tatami Room

Enchanted Time with Maiko

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A maiko is an apprentice geiko in Kyoto. A geiko is a Japanese female entertainer who acts as a hostess. They are highly trained practitioners of traditional Japanese arts and customs of hospitality. They possess many skills and are accomplished singers, dancers, musicians, story-tellers, and performers. They are otherwise known as geisha in Tokyo.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Fukune

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Enchanted Time with Maiko

Our Interpreter, Mika

We enjoyed a delicious multicourse dinner menu. Unlimited drinks and alcoholic beverages were included as well. Kanpai!

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Dinner

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Chawanmushi

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Oden

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Tofu and Vegetables

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Sashimi

Our lovely maiko, Fukune, was so sweet. With the assistance of our fabulous interpreter, Mika, we had the opportunity to ask her questions and learn about her fascinating life as a maiko. She was towards the end of her journey to becoming a geiko. Very cool!

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Enchanted Time with Maiko

It was amazing to watch Fukune perform and elegant dance for us.

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Enchanted Time with Maiko

Steak

Fukune’s outfit was gorgeous. She pointed out several details of her kimono and accessories like the obi (the sash of the kimono) that’s tied in the back. She even does her own makeup and hair.

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The Outfit

Enchanted Time with Maiko

The Obi

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Tempura

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Enchanted Time with Maiko

More Drinks, Please

They heard it was one of our birthdays the month before and gave us a handwritten card and a sticker of Fukune’s signature.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Thank You!

We had some nice conversations, watched a lovely dance, and now it was time to learn ozashiki asobi which refers to the many games you can play with the maiko or geiko.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Time to Learn a Game

We were shown how to play Konpira Fune Fune where you sit facing each another with a small table between the two of you. An object is placed on the table and you take turns touching it with your hand out to the rhythm of the “Konpira Fune Fune” song. If the object is taken away be somebody the other person must make a fist before touching the table. The pace gradually becomes faster and faster until somebody makes a mistake.

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Ozashiki Game

These are designed to be drinking games. If you make a mistake, you drink.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Konpira Fune Fune

It wasn’t easy at first, but we got the hang out of it.

Enchnated Time with a Maiko

Enchanted Time with Maiko

We were having so much fun! Fukune was happy to be hanging out with other females. It was a Girls Night out! 😉

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Green Tea Ice Cream

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Thank You, Fukune!

My sister and I can’t thank Fukune, Mika, and the staff enough for this wonderful experience! It was truly amazing!

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Thank You, Mika!

This was one of the best and most authentic experiences during our time in Japan. If you’re going to Kyoto, don’t miss Enchanted Time with Maiko. They offer a group dinner every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 6pm. It costs 19,000JPY per person (around $175US) and is well worth it. You can book a dinner through their website.

Enchanted Time with Maiko

Thank You, Chef!

What a way to kick off our time in Kyoto! We went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for a full day tour with a local guide the next day.


Enchanted Time with Maiko
Yasaka-Dori Enraku
594 Komatsucho Yasakadori
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811, Kyoto Prefecture
Website

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