Experience Geisha Culture with Dance, Song, and Traditional Games at Soto Terrace

Experience Geisha Culture with Dance, Song, and Traditional Games at Soto Terrace

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : HCL llc.

A geisha is an entertainer who embodies traditional Japanese performing arts. They are masters of singing, dancing, playing the shamisen, and conversation, all while creating a lively and sophisticated atmosphere for guests. You can experience this rich geisha culture firsthand at Soto Terrace in Hachioji. The event, Hachioji Geisha Lunch & Dinner, held once a month, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal while interacting with Hachioji's geisha and participating in various traditional parlor games.

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Hachioji, the Only Town in the Tama Region with Active Geisha

Hachioji flourished as a textile town during the Taisho and Showa periods. Restaurants and tea houses emerged as social hubs for merchants who came to buy textiles, and the geisha culture grew, providing entertainment with song and dance during banquets and business meetings. The Nakamachi area, at the heart of the city, became the only geisha district in the Tama region and was once home to more than 200 geisha at its peak.

A hand-drawn map showing the lively atmosphere of Nakamachi and the geisha district in earlier times.
A hand-drawn map showing the lively atmosphere of Nakamachi and the geisha district in earlier times.

Today, the charming geisha district of Kurobei Street in Nakamachi still remains, with 13 active geisha carrying on the traditions of Hachioji’s geisha world. These geisha play a vital role in preserving and passing on cultural heritage, not only through their performances but also by engaging with local businesses, participating in cultural exchanges, costume events, and even women's gatherings. Their efforts help bridge the gap between tradition and modern life, promoting both the local culture and industries of Hachioji.

The close connection between guests and geisha, along with the friendly and approachable atmosphere, is the charm of Hachioji's geisha district.
The close connection between guests and geisha, along with the friendly and approachable atmosphere, is the charm of Hachioji's geisha district.

You can easily experience Hachioji’s geisha culture at Soto Terrace. Opened in November 2022, Soto Terrace has quickly gained attention as a hub for traditional arts and culture, hosting events like the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo puppet performances, which are designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and rakugo (comic storytelling) shows. Among these, the monthly Hachioji Geisha Lunch & Dinner event stands out, where visitors can enjoy geisha performances of dance, song, traditional parlor games, and heartfelt hospitality.

Soto Terrace is a 7-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station.
Soto Terrace is a 7-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station.

A Close Encounter with Geisha, Just Like in the Movies

The Geisha Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. As you enter the grand hall of Soto Terrace, excitement builds as you wait for the event to start. On the table is a luxurious course meal prepared by Sumibiyaki Rakuza, featuring appetizers, sashimi, grilled skewers, oden, and other traditional Japanese dishes, all served in generous portions.

A Japanese-style course meal from Sumibiyaki Rakuza.(Image is for illustrative purposes only.)
A Japanese-style course meal from Sumibiyaki Rakuza.(Image is for illustrative purposes only.)

The geisha arrive, and the event begins. Seeing them up close—something that until now you may have only seen in movies—is enough to make your heart skip a beat!
First, the geisha greet the guests and introduce themselves. They also share stories about the workings of the Hachioji geisha world and the history of the local hanamachi (geisha district).

A scene from the Hachioji Geisha Lunch (Daytime Session).
A scene from the Hachioji Geisha Lunch (Daytime Session).

Next comes the social time, where you enjoy casual conversation while savoring your meal. The geisha pour drinks for the guests, and the relaxed conversations begin. For many, it’s their first time interacting with a geisha so closely, which can be a bit nerve-wracking at first. However, the geisha, being masters of hospitality, skillfully break the ice and engage you with their charming conversation techniques. Their subtle attentiveness and ability to create a lively atmosphere are truly impressive.

An Extraordinary Experience! After Enjoying the Elegant Dance, Try Traditional Geisha Parlor Games

As the food and drinks begin to flow smoothly, a performance is presented, accompanied by the melodic sound of the shamisen. The graceful movements are a feast for the eyes! Every gesture, down to the fingertips, is polished and refined, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of this elegant art form up close—a truly luxurious moment.

Mesmerized by the graceful dance, set to the sound of the shamisen!
Mesmerized by the graceful dance, set to the sound of the shamisen!
The performances are chosen to reflect the season.
The performances are chosen to reflect the season.

Next, we had the opportunity to experience the much-anticipated traditional parlor games.
The specific games vary by day, and on this occasion, we played Tora Tora and Konpira Fune Fune.

Parlor Games

  • Tora Tora
  • Konpira Fune Fune
  • Tousenkyo (Fan Tossing) and more

"Tora Tora" is a gesture-based version of rock-paper-scissors. Two players stand on either side of a screen and use gestures—tiger (on all fours), spear (as if thrusting a spear), or old woman (leaning on a cane)—to determine the winner.

"Konpira Fune Fune" is a rhythm game performed to a traditional song. You face a geisha with a bowl placed between you. As the song "Konpira Fune Fune" is sung, you take turns placing your hands on the bowl. If the bowl is taken, the other player must make a fist; if not, they must place their hand flat. If you make a mistake, you lose. While it’s a simple game, it’s easy to get serious about it!

As the tempo of the song speeds up, you can't help but make mistakes!
As the tempo of the song speeds up, you can't help but make mistakes!

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the rules, there’s no need to worry. The geisha skillfully guide the game, ensuring everyone has fun. The participants’ reactions grew livelier, with people laughing uncontrollably or feeling genuine frustration, all while enjoying themselves like children again.
The event concluded with a group photo alongside the geisha. They truly lived up to their reputation as masters of hospitality, offering a perfect blend of song, dance, and traditional games. Although the two hours flew by, the heartfelt entertainment made for an unforgettable experience.

The event concludes with a group photo full of smiles! You’re also welcome to take videos.
The event concludes with a group photo full of smiles! You’re also welcome to take videos.

Basic Information about Hachioji Geisha Experience

Hachioji Geisha Lunch (Daytime Session)

Details
Enjoy a dance performance by two geisha, along with a bento box and one soft drink (60 minutes).
Time
Starts at 12:00 PM (doors open at 11:30 AM), ends at 1:00 PM
Price
¥6,500 per person
Note
*For cancellations, 100% of the fee will be charged on the day or the day before, and 50% will be charged for cancellations up to 4 days prior.
*Children in elementary or middle school accompanying an adult: ¥3,000 (tax included). The bento for children is the same as for adults.

Hachioji Geisha Dinner (Evening Session)

Details
Enjoy a dance performance by three geisha, along with a Japanese-style course meal from Sumibiyaki Rakuza (120 minutes).
Time
Starts at 6:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM), ends at 8:00 PM
Price
¥15,500 per person
Note
*For cancellations, 100% of the fee will be charged on the day or the day before, and 50% will be charged for cancellations up to 4 days prior.
*Children under high school age are not allowed to participate in the evening session.

Hachioji Souvenirs? Look No Further Than "Tokyo Hachioji Brewery" for Japanese Sake!

When visiting "Soto Terrace," a must-stop is "Tokyo Hachioji Brewery," located just 50 meters away. It can be found in a corner of Kurobei Street.This small brewery excels at producing fresh, easy-to-drink sake, thanks to its carefully controlled brewing environment. One of their standout offerings is "Prototype 1," a fruity, unpasteurized sake made with locally grown rice from Hachioji—perfect as a souvenir!

"Tokyo Hachioji Brewery" offers consistently fresh sake through its meticulous small-batch production.
"Tokyo Hachioji Brewery" offers consistently fresh sake through its meticulous small-batch production.
The moment it hits your palate, "Prototype 1" bursts with a sensation of fruit-like juiciness.
The moment it hits your palate, "Prototype 1" bursts with a sensation of fruit-like juiciness.
At the attached shop, you can buy freshly brewed unpasteurized sake. (Available only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
At the attached shop, you can buy freshly brewed unpasteurized sake. (Available only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)

Wrap-up

Although the world of geisha districts might seem a bit intimidating, the Geisha Dinner & Lunch at Soto Terrace offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you're visiting Hachioji, be sure to make a reservation and experience the rich, traditional geisha culture that Hachioji is proud to offer.