Kyoto Cultural Night: Live Shamisen, Geisha games & Karaoke

Kyoto, Japan
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 7 travelers

Overview

Discover Kyoto's culture and nostalgic nightlife in one evening.

Start with a short walk through historic Pontocho and learn about its history. Then visit two local Japanese snack bars for live shamisen music, geish party games, karaoke, drinks, and friendly local hosts.

At the first bar, enjoy live shamisen and Japanese folk songs performed by your host, a shamisen teacher. Learn about the shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, and even try playing it yourself with guidance from the host.

Join traditional ozashiki-style (geish) party games connected to geisha culture, then enjoy karaoke. The bar has many songs, including English hits, anime songs, and Japanese favorites.

Next, visit a retro-style snack bar for karaoke and drinks in a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere.

Your guide stays with you throughout the evening to help with communication and explain local customs.

Please note: Geisha and maiko do not participate in this experience.

What's included

  • First Bar Light snacks. All-you-can-drink from the bar’s selected menu. 1 beer/person.
  • Second Bar All-you-can-drink from the bar’s selected menu. Beer costs extra.
  • Full meals (only light snacks are included)
  • Personal Expenses or amount exceeding the included budget

What to expect

  1. Pontocho
    20m
    Discover Pontocho’s history and its heritage as one of Kyoto’s traditional geisha districts.
  2. Pontocho
    1h 30m
    First Local Snack Bar

    Step inside an authentic Japanese snack bar and enjoy:

    ・Live shamisen music performed by the bar’s host, who is also a shamisen teacher

    ・Traditional geisha-style party games and live Japanese folk songs (minyo)

    ・Karaoke with English hits, anime songs, and Japanese favorites

    ・Drinks, light snacks, and conversation with your local host
  3. Pontocho
    1h 10m
    Second Local Snack Bar

    Continue to a classic Japanese snack bar with a nostalgic retro interior. Relax in the local atmosphere, enjoy all-you-can-drink beverages, and sing karaoke with your host and fellow guests.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of the Takayama Hikokuro Statue near Sanjo Keihan Station(Exit 5).
Look for your guide holding a BookMeKyoto sign.

End point

The tour ends at the second snack bar. As the bar cannot be marked on the map, nearby Pontocho Park is shown as the tour end point.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
18,000.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by BookMeKyoto · Booked through Viator
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From
18,000.00 JPY per person
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