Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s top hot spring destinations, blessed with beautiful scenery, rich nature, and a long history. But Atami’s charm goes beyond its hot springs — the city is also home to a vibrant and time-honored geisha (geigi) culture. One of the most captivating attractions is the Atami Geigi Experience, offered in English every Saturday and Sunday. This immersive tour lets visitors enjoy watching traditional geisha dances and playing games with a uniquely Atami flair — all while feeling as if they’ve stepped back in time.
Atami has long been cherished by prominent figures and cultural icons. Travelers have not only relaxed in the soothing hot springs, but also delighted in the elegant performances of geisha at inns and traditional restaurants — a highlight of their visit. This rich tradition is still lovingly preserved today, with around 70 active geisha continuing to share its charm throughout the city. You’re sure to leave with memories of a truly special experience.
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Start Your Cultural Escape
The tour begins at Atami Geigi Kenban, located in the heart of Atami City.
Built in 1954, the building has a nostalgic charm and historic atmosphere that evokes a bygone era. Atami Geigi Kenban is about a 15-minute walk from Atami Station — a pleasant downhill stroll through a charming seaside hot spring town.
If you prefer public transportation, a convenient bus departs from Bus Stop No. 3 in front of Atami Station. Get off at the Shimizucho stop — it’s just a one-minute walk from there. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the station takes less than ten minutes.
Uncover Atami’s Geisha Heritage
Atami’s geisha culture traces its roots back to yugeishi — early entertainers active during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Over time, it has evolved into a traditional performing art unique to the region, with a history spanning more than 150 years. During this period, Atami rose to national prominence as a celebrated hot spring destination, attracting tourists as well as influential figures from politics and business. Geisha played a vital role in entertaining these guests, becoming an integral part of Atami’s cultural identity and development.
By the late 1950s, it is said that more than 1,000 geisha were active in Atami. During this time, they developed their own distinctive styles of dance and performance.
Today, Atami geisha are based at the Atami Geigi Kenban, where they refine their skills in dance and music through daily training while dedicating themselves to preserving tradition.
Every Saturday and Sunday, they perform the Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai (Flower Dance), captivating audiences with elegant movements and the evocative sounds of shamisen and drums — a showcase of the depth and beauty of traditional Japanese performing arts.
In addition, events and gatherings for both domestic and international visitors are thoughtfully designed to make Japanese culture more approachable. Atami geisha gracefully balance modern sensibilities with long-standing traditions that date back to the Meiji era. Through their performances and warm hospitality, they offer guests a profound encounter with Japanese culture.
Be Enchanted by Hana no Mai and Traditional Games
The Atami Geigi Experience Tour, conducted in English, offers a three-hour cultural journey that begins with Hana no Mai — a stage performance held every Saturday and Sunday at the Geigi Kenban, celebrating the beauty of nature and human sentiment that unfold with each season. After the performance, you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to exclusively interact with a geisha through casual conversation and traditional parlor games.
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring you can fully enjoy this special experience without any language barriers.
Before the performance begins, the guide will explain the history of Atami and its hot springs, the stage setting, the Hana no Mai program, and tips on how to best appreciate the performance — setting the stage for an unforgettable show. Hana no Mai embodies the seasonal beauty and atmosphere unique to Atami, leaving audiences deeply moved. The geisha’s refined movements and delicate expressions bring each scene to life — every gesture tells a story, rich with feeling.
The program changes monthly and seasonally, so each visit offers a fresh and unforgettable experience.
After the performance, you’ll have the chance to take commemorative photos with geisha.
After the photo session, a special experience awaits — exclusively for tour participants. Enjoy Ozashiki-Asobi, traditional parlor games played with geisha, while engaging in relaxed conversation. In addition to classics like Konpira Funefune and Tora Tora, guests can ask for time for questions or even to modify games based on their interests. This personal interaction reveals not only the grace of the geisha, but also their warmth and charm — offering a deeper connection with Japanese culture.
Because of the intimate setting, guests can directly ask geisha about the meaning behind their art and the emotions woven into each performance — one of the most engaging aspects of the experience.
This experience offers a rare and meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange. Come and enjoy the heartfelt hospitality that makes Atami truly special.
Savor the Sights and Seasons of Atami
The charm of Atami City is not limited to geisha culture. This is a special city where hot springs, history, culture, and nature all blend together. Three sights you should make sure to see are Kinomiya Shrine, Atami Plum Garden, and the MOA Museum of Art.
Kinomiya Shrine – A mystical power spot
Kinomiya Shrine is beloved by many travelers because it is believed to bring good health and longevity to visitors. The most impressive sight at the shrine is the great camphor tree, the second largest such tree in Japan, which is thought to be over 2,000 years old. It is said that walking once around the tree will extend your life by one year. You can enjoy matcha tea and sweets at the shrine’s café, and bask in the Japanese atmosphere.
Atami Plum Garden – Heralding the early spring
Atami Plum Garden is known as the earliest-blooming plum garden in Japan, as its flowers start to bloom in December. There are 470 trees of more than 60 different varieties, so you can enjoy a different view every time you visit. During the Plum Festival, you can experience local crafts and traditional performing arts, getting a taste of the charm of Japanese culture. You can also enjoy watching fireflies in early summer, and the changing leaves in autumn, so there is something to see all year round.
MOA Museum of Art – A world of interwoven light and art
MOA Museum of Art is a hall of beauty where you can enjoy national treasures and important cultural properties, along with a wonderful view of Sagami Bay from a high ground in Atami. The entrance hall is bathed in light, making for a fantastic effect as if you were inside a kaleidoscope. You will also find charm in the golden teahouse and the garden that changes with the seasons. Come and experience an exquisite time interwoven by art and nature.
Come experience the beautiful traditions and nature of Japan in Atami, a city with different charm in every season and warm hospitality.
Making a Reservation
Please make your booking at least four weeks in advance.
For full details about the Atami Geigi Experience, check the website:
https://exploreshizuoka.jp/activities/places/atami-exclusive-geisha-experience/
Information about Atami Geigi Kenban can be found on this website.
https://www.atami-geigi.jp/index.html