The Truth About… A veil of mystery often shrouds the exclusive world of geiko (as geisha are known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dinners in Kyoto. The surprising insider secret? Not all experiences advertised as “geisha” dinners offer authentic engagement with these traditional Japanese artists. Many tourists fall into the trap of dining with performers dressed as geisha, lacking the years of training and cultural significance that true geiko and maiko embody. Authentic experiences are intimate, deeply cultural, and increasingly accessible through reputable operators who have built relationships with Kyoto’s five historic hanamachi (flower districts): Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, [...]