Experience the World of Geisha at Ito Hot Spring Resprt

Surprisingly to many foreigners, geisha culture does not only exist in Kyoto. Visitors to Ito, a famous hot spring resort situated on the Izu peninsula less than two hours by train from Tokyo can experience the delights of this mysterious world.

In early October, a large group of American families from the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka enjoyed a geisha and dance culture show at the Tokaikan, a historic three-storied wooden Japanese inn containing hot springs that was constructed in 1928.

At the show, three geisha demonstrated their traditional dancing, before three American women adorned in kimono and geisha makeup appeared on stage to be instructed by the geisha in the correct way to move. Despite being unaccustomed to the almost 20kg kimono and heavy wigs, the participants struggled to behave like geisha, to great cheers and applause from the audience. Next, after the geisha played musical instruments including the shamisen and drums, they then invited guests to try the instruments out for themselves.

Ms. Jennifer BORJA commented, “As I have never met any actual geisha, I was looking forward to this occasion. Both the dances and kimonos were so beautiful that I could not help but be impressed. I was also interested in the fact that the choreography of each of the dances has meaning.” David JACKSON commented, “I have been in Japan for seven years, but this is the first time to see actual geisha. Next time, I want to invite geisha to the banquet.”

Namichiyo, a professional geisha who has entertained many groups of foreigners, explained that it can take up to 15 years for a woman to become a geisha. “However, if you are just wearing a kimono and dancing, you can do it in 3~5 months. Geisha training mainly depends on what the woman wishes to learn, which may include the shamisen, drums, tea ceremony, and other arts. Namichiyo says some women become a geisha to earn money, while others practice these long-established skills because they genuinely enjoy playing shamisen, dancing and performing for others.”

Foreigners can learn about classic Japanese culture through the geisha, she says. “The manners represent traditional Japanese women who are very obedient, in a time when the man was always dominant — it reflects Japanese society and hospitality.”

Now, people can study the geisha culture and experience being a geisha at the School of Cultural Studies of geisha at Ito. More than 1,300 people, ranging in age from teens to those in their eighties, have enrolled in their courses since the fall of 1999. Recently these courses have gained popularity among visitors from abroad, and an increasing number of foreigners have touched geisha culture through these programs.

For instance, in the females only Geisha Iki-Iki class, real geisha teach students the authentic manners of geisha and help them put on geisha makeup and costumes — in fact, you’ll be a refined geisha in about an hour. They will also teach you how to pose properly for a commemorative photograph and all participants will be given a stage name (a special geisha name) that will be preserved and exhibited permanently in the Tokaikan building. Courses providing more indepth study and geisha parties are also offered to help more people learn about this intricate part of Japanese culture.

Visitors to Ito can not only enjoy geisha culture, but also onsen (hot springs), cultural treasures including museums and art studios, a wide range of sports, a mild climate and lots of fresh air.

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