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Meet the Geisha of Arima Onsen: Unique Experience at Cafe in Kobe

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When people think of geisha—white face makeup, elegant kimono, and graceful dances—Kyoto often comes to mind. But did you know that Arima Onsen in Kobe also has a long-standing geiko (geisha) tradition?

In this article, we’ll dive into the rich history of Arima Geiko, introduce a unique café where you can meet them in person, and explore the innovative ways they’re keeping their traditions alive today.

CONTENTS

History and Heritage of Arima Geiko

A Tradition Born in a Famous Hot Spring Town

Located just 30 minutes by train from central Kobe, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns.

Back in the day, visitors seeking the healing waters were entertained by “yuna”, women who helped with bathing and provided performances of singing and dancing. These yuna are considered the predecessors of today’s Arima Geiko.

While yuna existed in hot spring areas across Japan, Arima’s yuna were especially notable. From the time of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Azuchi-Momoyama period through to the early Edo period, Arima’s yuna were given stipends by the government—a rare honor, comparable to modern-day public servants.

By the mid-Edo period, Arima Onsen flourished. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the yuna became popular souvenirs, and these women became beloved figures among locals and visitors alike.

In the Meiji period, when bathhouses were rebuilt in Western-style buildings, the term “yuna” was retired, but their role lived on. They were renamed Arima Geiko, a title they proudly hold today.

At Arima Onsen’s annual “Nyuyoku-shiki” (New Year bathing ritual) held every January 2nd, geiko dress as historical yuna and perform traditional yumomi (water-stirring rituals). They also appear at seasonal events like the Sakura Festival in April, continuing to bring elegance and tradition to the town.

A Geiko Café You Can Visit: “Itoshi”

Possibly the Only Place in Japan to Casually Watch a Geiko Dance—Live!

Wondering where you can meet Arima Geiko? While it’s possible to invite them to your ryokan for a private performance (called ozashiki asobi), that experience may feel a little intimidating or expensive for first-timers.

Enter Geiko Café Itoshi—a welcoming space opened in 2015 to make geiko culture more accessible to the public. Here, you can enjoy tea or alcohol while watching live performances by active geiko, right in front of you.

Although there are other places in Japan where you can see geiko performances, what makes Itoshi truly unique is that real, currently active geiko work there regularly.

You can not only watch their elegant dances but also get an up-close look at traditional items like taiko drums, kotsuzumi (hand drums), and authentic geiko wigs and accessories.

Another rare aspect? The geiko serve you directly—without makeup—offering drinks and friendly conversation. You might even hear behind-the-scenes stories about their training and daily lives!

The café is located just off Arima Onsen’s main street, Yumotozaka, making it a perfect stop during a stroll through the hot spring town—whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day.

Geiko Café Itoshi is especially popular among young women visiting with friends and couples celebrating special occasions.

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience, this is it.

SHOP INFO

Geiko Café Itoshi

  • Address: 821 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe
  • Open: Saturdays and Sundays
  • Hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Admission: ¥1,000 (plus one drink order required)
  • Phone: 078-904-0197
  • Website: Itoshi Facebook Page
  • Email: contact@arima-geiko.com
  • Evening visits are reservation only.
  • Ozashiki asobi is available for private groups.

Arima Geiko’s New Challenges

Tradition Meets Innovation

Running a geiko café themselves is already groundbreaking, but the Arima Geiko aren’t stopping there. True to Kobe’s progressive spirit, they’ve launched several modern initiatives to keep their culture alive.

Challenge 1: Ozashiki Online — Zoom Geiko

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, performances came to a halt. That’s when Arima Geiko introduced “Zoom Geiko”, a remote service where you can enjoy geiko dances, shamisen music, and games online.

There are even themed plans: birthday celebrations, longevity blessings with traditional dances like “Tsurukame,” and more.

Challenge 2: Releasing an Original Song!

Geiko usually perform to traditional Japanese music, but Arima Geiko are creating an original piece blending classic and modern styles.

The lyrics depict Kobe’s vibrant Taisho-era culture, with melodies in traditional Japanese scale but harmonies and instruments like chimes that give it a modern flair.

The choreography is currently in rehearsal, and the final performance will soon debut at Café Itoshi.

Challenge 3: Become a Supporter — “Arima Geiko Tanimachi”

In Japanese performing arts, a “Tanimachi” is a patron who supports actors or troupes. In 2020, Arima Geiko launched the Arima Geiko Tanimachi program to help preserve and share their culture.

Starting from ¥10,000, supporters receive a “Tanimachi Business Card” that can be used for 10% off at Itoshi Café.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Through café management, digital transformation, musical innovation, and community support programs, Arima Geiko are embracing the future while honoring their past.

As one of the active geiko, Ichina-san, puts it:

“Geiko are well-known, but often distant. We want to bring our world closer to people—let them see who we are and why we dance.”

Visiting Arima Onsen offers the chance to not only soak in historic hot springs but to connect with a living tradition—beautiful, elegant, and full of heart.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Arima Geiko and be part of a cultural story that continues to unfold.

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