Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan – No.2: Unveiling Geisha History: Meet One of Japan’s Only Six Male Geisha Alongside Elegant Female Geisha

Living Legends: A Journey into the Forgotten World of Geisha History through Japan’s Last Six Hōkan

As the second installment in our “Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan” series—following the acclaimed Exclusive Premium Geisha Experience in Kagurazaka—we now unveil a cultural treasure even most Japanese have never encountered: the Exclusive Premium Male and Female Geisha Experience in Kagurazaka. This private banquet features one of Japan’s last remaining hōkan—the elusive male geisha—alongside graceful geisha ladies, all in the heart of Tokyo's Kagurazaka.

In fact, hōkan actually predate female geisha. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it was common to see hōkan and geisha performing together—blending wit, elegance, and artistry into every gathering. Why not journey back 300 to 400 years, like a samurai of old, and experience this living legacy for yourself?

After all, this is what geisha history is truly about.

A Culture Lover’s Secret: Only 6 Hōkan Remain in Japan

Long before stand-up comedy or late-night talk shows, banquet rooms in Edo Japan were enlivened by witty male entertainers called hōkan. In the late 19th century more than 470 performed nationwide; today the art survives through just six professionals. Meeting a hōkan is therefore not tourism—it is cultural conservation in real time.

Where Geisha Grace Meets Hōkan Humor

Your venue is Ryotei Yukimoto (est. 1948), Kagurazaka’s most storied traditional restaurant. Settle onto woven tatami as three geisha glide in with shamisen, followed by Matsunoya Hachikō—Tokyo Asakusa district’s celebrated hōkan. Together they recreate the balanced, male-and-female hospitality that Edo-period samurai once enjoyed.

Performance Highlights (20–30 min)

• Yakko-san parade & classical dance

• Chaplin-esque mime sketches unique to Hachikō

• Interactive ozashiki games—sophisticated yet uproarious

A bilingual facilitator is present throughout, but you may find you don’t need translation at all…

Comedy Without Words—Perfect for Every Guest List

Hachikō’s training in pantomime means facial nuance, timing, and gesture do the talking. Even guests with zero Japanese smile within seconds.

Tailor-Made Luxury, Tight-Knit Audience

• Private hire of the entire ryotei hall (capacity 30; smaller parties possible)

• Flexible 2–3-hour format; choose extra sake pairing, sommelier-led Japanese-whisky flight

• Post-show Q&A—compare Asakusa and Kagurazaka geisha traditions, or ask how a hōkan trains in Nihon-buyō dance

• Discreet pick-up service and photographic embargo available for VIPs

Every detail—from seasonal kaiseki menu to farewell gift—can be adapted to brand guidelines or client sensibilities.

Your Laughter Keeps Edo Alive

When the final note fades and laughter settles into candle-lit silence, you will realize this was more than entertainment. By booking a hōkan you help finance apprenticeships, costume restoration, and stage preservation that keep a 400-year cultural lineage breathing into the next century.

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.