Unlocking the Secrets of Ozashiki Games: Traditional Geisha Play You Can Only Experience in a Ryotei

Come And Enjoy Time-Honored Games With Geisha In A Traditional Ryotei

Did you know that “ozashiki games” are traditional party games played exclusively with geisha inside a ryotei (a traditional Japanese restaurant)? These games date back to the Edo period (1603-1867) and are only possible in the intimate tatami-mat setting of a ryotei. They cannot be experienced during a typical geisha stage performance, meaning the only way to enjoy them is to attend a real geisha banquet at a ryotei.

When combined with a viewing of geisha dance, ozashiki games form the full experience known as “ozashiki asobi.” In other words, just watching a geisha dance means you’ve only experienced half of what ozashiki asobi truly offers.

Some popular ozashiki games include:

• Konpira Fune-fune

• Tora Tora

• Hyoumen Choryoku (Surface Tension Game)

• Ochoko Kuru Kuru (Spinning Sake Cup)

• Go Ishi Hiroi

• Kiku no Hana (Chrysanthemum Flower)

• Shimbun (Newspaper) Pata Pata

• Tōsenkyō

100 Years of Fun: The Genius of Games Made with What’s at Hand

A defining characteristic of ozashiki games is that they only use items found within the tatami room itself. Common props include sake cups, the “hakama” base of a sake bottle, byoubu (folding screens), and other traditional elements. Nothing modern is used, adding to the authenticity and charm. Many of these games are believed to have been passed down since the Edo period.

Because these games are traditionally played during banquets with alcohol, they are all designed to be easy and accessible—even for guests who may already be a bit tipsy. Despite their simplicity, the games create a lively and joyful atmosphere. It’s always a mystery how such basic games can generate so much excitement, but perhaps that’s the brilliance of Edo-period creativity. The fact that these games have survived for over 100 years speaks to their timeless entertainment value.

The Penalty Drink: Bappai and the Art of Lively Hospitality

One notable feature of ozashiki games is the tradition of the bappai (penalty drink). The loser of a round is invited to drink a cup of sake after the geisha playfully sings, “Let’s see how well our guest can drink—bottoms up!” She then cheers, “What a stylish drinker—you’re amazing!”

This spirited exchange adds to the excitement of the atmosphere and helps foster a sense of camaraderie. For guests who do not drink alcohol, water or another beverage may be substituted.

If the geisha loses, she also takes the penalty drink—with a cheerful smile.

Game Descriptions

Konpira Fune-fune

A rhythm game accompanied by live shamisen music. Players take turns placing their hands on a sake bottle’s base (the “hakama”). If the base is present, the hand gesture should be open (palm down); if the base has been removed, the correct gesture is a fist. The tempo of the shamisen gradually increases, making the game more difficult as it goes on. Though it looks easy, it's actually quite tricky and is one of the most iconic ozashiki games.

Tora Tora

A full-body rock-paper-scissors game. Two geisha and two guests face each other across a folding screen. Players can choose to appear as a tiger, a samurai, or an old woman. Tigers beat old women, old women beat samurai (because a mother always wins over her child—“mothers are strong”), and samurai beat tigers. Before each round, participants sing and dance the “Tora Tora” song together with the geisha, which is especially popular among foreign guests. Like Konpira Fune-fune, Tora Tora is a signature ozashiki game.

Hyoumen Choryoku (Surface Tension Game)

Played in groups of five or six, this game involves taking turns pouring sake into a small cup. The person who causes it to overflow loses. Despite its simplicity, it is a highly suspenseful and entertaining game that can last over 10 minutes.

Ochoko Kuru Kuru (Spinning Sake Cup)

A fast-paced competition where players race to wind up a sake cup suspended by a string. Though the game lasts only about 10 seconds, the intensity and excitement it brings are remarkable.

Go Ishi Hiroi (Pick-Up the Go Stones)

Players compete to see who can pick up the most go stones using chopsticks. Because the stones are slippery, it’s more difficult than it sounds and requires concentration and dexterity.

Kiku no Hana (Chrysanthemum Flower)

A game where players try to find a hidden chrysanthemum flower placed under one of several upside-down sake cups. Each player lifts a cup in turn, and the one who uncovers the flower loses. Think of it as a kind of Japanese sake-cup Russian roulette.

Shimbun (Newspaper) Pata Pata

A playful game involving a newspaper sheet. The loser of each round of rock-paper-scissors must fold the newspaper smaller and smaller. Eventually, standing on it becomes impossible and that person loses. When played in pairs with geisha, the game often ends in a close embrace, which gets plenty of laughs. Alternatively, couples or spouses can pair up for a more romantic twist. Despite the slightly risqué overtones, the game is simple and full of fun.

Tōsenkyō

Players take turns throwing folding fans at a target in an effort to knock it over. It’s much harder than it looks, and the fans often miss entirely. Each person typically throws five fans, and points are awarded based on how the target falls—making scoring somewhat complicated. Tōsenkyō usually requires at least 30 minutes and is best suited for banquets with extended time.

A Journey into the Timeless World of Ozashiki Asobi

Why not dive into the world of ozashiki games and experience “ozashiki asobi” to the fullest—combining geisha dance with direct interaction?

It’s not just a glimpse into the past. It’s a living tradition that continues to enchant the world today, offering an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate the timeless beauty of geisha culture and see behind the elegant surface.

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