All About Japan

Geisha & Handicraft Experiences in Hakone

Geisha Handicrafts Ryokan Hakone Japanese Countryside Hakone-Yugawara Kanagawa Kanto

If you want to get into traditional Japanese culture in the Hakone area, two popular activities to try are geisha performances and wooden mosaic making, a traditional local handicraft.

1. Geisha Performance

1. Geisha Performance

http://english.ichinoyu.co.jp/index.php

Experience a tradition passed down for 100 years in a 380-year-old Japanese-style inn, or ryokan. Listen to Hakone geisha sing, watch them dance, and even dance along at the historic Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan ryokan in Hakone. ‎¥5,400 allows you to enjoy a live geisha performance along with dinner and all-you-can-drink beverages for two hours.

Capacity: 10 to 25 people (2 to 4 people per table; you may be asked to share a table during busy times)
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

*In the event that the minimum number of 10 people do not sign up for the geisha performance, it will be canceled.

2. Wooden Mosaic Making

2. Wooden Mosaic Making

http://english.ichinoyu.co.jp/index.php

When you stay at the Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan, you can also experience making an original wooden mosaic piece, a traditional handicraft of the Hakone region. The experience takes about 40 minutes. When you're done, you can also visit Honma Yosegi Art Museum to appreciate wooden mosaic art and wooden inlaid works from the Edo Period (1603-1868) to the early years of the Showa Period (1926-1989). The crafting experience can be done on the day of your stay at the ryokan or after you check out.

Starting Time: 10:30 a.m.

* Starting time may change depending on circumstances.