Origin of Akita Bijin Let's go and meet Akita Maiko [Akita Culture and Industry Center Matsushita].

  • Akita
  • Experience Gifu
Maiko and geiko are famous for the Hanamachi culture of Kyoto's Gion district, but did you know that there are maiko and geiko in Akita as well? This time, we would like to introduce "Akita Cultural and Industrial Facility Matsushita," a 15-minute walk from Akita Station, where you can easily experience Akita maiko. It is an indoor facility, so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather!

Akita Maiko, the origin of Akita Bijin, is back!

When one hears the word "Akita," one of the things that come to mind is probably "Akita Bijin" (Akita Beauties). It is said that the term "Akita Bijin" was coined from the "Kawatan Geisha," a geisha culture that once flourished in Akita. Kawatan, a downtown area along the Asahikawa River in Akita City, used to be lined with ryotei restaurants and nearly 200 Kawatan geisha, who supported the bustle of the town. However, due to a lack of successors and a decrease in the number of tatami rooms, the signboard was once taken down at the beginning of the Heisei era, but in 2014, the training of maiko began again, and in 2018, the Akita Kawatan Geiko Ren was revived after 30 years.
Using a fan
Using a Japanese umbrella

Akita Cultural and Industrial Facility Matsushita" where you can easily meet Akita Maiko in 15 minutes on foot from Akita Station.

Many people think that maiko and geiko are very difficult to go see, but there are places where you can easily experience Akita maiko! Two performances are held every Saturday at the Akita Culture and Industry Facility Matsushita, located about a 15-minute walk from Akita Station. There are two types of performances: the "Noon Performance," where you can watch a dance performance while eating lunch and have a maiko greeting you, and the "Late Afternoon Performance," where you can experience a tea ceremony, dance performance, and ozashiki (Japanese-style room) game.

Recommended for a small number of guests! Luxurious and complete private plan

On weekdays, visitors can rent out a large hall of approximately 80 tatami mats for about one hour between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, and enjoy a tea ceremony, dance performance, and commemorative photo. A boxed lunch is also available as an option. For details, please contact "Akita Culture and Industry Facility Matsushita.

You can deliver your message directly to Geisha Maiko!

We have introduced a system that allows you to send messages of support or money directly to geiko and maiko, in a "guess and pray" type of way. Please send them a warm cheer.
For more information

Get special offers with Ekitoma ticket!

If you purchase an Ekitoma ticket at JRE MALL and use it as payment, you will receive this postcard!
You can get cute postcards!
Click here for Ekitoma ticket

Akita Cultural and Industrial Facility Matsushita, a repurposed ryotei (traditional Japanese-style restaurant)

The Akita Culture and Industry Facility Matsushita was reborn in June 2016 as a complex facility where visitors can experience Akita's culture, including the Akita Maiko Theater.
Upon entering through the curtain of "Matsushita," visitors will find a corridor decorated with photos of Akita's old scenery. If you have time before or after the dance performance starts or closes, please take a moment to discover the places that are completely different from and the same as the Akita of today!
For more information about Akita Maiko and Akita Geisha
Akita Maiko and Akita Geisha instagram

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package View JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + lodging [Akita area], book with [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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