Geiko Cafe Ito

At this café, you can easily experience traditional Japanese performing arts, including geiko dances and ozashiki-asobi, a form of traditional entertainment involving games with geiko.

Located in Arima Onsen, reputedly Japan’s oldest hot spring, this area is the only place in Hyogo Prefecture where geiko culture still thrives. In 2015, the first floor of Arima Kenban, the geiko office, was transformed into a café bar with a permanent stage. In 2021, Arima Onsen's geiko culture was recognized as a Kobe City Historical Heritage. The café is staffed by Arima geiko, who perform dances accompanied by shamisen and nagauta (traditional Japanese music).

Since performances are only held on weekends, it's recommended to check the schedule in advance. All staff members are active geiko, who wear traditional white face makeup and kimono while serving customers. You can enjoy a limited quantity set of traditional Japanese sweets and matcha, carefully selected by the discerning taste of the geiko, while having a rare chance to interact with them.

Ozashiki-asobi, traditional games with geiko, is available exclusively during private reservations. In the evenings, the café operates as "Geiko Bar," offering a 90-minute all-you-can-drink experience by reservation only.