Kyoto Cultural Night: Live Shamisen, Geisha games & Karaoke

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover Kyoto's culture and nostalgic nightlife in one evening.

Start with a short walk through historic Pontocho and learn about its history. Then visit two local Japanese snack bars for live shamisen music, geish party games, karaoke, drinks, and friendly local hosts.

At the first bar, enjoy live shamisen and Japanese folk songs performed by your host, a shamisen teacher. Learn about the shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, and even try playing it yourself with guidance from the host.

Join traditional ozashiki-style (geish) party games connected to geisha culture, then enjoy karaoke. The bar has many songs, including English hits, anime songs, and Japanese favorites.

Next, visit a retro-style snack bar for karaoke and drinks in a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere.

Your guide stays with you throughout the evening to help with communication and explain local customs.

Please note: Geisha and maiko do not participate in this experience.

What's Included

First Bar・ Light snacks. All-you-can-drink from the bar’s selected menu. 1 beer/person.
Second Bar All-you-can-drink from the bar’s selected menu. Beer costs extra.
Full meals (only light snacks are included)
Additional beer at the first bar. Beer at the second bar

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of the Takayama Hikokuro Statue near Sanjo Keihan Station(Exit 5). Look for your guide holding a BookMeKyoto sign.

End point

The tour ends at the second snack bar. As the bar cannot be marked on the map, nearby Pontocho Park is shown as the tour end point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Pontocho

    Discover Pontocho’s history and its heritage as one of Kyoto’s traditional geisha districts.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Pontocho

    First Local Snack Bar Step inside an authentic Japanese snack bar and enjoy: ・Live shamisen music performed by the bar’s host, who is also a shamisen teacher ・Traditional geisha-style party games and live Japanese folk songs (minyo) ・Karaoke with English hits, anime songs, and Japanese favorites ・Drinks, light snacks, and conversation with your local host

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Pontocho

    Second Local Snack Bar Continue to a classic Japanese snack bar with a nostalgic retro interior. Relax in the local atmosphere, enjoy all-you-can-drink beverages, and sing karaoke with your host and fellow guests.

    1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for guests who are sensitive to cigarette smoke. Smoking is permitted inside both snack bars.
Supplied by BookMeKyoto

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Nightlife
Music Tours
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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