Maiko Performances at Somaro
Yamagata Prefecture
See the practiced perfection and elegance of the maiko of Somaro Maiko Teahouse in the heart of Sakata City.
These geisha in training give two daily performances at noon and 2:00pm to live singing and shamisen by one of the head geisha instructors of the Somaro.
See our full article on Somaro Maiko Teahouse here.
This Edo era facility once had over 150 maiko who entertained high level merchants and government officials visiting the Shonai region. The performances today are the result of decades of effort by the city and people of Sakata to restore a central part of their cultural identity.
We recommend these performances as a must-see attraction to those visiting the Shonai area of Yamagata Prefecture.
Experience a Maiko Performance
What's Included
Watch the Sakata maiko (trainee geisha) perform several traditional dances to live music.
Explore the Somaro Maiko Teahouse Museum
Enjoy a luxurious lunch along with the performance (12pm performance only, by advance reservation)
Cost
2:00pm Daily Performance: ¥2500 (no performance fee is required for accompanying children under 5 years old, but arrangement fees will be required)
12:00pm Bento Lunch and Performance (choose one):
- Multi-course Kaiseki Bento ¥8000
- Chirashi Sushi Bento ¥9000
- Unagi Eel Bento ¥10000
- Children’s Bento (only available for children kindergarten age or younger) ¥2500
We can handle individual bookings with an additional arrangement fee of ¥1500 per person (children included).
Experience Availability
Year round (closed on Wednesdays)
Lunch bento cannot be ordered on Sundays
Solo travelers: Please note that Somaro cannot accept bookings for solo travelers unless there are other guests who have already made a reservation for the same performance.
Average Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Sample itinerary:
2:00 PM View a video about Somaro
2:10 PM See the maiko dance performances
2:25 PM Opportunity to take photos with the maiko
2:30~ Self-guided tour around the historical building
Meeting Location
Somaro Maiko Teahouse
Important notes
Experience availability may vary. Please send a request through the contact form to check availability.
Reservations should be made at least 3 business days in advance.
Please check the cancellation policy below before booking.
The Performances of Somaro
Performances at Somaro are split into two categories.
2pm Daily Dance Performance
These daily performances are open to the public at 2:00pm each day.
These performances accept advance reservation, but are also open to day-of visitors if there are extra seats available. Up to 60 guests are accepted per performance.
The admission fee for this performance is ¥2500 per person, plus an arrangement fee of ¥1500 per person. The admission fee also includes the entrance fee to the many tea and exhibition rooms in Somaro.
12pm Bento Lunch and Performance
Another chance to see the performances of the maiko is at the 12:00pm lunch performance. These performances include a bento lunch served prior to the performance, and are not open to guests who have not reserved lunch, so these performances usually have less than 20 people. Please note that these lunch performances require reservations at least 3 business days in advance.
The price of lunch varies based on your bento choice. Due to limitations in Somaro’s ability to prepare multiple types of bento, please choose one type of bento for your entire group.
- Multi-course Kaiseki Bento ¥8000
- Chirashi Sushi Bento ¥9000
- Unagi Eel Bento ¥10000
- Children’s Bento (only available for children kindergarten age or younger) ¥2500
Reserve a Maiko Performance
We handle bookings with an arrangement fee of ¥1500 per person, plus a fee to cover the transaction. Please note this form does not confirm the availability of a booking straightaway.
Cancellation policy
Our general cancellation policy for our experiences is below. Cancellation policy may vary in exceptional circumstances.
3 business days or more before date of experience
20% of total price
2 business days before date of experience
30% of total price
1 business day before date of experience
50% of total price
Same day
100% of total price
