Experience Geisha Culture with Dance, Song, and Traditional Games at Soto Terrace

Hachioji flourished as a textile town during the Taisho and Showa periods. Restaurants and tea houses emerged as social hubs for merchants who came to buy textiles, and the geisha culture grew, providing entertainment with song and dance during banquets and business meetings. The Nakamachi area, at the heart of the city, became the only geisha district in the Tama region and was once home to more than 200 geisha at its peak.

Today, the charming geisha district of Kurobei Street in Nakamachi still remains, with 13 active geisha carrying on the traditions of Hachioji’s geisha world. These geisha play a vital role in preserving and passing on cultural heritage, not only through their performances but also by engaging with local businesses, participating in cultural exchanges, costume events, and even women's gatherings. Their efforts help bridge the gap between tradition and modern life, promoting both the local culture and industries of Hachioji.

You can easily experience Hachioji’s geisha culture at Soto Terrace. Opened in November 2022, Soto Terrace has quickly gained attention as a hub for traditional arts and culture, hosting events like the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo puppet performances, which are designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and rakugo (comic storytelling) shows. Among these, the monthly Hachioji Geisha Lunch & Dinner event stands out, where visitors can enjoy geisha performances of dance, song, traditional parlor games, and heartfelt hospitality.

The Geisha Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. As you enter the grand hall of Soto Terrace, excitement builds as you wait for the event to start. On the table is a luxurious course meal prepared by Sumibiyaki Rakuza, featuring appetizers, sashimi, grilled skewers, oden, and other traditional Japanese dishes, all served in generous portions.

The geisha arrive, and the event begins. Seeing them up close—something that until now you may have only seen in movies—is enough to make your heart skip a beat!
First, the geisha greet the guests and introduce themselves. They also share stories about the workings of the Hachioji geisha world and the history of the local hanamachi (geisha district).

Next comes the social time, where you enjoy casual conversation while savoring your meal. The geisha pour drinks for the guests, and the relaxed conversations begin. For many, it’s their first time interacting with a geisha so closely, which can be a bit nerve-wracking at first. However, the geisha, being masters of hospitality, skillfully break the ice and engage you with their charming conversation techniques. Their subtle attentiveness and ability to create a lively atmosphere are truly impressive.

As the food and drinks begin to flow smoothly, a performance is presented, accompanied by the melodic sound of the shamisen. The graceful movements are a feast for the eyes! Every gesture, down to the fingertips, is polished and refined, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of this elegant art form up close—a truly luxurious moment.

Next, we had the opportunity to experience the much-anticipated traditional parlor games.
The specific games vary by day, and on this occasion, we played Tora Tora and Konpira Fune Fune.

When visiting "Soto Terrace," a must-stop is "Tokyo Hachioji Brewery," located just 50 meters away. It can be found in a corner of Kurobei Street.This small brewery excels at producing fresh, easy-to-drink sake, thanks to its carefully controlled brewing environment. One of their standout offerings is "Prototype 1," a fruity, unpasteurized sake made with locally grown rice from Hachioji—perfect as a souvenir!

Although the world of geisha districts might seem a bit intimidating, the Geisha Dinner & Lunch at Soto Terrace offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you're visiting Hachioji, be sure to make a reservation and experience the rich, traditional geisha culture that Hachioji is proud to offer.