Maiko are Geisha trainees (Geiko in the Kyoto dialect) who spend six years learning the trade before becoming full-fledged Geisha. They train themselves to entertain others with words, music, and dance. They reside in one of five "hanamachi" (meaning flower villages) in Kyoto and frequent the city's many teahouses for social gatherings.
In the 1920s, Japan was home to as many as 80,000 Geisha and Maiko; now, that number has dropped to about 2,000. Therefore, being in Maiko's company is now an exclusive privilege reserved for the very few.
Located near the Kamogawa River in the heart of Kyoto, the traditional restaurant Ganko Njio-en is known for its elaborately planted garden and regular performances by Maiko. The Maiko performance will run for 40 minutes as diners enjoy a sushi and kaiseki set dinner.
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