A Feast of Morioka

TOUR

“Skills” inherited in Morioka and “Arts” passed down to the future.
The traditions woven together create the history of Morioka.

Morioka History Shot

A Feast of Morioka

woven by the Traditions of Morioka’s Geigi and Ryotei Culture
to Pass on to the Next Generation

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INTRODUCTION

Experience “the Hospitality of Morioka”, enjoying the seasonal delicacies at a Ryotei, along with dance and art performances

“Morioka Geigi” refers to a hospitality of women who perform dances and art performances in settings like tatami rooms. Morioka has a long history of flourishing arts, particularly in areas like “Hachiman” and “Honcho” where there were red light districts. Besides ryotei, there were also mentor houses where they taught singing and dancing. Their performances were known for their high quality, winning a regional competition* in the Tohoku region in 1908. Why not experience their hospitality in Morioka?

Tonight’s stage is set at a traditional restaurant that has long watched over Morioka’s history. While savoring the four seasons of Japan, indulge in the charm of Morioka geigi. With the ‘Morioka-style Hospitality’ of entertainment and cuisine, please enjoy a wonderful time with your loved ones and business partners.

* Part of the Tohoku Six Prefectures Joint Exhibition Performance Category

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LOCATION

Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and rich in nature. The towns you will visit this time, Shizukuishi Town and Nishiwaga Town, are located in the westernmost part of Iwate Prefecture and are known for their abundant nature and snowfall, making them particularly suitable for agriculture and livestock.

ACCESS

FROM TOKYO

BULLET TRAIN

FROM OSAKA

AIRPLANE / BUS

FROM TAIWAN

AIRPLANE / BUS

ABOUT MORIOKA

Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
“A Castle Town came along with Rich Nature”

© Iwate Tourism Association

Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Blessed with abundant natural resources, it offers a wealth of ingredients and hot springs to enjoy, along with historical and cultural landmarks scattered throughout. Whether it’s food or activities, you can savor the unique pleasures of each season in this region.

Morioka City, the central hub of Iwate Prefecture, has its roots in the Edo period when the construction of Morioka Castle attracted merchants and artisans. Samurai residences and temples were established in the vicinity. Although the castle no longer exists, and the site became a park, the city retains the ambiance and charm of that era’s castle town. Surrounded by mountains and with three rivers flowing through, Morioka City’s enchanting atmosphere and the blessings of nature continue to shape the lives of its inhabitants.

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TOUR ITINERARY

    • 17:30

      Gathering and Rapid Antigen Test

      @Morioka station or designated accommodation, etc. within Morioka city

    • 18:00

      Dinner and Geiko Performance

      @Morioka’s Ryotei

    • 20:30

      Closing Tea Ceremony

      @Ocha to Tetsubin engawa

    • 21:30

      Dispersal

      @Morioka station or designated accommodation, etc. within Morioka city

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SPOT

Morioka’s Ryotei

“Ryotei Kyogoku” or “Ryotei Kinoji”

Morioka once had red light districts known as “Hachiman” and “Honcho,” each with numerous ryotei. Mancho was mainly frequented by merchants, while Honcho was located near government offices and was often frequented by bureaucrats and politicians. The geishas who were invited to perform in these tatami rooms were known as “Hachiman Geigi” and “Honcho Geigi.” They had distinct styles and were said to compete in their performances. Over time, due to changes in social and economic conditions, the number of ryotei decreased. However, three ryotei continue to operate in Morioka today.

Performance

Dinner

* This image is for illustrative purposes only.

Experience the charm of iron kettles

“Ocha to Tetsubin engawa”

After leaving the ryotei, the next destination is a tea house within Morioka city. Here, in a tatami room with a view of a changing seasonal garden, you’ll enjoy tea made with Morioka’s traditional craft, Nanbu ironware. This closing tea ceremony, unique to Morioka, will help you unwind and relax, soothing the spirits after indulging in the exquisite cuisine, sake, and tatami room experience at the ryotei.

Brewing with an iron kettle

Coffee

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OVER VIEW

  • Tour Name

    A Feast of Morioka woven by the Traditions of Morioka’s Geigi and Ryotei Culture to Pass on to the Next Generation

  • Date

    We will arrange it according to your preferences. (Request-based)

    * Regarding the date, it may not be possible on the date you applied for depending on the reservation status and various conditions. We will confirm the reservation status and contact you separately.

  • Price

    98,000 yen per person (including tax)

  • Basic Course

    • 17:30

      Gathering “Morioka Station South Exit Taxi Stand” or “Any preferred accommodation, etc”

    • Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)

    • 18:00-

      Dinner / Geiko Performance

    • Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)

    • 20:30-21:00

      Closing Tea Ceremony “Ocha to Tetsubin engawa”

    • Transportation (Vehicle with a driver)

    • 21:30

      Dispersal “Morioka Station South Exit Taxi Stand” or “Any preferred accommodation, etc”

  • Duration (approximately)

    4 hours

  • Minimum Number of Participants for Operation

    2 people

  • Minimum Number of Participants for booking

    2 people

  • Maximum Number of Participants for Operation

    5 people

  • Cancellation Fee
    (Counted from the Day Before the Start of the Trip)

    • From the 10th day to the 8th day

      20%

    • From the 7th day to the 2nd day

      30%

    • The day before

      40%

    • On the day (Before the trip starts)

      50%

    • On the day (After the trip starts, no-show without prior notice)

      100%

  • Travel price includes

    Vehicle fee (including driver) from assembly to dispersal, rapid antigen test fee, guide fee, ryotei meal fee, tea ceremony fee, geisha flower fee and transportation fee.

    * Additional charges apply for foreign language guides. Please inquire at the time of booking.

  • Other Important Note

    [Regarding the Date]

    • We will inquire about your desired date through the application form and confirm the feasibility with relevant parties.
    • Based on the results of this confirmation, we will inform you whether the tour can proceed.
      Please understand that depending on your preferred date, it may not be possible to proceed with the tour or there may be changes in the planned stops.

TOUR LINEUP

MORIOKA

“Skills” inherited in Morioka and “Arts” passed down to the future.
The traditions woven together create the history of Morioka.

Morioka History Shot

SHIWA

In Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of Japan’s largest group of sake brewers, the “Nanbu Toji”