Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto) has announced the full schedule for its popular monthly program, "Maiko-han and the Light of Japanese Wax Candles – Experiencing Kyoto's Traditional Culture," running from April 2026 through March 2027 on the second Friday of each month.
Kyoto is one of Japan's most visited cities, drawing tourists from both home and abroad. In recent years, the city has seen growing interest in experiential tourism — not just visiting historical sites, but actually engaging with local culture and daily life. This approximately one-hour program distills the essence of Kyoto's traditional industries, offering guests a chance to experience the city's heritage up close.
Set against the atmospheric glow of Japanese wax candles (wa rooku), the event includes a maiko dance performance, a talk show about traditional costumes designated as Kyoto City Traditional Industries, ozashiki asobi (traditional parlor games), and a commemorative photo session with the maiko. Participants also receive one "Ofuki" — an original InterGate Hotels smartphone cleaning cloth made from hand-dyed Kyo-yuzen silk — as a participation gift.
Note: Among the traditional industries and cultural experiences featured, the various ornaments worn by the maiko (including Nishijin-ori and Kyo-yuzen fabrics) and the Japanese wax candles are designated Kyoto City Traditional Industry products under the Kyoto City Traditional Industry Revitalization Promotion Ordinance.
Event Details
Event Name: Maiko-han and the Light of Japanese Wax Candles – Experiencing Kyoto's Traditional Culture
Official Event Page: https://www.intergatehotels.jp/kyoto-shijo/recommendation/36570.html
Organizer: Nakamura Rōsoku Co., Ltd.
Supported by: Kyoto City
Schedule: Second Friday of each month
- 2026: April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
- 2027: January 8, February 12, March 12
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Reception from 6:20 PM)
Venue: Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi, 1F Special Event Space
Admission:
- Hotel guests: ¥4,000 (tax included)
- Outside visitors: ¥4,500 (tax included)
- Front-row guaranteed seating: additional ¥500 (first 5 guests; please indicate preference at time of booking)
Program:
- Dance performance
- Talk show (including explanation of Kyoto City designated traditional industry costumes)
- Ozashiki asobi (traditional parlor games)
- Commemorative photo with maiko
Participation Gift: One "Ofuki" (original InterGate Hotels smartphone cleaner made from hand-dyed Kyo-yuzen silk)
Notes:
- Advance reservations are recommended. Seating is limited.
- Photo sessions with the maiko are taken using guests' own cameras.
- The event may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Reservations & Inquiries: Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi Main: 075-255-2221
Stay-and-Event Package
A lodging plan that includes the event ticket is also available.
Plan URL: https://x.gd/EEnQp
Sample Rate: Superior Twin (24 m², non-smoking), for 2 guests sharing one room — from ¥14,300 per person (tax and service charge included)
Special Free Performance for Hotel Guests – Intergate Lounge
As an exclusive benefit for hotel guests, a special maiko dance performance is held in the Intergate Lounge on the same evenings as the main event.
- Time: Second Friday of each month, 6:30 PM to 6:40 PM (approximately 10 minutes)
- Venue: Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi, 1F Intergate Lounge
- Admission: Free (hotel guests only)
