“The Traditional Beauty of Kyoto Supporting Geiko and Maiko Culture” Exhibition of Kimonos, Crafts, and Prints Art, and Special Performances by Geiko and Maiko

 TOKYO - Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (KPH), Tokyo, one of Japan’s most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will hold a special exhibition entitled “The Traditional Beauty of Kyoto Supporting Geiko and Maiko Culture” showcasing Kyoto’s traditional arts to provide insight to the cultural aspect of Japan’s traditional Geiko and Maiko culture. This exhibition will be held from October 3 (Wednesday) to November 9 (Friday), 2018 in the Art Lobby located on the 3rd floor of our Hotel and will display examples of “Kyo Yuzen” traditional dying techniques, “Nishijin Ori” woven materials, “Hanakanzashi” ornate combs and other props used by “Geiko” (the preferred term in Kyoto for geisha), women who study and perform the ancient tradition of art, dance and singing, wearing traditional kimono gowns and makeup, and “Maiko”, considered to be apprentice “Geiko”. On October 25, 2018, popular Geiko and Maiko from Kyoto will give special performances in the lobby of our Hotel, and during a special luncheon event and a dinner event. In addition, three of our restaurants will serve specially prepared foods and cocktails between October 1 (Monday) to 31 (Wednesday), 2018. The Keio Plaza Hotel Tama and Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji will also conduct similar exhibitions showcasing traditional Kyoto arts and crafts between October 3 (Wednesday) to November 8 (Thursday), 2018.

“The Traditional Beauty of Kyoto Supporting Geiko and Maiko Culture” exhibition will introduce traditional “Hanagasa” umbrellas, fans and other props used in Geiko and Maiko performances. In addition, photographs showing various scenes taken in each season from the “Gokagai entertainment districts” of Kyoto will be on display to show guests glimpses of Japanese culture. Also, woodblock prints created by the renowned artist Masao Ido showing scenes of Kyoto in various seasons will be on display.

On October 25, 2018, popular Geiko, Maiko, and musician from the Komaya Geiko House in Miyagawacho, Kyoto will perform special events, including a special complimentary Geiko and Maiko demonstration performance will also be held in the lobby of our Hotel from 4:00p.m. as a unique opportunity to experience this traditional cultural art by both our Japanese and international guests, who now account for 75% of all guests staying at our Hotel.

Also, a presentation on the history and lifestyle of Geiko will be given by Keiko Sumii, President of “Komaruya”, a company that produces ornate fans and other props used by Geiko and Maiko for generations. After Keiko Sumai’s presentation, guests will be served special luncheon menu items created Chief Executive Chef Hiroshi Ichikawa. Shortly after the lunch service has started, a special performance by Geiko and Maiko will also be conducted. Another performance by Geiko and Maiko will be held from 6:00p.m. in our Kaiseki Cuisine “Soujuan” Restaurant with various delectable Japanese foods specially prepared by Executive Chef Eiki Sasaki being served.

At our Japanese Cuisine “Kagari” Restaurant, Art Lounge “Duet”, and Main Bar “Brillant”, special lunches, dinners, afternoon tea and cocktails reflecting the autumn season will be prepared for our guests between October 1 (Monday) and 31 (Wednesday), 2018. In addition, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tama and Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji will display various pottery and other handcrafted art items as an introduction to Kyoto’s traditional handcrafts between October 3 (Wednesday) and November 8 (Thursday), 2018. Also, the Keio Group’s hotel network is expanding with the recent opening of the “Rakuro Kyoto – The Share Hotels” in Marutacho, Kyoto in May, and the opening of the Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo scheduled for November 2018. Consequently we are holding various events introducing the arts and culture of Kyoto to help commemorate the opening of these new hotels.