A New Tour to Enjoy Only “Ozashiki Asobi” with Geisha at a Ryotei in Shinjuku – Perfect for Families with Children

Perfect Geisha “Ozashiki Asobi” for Families with Children in Shinjuku

A new tour has been introduced at the Kagurazaka Ryotei “Yukimoto” in Shinjuku Ward, where you can enjoy only “Ozashiki Asobi” with geisha! Ryotei “Yukimoto” is a long-established ryotei located in Hyogo Yokocho, which is said to be the most famous scenery in Kagurazaka. Why not make wonderful memories by enjoying “Ozashiki Asobi” with Kagurazaka geisha at this Ryotei “Yukimoto” in Shinjuku?

Normally, a Ryotei ozashiki (geisha banquet) involves a full-course meal over two hours, during which guests enjoy geisha performances of dance, song, shamisen, and “Ozashiki Asobi.” However, this new tour plan allows you to enjoy only “Ozashiki Asobi” with geisha before the banquet, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

“Ozashiki Asobi” with geisha is immensely enjoyable not only for Japanese but also for foreigners who do not understand Japanese. Additionally, children also find great joy in these games. Some representative “Ozashiki Asobi” include “Konpira Funefune” and “Toratora.”

This tour is perfect not only for those who want to enjoy “Ozashiki Asobi” with geisha during the day but also for those who prefer to choose their own dinner. It is especially ideal for families with children who may find it difficult to stay in an ozashiki for an extended period. Enjoy “Ozashiki Asobi” with Kagurazaka geisha at Ryotei “Yukimoto” and create wonderful memories of your trip to Japan. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Examples of Ozashiki Asobi

Konpira Funefune

How to Play:

The guest and the geisha sit facing each other with a table between them. While singing the song “Konpira Funefune,” they alternately place their hands in the “pa” (palm down) position on a bowl on the table, in rhythm with the music. When you pick up an imaginary object, your opponent places their hand in the “gu” (fist) position on the empty table. This action is repeated, and the first to make a mistake loses.

Origin of Konpira Funefune:

“Konpira Funefune” is an old Japanese folk song based on the Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, known as the guardian of maritime safety. The lively tempo and richly described lyrics of the song, along with its fun as an “Ozashiki Asobi,” have made it popular in ozashiki settings nationwide.

Toratora

How to Play:

This game is a physical version of rock-paper-scissors played by two people. A screen or sliding door is set up between the guest and the geisha so that they cannot see each other. “Toratora” is a traditional ozashiki game derived from Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s Joruri play “Kokusenya Kassen.”

The outcome is decided using “three-way standoffs” similar to rock-paper-scissors but with body gestures.

Watounai’s spear wins against the tiger.

The tiger wins against the old mother.

The old mother wins against Watounai.

Watounai (和藤内): The protagonist of “Kokusenya Kassen,” modeled after Zheng Chenggong, a Chinese politician from the Ming Dynasty.

Origin of Toratora:

“Toratora” has existed as an ozashiki game since the early Meiji period. Many games based on the “three-way standoff” concept have been played throughout history, and one of these games became rooted in ozashiki culture.

Book Experience

Kagurazaka Geisha (Ozashiki Asobi)

Kagurazaka Geisha (Ryotei)

Clothing Rental (Samue or Outdoor Wear)

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.