Private Ginza Evening: Omakase, Sake and a Former Geisha's Bar

This is an evening in two parts, both in Ginza. The first is a long sushi dinner at an exclusive counter in the backstreets: a 16-course omakase menu built around the freshest seasonal fish, served piece by piece by an itamae, the master sushi chef. You sit at the counter and watch the work from close by. Unlimited premium Japanese sake is served through the meal, in styles that range from crisp and dry to fruity and full-bodied, and your guide explains what suits which course along with the etiquette and history behind both the food and the drink.

The second part is a bar owned and run by a former geisha, in the middle of Ginza. A welcome drink is included, and because your guide stays with you and translates, language stops being the obstacle. The listing suggests the questions people ask: what geisha training involves, how a geisha differs from a maiko, what the common misconceptions are and what led her to open a bar. On quieter evenings she may play the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, but this is never guaranteed, and you should not book the evening expecting a performance.

The tour is limited to six participants and runs for about three hours. A private English-speaking local guide stays with you the whole evening and private transportation is included, so you move between the restaurant and the bar without planning the route. Entry and the table charge at the bar are covered. Gratuities are optional.

The operator is Bridge, and the evening is booked through GetYourGuide. Reservations are required, and the listing recommends smart casual dress. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start is shown on the booking page.

Geisha are professional entertainers trained in traditional music, dance and conversation, and a maiko is an apprentice geisha. The listing says guests commonly ask about the difference, and a bar run by a former geisha is a setting where you can ask directly. With sixteen courses and unlimited sake before the second venue, drink water between the sake styles and pace yourself, because the evening continues after dinner.

It suits adults who want a proper dinner with a cultural second half, and it works well for a celebration or a small group of friends. The evening is built around sake, so it is not the right choice if you would rather avoid alcohol. For a quieter two-hour sushi meal in a private room, the Ginza omakase dinner on this site is the simpler option.