Beyond Tokyo’s futuristic skyscrapers and modern trains, more traditional scenes, like the sight of geisha and maiko apprentices clad in silk kimono, are not unusual along the willowy backstreets of Kagurazaka, a geisha district near the imperial palace in the centric neighborhood of Shinjuku.

Imbued in a secretive aura, geisha (entertainers specialized in traditional Japanese arts) are still widely elusive for the general public, but in this private dining experience and geisha show in Kagurazaka, visitors have a rare opportunity to appreciate the qualities that have made geisha a powerful symbol of Japanese elegance and hospitality.

Enjoy the calming, tantalizing tune of the shamisen and watch the geisha's delicate movements as they dance and sing in a full display of their talents. This experience is in a beautifully preserved 70-year-old building that once housed Tsuyuki, a geisha house, and exclusive ryotei restaurant, now restored and renamed Maison de Tsuyuki, reflecting its new French flair. The private dining room, with shoji sliding doors and earthy wooden ceilings, still maintains its traditional look.

Chef Murakami, a specialist in Asian cuisine, and Chef Hanano, who draws from her experience living in France, skillfully craft an exquisite multi-course dinner with French accents. Their impressive display of culinary mastery is not an everyday fixture, however — despite its popularity, Maison de Tsuyuki only opens for business a few times a month. Its offerings are incredibly exclusive, much like geisha culture itself.

Sample menu contents (subject to change depending on availability):

- Amuse bouche

- Appetizers (2 items)

- Main dishes (3 items): fish, meat, and rice or pasta dishes

- Dessert