On January 23, 2026, a special stage was set up inside the Tokaido Shinkansen train, where a Kyoto geisha and maiko danced and performed kyogen plays aboard a Nozomi super express train bound for Shin-Osaka. Geisha and maiko greeted passengers at Tokyo Station, creating a Kyoto atmosphere inside the shinkansen.
The event was part of the 60th anniversary of the "Kyoto Winter Journey" campaign, organized by the Kyoto City Tourism Association and others. Approximately 45 participants boarded the train by walking on a walkway covered in red rugs modeled after a red carpet.
A stage measuring 140 cm wide, 150 cm deep, and 25 cm high was set up at the front of the chartered train. Toshisumi, a geisha from Miyagawacho (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto), performed "Washi ga Zaisho," and Toshiko, a maiko, performed "Gion Kouta."
In addition, brothers Shigeyama Sengoro and Shigesan performed the Noh play "Koji." Under the guidance of Toda Seizan, the head priest of Daijiin Temple (Kita Ward, Kyoto City), a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, participants also experienced "Yuru Zazen" (relaxed zazen) while seated with a 500-gram weight above their heads, and Sasaki Akira, president of Sasaki Sake Brewery (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City), introduced Kyoto sake.
The train was temporarily suspended just before Toyohashi Station, resulting in an approximately 50-minute delay as it arrived at Kyoto Station. However, a photo session with geisha and maiko was held on board, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
