Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, long a popular destination for tourists, is closing off some private-property alleys in its famous geisha district because of complaints about misbehaving visitors.

In the minimalist tasting room at Leaves Coffee Roasters in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, my host leans in close to a cup of Panama Geisha, inhaling deeply. "When it's hot, you'll find aromatic compounds ...

In December, two of them took the stage at a geisha party at Kikusuiro, a traditional Japanese-style restaurant near Nara Park. Clad in stunning kimono, their hair adorned with floral pins ...

Now, a series of special events is set to combine those two parts of Sumida’s identity, as the Skytree’s observation deck, 350 meters up in the sky, will serve as a venue for geisha dance and sumo ...