Mitsuwano

Mitsuwano and Maiko-san chi no makanai-san are anime about girls who live in okiya (maiko/geisha home) and are training to become maiko (geisha apprentice). The series give an insight into maiko/geisha world and what it is like to be a part of it. Friendship is also a huge part of both series. 

"Aki no Kanade" and "Mitsuwano" both involve a group of motivated young people entering a Japanese cultural performance. They are stories of friendship and more importantly of heritage. 

"Mitsuwano" and "Ongaku Shoujo" are both short comedic slice-of-life works with hints of drama that focus on the friendship between a group of young girls who are preparing for an important performance. 

"Mitsuwano" and "Go! Go! 575" are both short comedic slice-of-life works that surround a group of young girls who are close friends and are constantly practicing for an upcoming performance where they want to shine in.  

Similar art and both stories involve three young girls who work at an inn. In Mitsuwano they study to become Maikos and in Hanasaku Iroha they have work for different reasons and in different positions. Each group of girls is similar to the other one. Just that the girls of Mitsuwano are close from the very beginning and in Hanasku Iroha they become closer over time. Just finished watching Mitsuwano and it made me remember Hanasku Iroha right away. The whole atmosphere of both series is really similar. I'm pretty sure if you enjoyed one of the shows you'll also like the other one! :)