Go Picture

How to meet with a Geisha in Kyoto

072110_10.jpgFujiyama (Mt.Fuji) and Geisha are two icons that symbolize JAPAN.

Unlike Samurai, Geisha are still alive with their white-painted faces, traditional Japanese hairstyles and fabulous kimonos. If you have a chance to meet one, it will definitely be the highlight of your trip to Japan. So where does one meet them? That’s the problem.

Before talking about the ways to meet Geisha, let me explain a little about Maiko and Geiko, the terms used to refer to Geisha in my hometown of Kyoto. Kyoto is known as the historical former capital of Japan which has over a thousand years history. There remain a hundred Maiko, apprentice Geisha, and 200 Geiko, matured Geisha. A Maiko is under 20, usually starting her career as young as 15 to be a professional in Japanese traditional culture and entertainment. Both Maiko and Geiko go to a special school to learn Japanese culture such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Japanese traditional music and dance. Maiko are professional artists, yet their charm is in their youth and immaturity. Their appearance emphasizes their youth. For example, they tuck their sleeves in at the shoulder like a child.072110_11.jpg When they turn 20 and are acknowledged to be skillful in art and service, they become Geiko. They are usually mature enough to listen and talk to the guest and required a higher level of artistry.

Let me give you some tips to actually meet Geisha. It may sound like a dream, but it is possible. What’s more, there are several choices ranging financially from reasonable to expensive.

For budget travelers who want to see Geisha but don’t want to spend much money, Gion Corner is the best place to go. It is a theater where they play a digest version of seven Japanese traditional performing arts: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto (Japanese Harp) playing, gagaku (court dance), kyogen (comic play), Maiko dance and Bunraku (puppet play). At the end of the show, a Maiko or two show up and dance a traditional Japanese dance. As the theater was first made for the Tokyo Olympic Games to welcome foreign guests, it has various language brochures and earphone guides. You can experience all the performances for only 3, 150 yen (35$) ! The shows are held from March to November, though recently they also tend to have special performances only on weekends during winter time.

Go Beyond USA Inc Go Beyond (TM) Travel Insert Organizer Compartment Bag Handbag Purse Large Liner Insert-Organizer Tote Bag (Black)
Home (Go Beyond USA Inc)
  • Polyester
  • Two zipper compartments and multiple pockets and slots hold all essenials in a neat and organized way
  • Easy to lift out when you want to change bags
  • Can be folded up neatly for easy storage
  • Size: 29 x 17 x 9 cm / 11.6 x 6.8 x 3.6 inch (L x H x W)
You might also like
"Go Off" directed by Picture Perfect
"Go Off" directed by Picture Perfect
Amy diamond- Go! Pictures
Amy diamond- Go! Pictures
ZINK Wireless Touchscreen Printer. Wi-Fi Enabled. Built In App for Editing and Printing Photo & Labels On-The-Go. Prints Directly and from IOS & Android Smart Devices.
Art and Craft Supply (ZINK)
  • Featuring the Google Android operating system, the hAppy+ has built-in Wi-Fi, a touchscreen, and runs ZINK apps, making it your all-in-one tool for designing and...
  • Via built-in ZINK apps, users can create and print directly on the hAppy+ without needing other devices.
  • Just load a ZINK zRoll; create the design on the printer s touchscreen; press print; and then place and adhere the print to create a variety of projects.
  • 3.5-inch diagonal multi-touch display
  • Compatible with AirPrint enabled apps and Google Cloud Print apps
GO AHEAD - Picture
GO AHEAD - Picture
Go Fish Pictures logo
Go Fish Pictures logo
Melissa & Doug Melissa & Doug On the Go Scratch Art: Animal Families Hidden-Picture Pad
Toy (Melissa & Doug)
  • Spiral-bound pad filled with hidden-picture Scratch Art
  • 12 pages featuring charming illustrations of animal families
  • All-inclusive craft features built-in stylus storage; perfect for families on the go
  • Read the clues, then scratch away the coating to reveal answers
  • Promotes fine motor and problem-solving skills
Ussore Wall Sticker Let It Go Snow Vinyl Frozen Words Decor Wall Stickerl Art For Kids Home Living Room House Bedroom Bathroom Kitchen Office Home Decoration
Baby Product (Usstore)
  • Material:PVC
  • No transfer film needed, simply peel and stick
  • It can be applied to any smooth , clean and dry surface of walls, tiles, glass, furniture, etc., not suitable for dirty or rough surface.
  • Product Size:42cm*30cm.Finished Size:64cm*30cm
  • You Could Adjust Position During Peeling
SOAIY Color Changing Led Night Light Lamp, Aurora Star Borealis Projector for Children and Adults, Decorative Light, Mood Light, Baby Nursery Night Light, Kids Bedroom Living Room Night Light(Black)
Home Improvement (SOAIY)
  • Project realistic aurora borealis and nebular light on ceiling or wall (as shown in the pictures on the left when the hemispherical cover is removed), create an...
  • Eight light projection modes, red, blue, green, and multicolor, choose what you want depend on your mood
  • Built-in speaker, volume adjustable, you can plug in an iPod, iPhone, MP3 or other device and play lullaby music, relaxing, meditation music through the projector...
  • Automatic shut off after 1 hour, you can go to sleep with it and it will shut down on it¡¯s own, really convenient in kids bedroom
  • 45 degree tilt, allow you to project the light straight up or point in a different direction, convenient for you to cover a larger area and get the wide panoramic...
Related Posts