Go through the story of Geisha in Gion, Kyoto's Old City. Hearing the word geisha must immediately imagine a beautiful Japanese woman who appeared dressed in complete traditional Japanese. Although familiar to the ears and the figure has become one of the icons of Japanese culture, but finding a geisha is actually not easy. Kyoto, as the old capital of Japan, is the best place to try to follow the footsteps of geisha. In Kyoto itself, geisha prefer to be modest and are called "geiko". If geisha can be interpreted as an artist, geiko means a small artist. They are women who devote themselves to preserving traditional Japanese culture. Not just a matter of dressing up, they are also adept at singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments picking shamisen. Before becoming a geo, they must study specifically for at least five years.
Those who are studying and internship are called "maiko". The clothes and make-up of a maiko is usually more lively than a geiko. The Gion area is the best place to get a chance to see both geiko and maiko, even though it might be just a glimpse. Two of the five "hanamachi" that are geisha areas are in Gion. When dusk arrived, the street was lit by red lanterns from traditional wooden buildings on the right and left. Starting at 6 pm, the geiko will start visiting "ochaya" (teahouse) or "ryotei" (traditional Japanese restaurant). Well, not just anyone who can enjoy exclusive entertainment from geisha in ochaya or ryotei. In the past, only important and influential people could spend time with geisha. They usually know or get special recommendations from the ochaya host. But now there are a number of travel agencies that can arrange special dinner events with geisha.
Many tourists who have been prepared with a camera, hoping to cross paths with geiko or maiko. But their schedule is very tight, so don't be surprised if the loud sound of "geta" (Japanese clogs) signifies their hurried footsteps that must attend meetings with guests in the next place. If it's not alert, then we can lose the moment to take the camera. Get ready, so that we can capture the beauty of the white face like the legendary porcelain. But we must still pay attention to manners, while trying this paparazzi experience. The unwritten rule is not to get in their way or ask them to stop posing. If there is a figure with a geiko or maiko-style makeup who can casually take pictures, it's definitely just tourists like us. Some photo studios in Gion do provide these costume packages. If you are still curious to see the geisha, you can visit Gion Corner. In the audiotorium we can see geisha who guide tea ceremonies, flower arrangements, and sing and dance.
