Geisha
The alluring geisha-girls of Japan have long captured the imagination of west and east alike. White-faced and traditionally dressed in stunning kimono with seasonal ornaments in their elaborately coiffed hair, geisha still entertain at exclusive parties, and are as much a symbol of Japan as Mt. Fuji or the cherry blossoms.
Despite the external glamour of parties and beautiful clothes, the rigorous apprenticeship as a maiko requires discipline, and the women who become geisha are proud of their status as artists. Called geiko in the Kyoto dialect, a geisha’s training in music and dance is that of a disciplined performer.
Once at the cutting edge of fashion, maiko apprentices, wear an elaborate costume in the old style – longer, brighter, and considerably harder to wear gracefully than a modern kimono. Full geisha wear more subtle attire, though both dress stunningly in seasonal patterns and colours.
The flower and willow world of the hanamachi is both alluring and elusive. Though anyone can wander the lanes of Gion and Pontocho hoping to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko, tea houses, or ochaya, where geisha entertain, are strictly by invitation, and it is impossible to enter without an introduction. Into Japan is delighted to be able to introduce you to Kyoto’s hanamachi through the expertise of Peter MacIntosh. In addition to arranging geiko and maiko entertainment, Peter gives an insider’s perspective on Kyoto’s geisha districts, and is the perfect guide.