Did you read the book?
See the movie?
Even if you didn’t, you’ll still find the information fascinating. Nick had not read the book or seen the movie and still enjoyed learning about the Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto).
We had just finished exploring the Nishiki market and were looking for a self guided walking tour of the Gion area. The first site that popped up was a guided night time tour, for 1000 yen ($10/person). The tours only occur on M/W/F so we were in luck! A guided tour is way more fun than a self-guided tour.
I HIGHLY suggest this tour (link at the bottom). It was informative and entertaining. And while they don’t promise any Geiko/Maiko sightings, we saw a Geiko, a Maiko, and 2 trainees.
Our tour guide became visibly excited when we had our Geiko sighting. She encouraged us to walk (quickly) after her and take pictures. A lot of people did. But it just felt weird to me. Like I was on a safari, but the giraffe was actually a human. I could never be a paparazzi.
Some interesting Geisha facts:
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aren’t prostitutes. Especially the ones in Kyoto. They are considered highly trained artists. - Geisha entertain guests in “Tea Houses.” Tea houses are designated by a little wooden block outside the front door. Very discrete. Think Club 33.
- The food is catered. Outside vendors bring in the food.
- Who can become a geisha? Japanese girls. They start their training around 16 years old. No cell phones allowed.
- The oldest practicing geiko is in her 80s. Once you’re married, you can’t be a geiko anymore.
- Want to meet one? Better have friends in high places. You can’t just waltz into a tea house and ask to be entertained by a maiko. Tea houses are SUPER exclusive. A night out with a geiko could cost upwards of $10,000 (that was dollars, not yen). (The WaRaiDo site actually offers a “private dinner with geisha” – not cheap, but probably the only way a commoner might get to meet one!)
Streets of Gion at night
Geisha live in houses called Okiyas. See the wooden blocks over the door? Each block is the name of a geiko or maiko living in that Okiya.
Here is their training schedule. There are all sorts of classes offered: singing, dancing, flower arranging, instruments etc.
Fun tour, learned a lot! Just do it. It’s pretty inexpensive – especially for Japan!
Tour Company
http://www.waraido.com/walking/gion.html
http://www.waraido.com/experience/index.html#geisha