Geisha and Maiko in Gion Kyoto
Geisha and Maiko in Gion Kyoto
Luck must be on our side. We have heard stories about Geisha in Kyoto and seeing them in public must be pure coincidence or else you have to pay a premium price for watch them performing. We had our lunch at one of the local restaurants and as we were walking towards the Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka Jinja 八坂神社), we saw a group of Geisha and Maiko walking towards our directions.
Our Japanese friend, Mariko was like telling us, “Gesha!!”
We then grabbed our cameras and started snapping pictures. The whole transition was like five to ten seconds. Trust me, they walked really fast.
Mariko then told us that the ladies at the back are actually called Maiko, apprentice of Geisha. Hence, the girls needed to be Maiko first then later on they will be eventually Geisha. However, please do not obstruct them or stop them for pictures as it is wrong to do so.
Of course there are outlets where you pay to see them and have their entertainment but that will be costly.
Geisha is popularized to the world a few years ago with the movie of “Memoirs of the Geisha”.
In Gion Kyoto, there are a few tourist attractions that cannot be missed. They are the Yasaka Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji) and Kiyomizu-Dera temple.
Damn! You are so lucky. My friend and I went to Gion twice but no luck to catch a glimpse on Geisha. So sad.. Hopefully next time when plan going back again
Hi Diane,
We missed Japan badly. We hope to go to Japan again soon, loved the people, the weather and the culture.
Wilson
Interesting. That Maiko in the 3rd pic is beautiful and young. 🙂
mt
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Hi Meitzeu,
Yes, she is very pretty looking. It was just a glance. You should plan for your Japan trip already, make it happen!
Wilson
so lucky get to see geisha !
Hi Wilee,
We didn’t expect to see one so it really made our day.
Wilson
Great vacation there ya? I’m sure 😀
Wishing you and your family a roaring success, great health, peace, harmony and a compassionate spirit as we welcome the year of the dragon! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
A very nice entry indeed… btw saya baru aje undi awak di Best Travel Blog!!! all the best..
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terima kasihhhh!! =)
Interesting stuff! I thought geishas have gone the way of dinosaurs. It’s good to see tradition being kept alive! 😀
i just got back from osaka/kyoto and just blogged about it too, i have to say; i totally relate to this. kyoto for one is very much diff from tokyo, it is in a class of it’s own.
my this year plan is furano next… hopefully it gives something unique for me to experience.
glad to have bump into your blog.
the luck is on your side, buy toto la 😛 haha jkjk