A GEISHA DINNER
Our first evening in Kyoto, Japan, we were treated to dinner with a Geisha - in Kyoto, they are actually called Geikos, not Geishas. The "ko" in Geiko means "lady" and is considered more respectful than "sha" which translates to "person".
During the visit we were entertained by a Maiko - a Geiko in training - and 2 Geikos. At the age of 15, young women can choose to enter the art of being a Geiko. The training period lasts 5 years during which they are fully housed but have little interaction with the modern world - no cell phones, no free time, full supervision - these are Maikos. Their hair is real and styled once a week in the traditional format. In order to ensure the hair's upkeep, they use a small wooden block with a padded edge as their pillow.
After the 5 years of training, the young woman is able to choose if she will continue her life as a geiko. As a Geiko, women must find their own place to live, purchase their own kimonos and materials for their wardrobe. They have more freedom and are able to interact with friends and family, have modern conveniences and wear everyday clothing. The Maiko must always be in full Maiko wardrobe when leaving the house.
During the visit we were entertained by a Maiko - a Geiko in training - and 2 Geikos. At the age of 15, young women can choose to enter the art of being a Geiko. The training period lasts 5 years during which they are fully housed but have little interaction with the modern world - no cell phones, no free time, full supervision - these are Maikos. Their hair is real and styled once a week in the traditional format. In order to ensure the hair's upkeep, they use a small wooden block with a padded edge as their pillow.
After the 5 years of training, the young woman is able to choose if she will continue her life as a geiko. As a Geiko, women must find their own place to live, purchase their own kimonos and materials for their wardrobe. They have more freedom and are able to interact with friends and family, have modern conveniences and wear everyday clothing. The Maiko must always be in full Maiko wardrobe when leaving the house.
A Maiko - Geiko in training
We enjoyed traditional japanese Shabu Shabu dinner where we cooked our own meat at the table
Maiko - Geiko - Geiko Musician
In true Japanese style, we dined on the floor
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