Updated November 12, 2024

Who are they?

Geisha, also called Geigi, are a unique group in Japan. They are traditional Japanese entertainers who act as hostesses during meals, banquets and other occasions at high-quality Japanese-style restaurants or Japanese hotels (ryokan) by performing classical instruments and dances. 

A Maiko, also called Hangyoku (meaning “half-jewel”), is an apprentice Geisha. Like Geisha, they perform various arts such as odori (traditional Japanese dances), the Shamisen or the Koto (traditional Japanese instruments) for visitors during feasts. Recently, their jobs have expanded to include visiting nursing institutions or hospitals and some of them are also dispatched overseas.

How do they look like?

The white make-up and elaborate Kimono (traditional clothes) with traditional hair style is the popular image of Geisha or Maiko.

Then how can we tell if a woman is a Keisha or a Maiko?  

Usually Maiko are younger than Geisha. They are under 20 years old, usually have fancy hair piece. Their dresses are "Furisode" that has long sleeves and usually has a fancy design. The "Obi" (Kimono Belt) is also long which is called  "Darari no Obi". 
  
While Geisha are over 20 years old and they wear Kimono with shorter sleeves, with colors and design that are much more calm and chic. The "Obi" is short just like the ones used in Kimono.

They wear different kinds of Nihongami (Japanese traditional hairstyles) according to different ranks and occasions. They decorate their hairstyles with seasonal Kanzashi (traditional hair ornaments). Maiko, unlike Geiko, use their own hair and not wigs so they have to go to the Nihongami hairdresser once a week, and sleep on a Takamakura (high wooden pillow) in order to maintain it.

Where can you find them?

Geisha and Maiko can be found in several cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Atami and Kanazawa, among of which the most famous one is Kyoto, former capital of Japan.

Hanamachi, which means “flower town”, are districts where geisha entertainments are centered. Each district has its own Okiya (geisha households), Ochaya (teahouses for entertaining) and Kaburenjo (geisha district office).  

Gion district of Kyoto is definitely the most famous area with four Hanamachi named Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawacho and Pontocho.  In Kyoto, girls who move into Okiya at as young age as 15 are trained with communication,  hospitality skills and various traditional Japanese arts. The talented one who passes an introductory training and examination will become a Maiko and eventually a Geiko in a few years.

The easiest way to experience the Geiko culture is to watch a daily performance including a maiko dance. If you’re good- luck enough, you might spot a real Maiko or Geiko in the streets of Kyoto, especially in the evenings around Gion or Pontocho. However, if you spot a Geiko, act respectfully. 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2102.html

http://geishaofjapan.com/society/hanamachi-geisha-districts/#heading-4

Check out our Day Tours where you can meet and interact with Geisha or Maiko