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Aug 12 2009 7 Comments

Another Geisha in Gion

The appearance of the last geisha on these pages was perfect, if indeed the picture wasn’t, and this one (or maybe she’s a maiko) is definitely no different.

geisha in Kyoto

With her ensemble perfectly suited to her surroundings.

geisha in Kyoto

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. john ball says

    8/12/2009 at 6:00 pm

    How clean are the streets? Is this typical of Japan, if so, then shame on us. By the way beautiful photographs.

    Reply
  2. Taylor says

    8/13/2009 at 1:27 am

    I really love the second picture. The framing and depth of field, then the scale of the subject and shapes around her.

    Reply
  3. PeterD says

    8/13/2009 at 2:16 am

    With the dangling obi like that, I suspect you are right and this is a maiko.

    Reply
  4. Josie says

    8/14/2009 at 8:16 am

    Stunning shots.

    Reply
  5. Travis says

    8/16/2009 at 11:11 am

    She’s a maiko.

    “Maiko and Geiko may share some fundamental similarities in dress but there are 3 key ways to tell them apart.
    Firstly, their hair styles are quite different. The Geiko actually wears a wig whereas the Maiko arranges her own hair. Both wear floral hair ornaments, chosen to suit the season.
    Secondly, their kimono and obi style differs. Irrespective of how more ornate the patterns and colors may be, the Maiko kimono has tucks sewn in to the shoulders and sleeves (historically, to allow the size to be adjusted). The Maiko’s obi belt is also tied far higher and hangs much lower.
    Thirdly, the 10cm high wood block footwear‘okobo’is only worn by the Maiko.”

    Source: http://kyoto-gion-corner.info/ozashiki-asobi/maiko.html

    Great photos BTW.

    Reply
  6. Tornadoes28 says

    8/17/2009 at 2:14 am

    It is much better to see her by herself rather then surrounded by dozens of tourists with cameras.

    Reply
  7. Rei* says

    8/26/2009 at 5:14 pm

    Aww this is cool 🙁 i have never been able to see a geisha (maiko or geiko..)

    Reply

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