Photos: Geishas

On our second full day in Kyoto, we were lucky to see several geishas, more often called "geiko" or, for young apprentices, "maiko." Two of them were brought to Nanzenji shrine for a quick photo shoot, so we were able to get really close to them. Even though it was very early in the day, they were in full regalia. Seeing the girls up close, we could really see how young they were; they couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 years old. There was a group a little kids at the shrine on a daycare field trip. They were mesmerized by the maiko and crowded around them, pointing at their shoes, obi, and hair ornaments asking questions and giggling.

A little later in the day, we saw two girls who seemed to have just come from having their hair done. They were wearing plain robes and no makeup, laughing like the teenagers they are. I felt like we were getting a rare glimpse into their world. Unfortunately, they move fast and we are too old and slow, so no photos of them.

This maiko agreed to pose for a picture, so I was able to get in close enough to see her pores. Well, if she was old enough to have pores, I'm sure I would have seen them.

Maiko at the Nanzenji aquaducts

Maiko posing at aquaducts. Notice the crowd of kids looking on.

Kids crowding around the maiko.

I think the maiko got a kick out of those kids.