Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "Contemporary maiko are young women, typically between fifteen and twenty years of age, who have chosen to train in an arts profession with roots in the merchant culture and pleasure quarters of the Edo period (1603–1867). … [Read more...] about Maiko Masquerade: Crafting Geisha Girlhood in Japan by Jan Bardsley
Maiko
梅花祭 ~ Plum Blossom & Geisha at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine has a huge flea market on the 25th of every month, but on the 25th of February this coincides with the peak period for plum blossom viewing. Naturally this calls for a special celebration so every year they hold a special outdoor tea ceremony with geiko and maiko (Kyoto's geisha) serving the tea. I went along today and found the place packed out with … [Read more...] about 梅花祭 ~ Plum Blossom & Geisha at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Maiko at Yasaka Jinja
Maiko, Kyoto's apprentice geisha, at Yasaka Jinja today celebrating Setsubun. First they do a little dance. Then they throw their lucky beans. Both the maiko and the crowds were awfully excited about those lucky beans... Setsubun is celebrated at Yasaka Jinja every year in both the 2nd and 3rd of February, though the festival proper is on the 3rd. To … [Read more...] about Maiko at Yasaka Jinja
