Trip to Kyoto - Part Three: Maiko Kimono Rental

During our tour of Kyoto we encountered a group of young women who had elected to have themselves done up like apprentice geisha called maiko. The appearance of maiko are one of the hallmark symbols of Japan though many people confuse these women with geisha who are typically more subdued in appearance.

Maiko and geisha are now rare sights in Japan though visitors to Kyoto can choose to rent the special kimono and have their hair and make-up prepared in the style of a maiko. The meaning of the word geisha translates as artist while the meaning of maiko means dance child or half jewel (the latter term comes from the fact that maiko as apprentices typically receive half the wage of a full geisha).

Geisha are maiko are not prostitutes though this image has developed outside Japan. Their purpose is to sing, dance and entertain the customer (typically men) with clever wit and conversation. My thanks to Wikipedia for these interesting facts.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• Japanese
• geisha
• maiko
• kimono
• rental
• Kyoto
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[curseofa5r5a]

whats the name of the traditional male japanesse suit?

[softypapa]

@curseofa5r5a Both men and woman traditionally wore kimono though the cut and style may be a bit different with very different accessory items. ~Kurt :-)

[FeileCase]

Hi Kurt~In the last Comment & I knew what was saying. Definately want to hire good Geisha & not Maiko though I know they are more affordable entertainment. My Goal is to come to Kyoto, Go to some nice Hot Springs Baths & be entertained by Geisha. I hope I make enough money from my Art Sales some day so I can do this. I look forward to it. Thank you so much for showing me some more of Kyoto that I have not yet seen. Much Love to you & yours for a very Bright New Year! Artist ~Feile Case

[softypapa]

Hello Feile, I'm sorry for my delay in response (I was in hospital for the last week though I am back on my feet now and doing great!). I admire your goal of enjoying true Geisha entertainment and I suspect that you might be one of the few foreigners (besides company CEOs and politicians) who might have this chance. I'm sure that with your effort and dedication you will make this dream come true. -Kurt :-)

[KimonoHire]

You can tell they aren't real. The real ones smile constantly and know how to walk to make the outfit look best. These girls move like modern girls and act like modern girls, just in different garb.

[KimonoHire]

@curseofa5r5a Are you referring to the samurai pants (hakama)? They also sometimes come with kataginu (The vests with enlarged shoulders).

[ForeverBeautyful22]

where exactly in kyoto can you go to rent a maiko kimono? is there a place where you can go to rent a geisha kimono?

[mangakoibito]

Yukata are also made from materials like cotton (kimono silk) and can also be worn as pajamas

[mangakoibito]

@SarahBaraful Yukata are less formal (like wearing jeans) and a kimono is more formal generally made for more expensvie materal and the can have much longer sleeves. I saw one that the sleeves reached the persons ankles! More like a prom dress

[SarahBaraful]

sorry if these question seems kinda blunt, but what is the difference between a kimono and a yukata?(i think i spelled it wrong xD) thanks!

[tmtmjdmtja]

MAIKOSAN

Kyoutoの舞子さん

[curseofa5r5a]

@softypapa thanks!