The name of the geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) is displayed outside
The name of the geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) is displayed outside their residence. This is in the geisha lane in the Gion district in Kyoto, Japan. Geiko (the term for geisha in Kyoto) usually live at their okiya (geisha house) during their training period, under the care of a kami-san (mother of the house). During this time, they are not supposed to enter into romantic relationships or marry. After becoming geiko, they are free to live on their own and some open bars or their own okiya. Some also leave the profession, marry or both. Needless to say, it’s not cheap to arra nge or experience private geisha entertainment. Dinner for two with one maiko (trainee geisha/ geiko), one geiko and one jikata (shamisen (traditonal Japanese stringed musical instrument)player) for two will cost around US$900, or in most cases even significantly more, depending upon the restaurant and drinks consumed. Of course, even if you have this money to spend, it doesn’t mean you can just order up a few geisha for your special evening. Most geisha entertainment is restricted to local Japanese only and overseas visitors cannot approach them without invitation or the influence of a local. (Kyoto, Japan, Apr/ May 2019)
The name of the geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) is displayed outside
The name of the geisha (or geiko in Kyoto) is displayed outside their residence. This is in the geisha lane in the Gion district in Kyoto, Japan. Geiko (the term for geisha in Kyoto) usually live at their okiya (geisha house) during their training period, under the care of a kami-san (mother of the house). During this time, they are not supposed to enter into romantic relationships or marry. After becoming geiko, they are free to live on their own and some open bars or their own okiya. Some also leave the profession, marry or both. Needless to say, it’s not cheap to arra nge or experience private geisha entertainment. Dinner for two with one maiko (trainee geisha/ geiko), one geiko and one jikata (shamisen (traditonal Japanese stringed musical instrument)player) for two will cost around US$900, or in most cases even significantly more, depending upon the restaurant and drinks consumed. Of course, even if you have this money to spend, it doesn’t mean you can just order up a few geisha for your special evening. Most geisha entertainment is restricted to local Japanese only and overseas visitors cannot approach them without invitation or the influence of a local. (Kyoto, Japan, Apr/ May 2019)