Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

The Geisha
Geisha, also known as geigi or geiko, are female Japanese entertainers who work as performers during gatherings, events, and other special
occasions. They sing, dance, or engage their guests in conversations and games to make them enjoy their experience.
Geisha Training Process
Traditionally, training to become a geisha started at four years of age. It involved learning how to play different traditional instruments (such as
the drums, shakuhachi and shamisen), calligraphy, games and traditional songs. Young geisha were also taught various dances featuring stylised
gestures and movements to tell a story, and instructed in how to choose and wear kimono, as well as how to carry themselves and interact
with clients.
Today, girls who wish to become geisha are required to attend school, at least graduate from middle school, and be older than 15 years of age
before they are allowed to decide for themselves if this is the career path they really want to take.
Geisha Districts
Kyoto, a former capital of Japan, is still known for its thriving geisha districts. These places, which are known as hanamachi, were built before
and during the Edo period and are popular for their geisha restaurants, teahouses, and other establishments.
Gion
Consisting of five geiko communities Gion is Japan’s most popular geisha district. It has been named a national historical preservation district,
and its streets and buildings have been restored to maintain its traditional Kyoto atmosphere.
Every year, there are public performances held in Gion, including the Miyako Dori, or “Dances of the Old Capital”, which is held during
the entire month of April, during the peak of cherry blossoms season. These events have always been well-attended by visitors from other
Japanese cities and countries in the world.
Kamishichiken
Located in the northwest portion of Kyoto, Kamishichiken is Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. Its name literally translates to “Seven Upper Houses”,
in reference to its seven teahouses constructed with the use of leftover materials and equipment from the Kitano Shrine restoration project
during the Muromachi Period, about 500 years ago.
Every year, on 25 February, the Kitano Tenmanu-gu in Kamishichiken holds the Plum Blossom Festival, an event where geisha and maiko serve
tea and wagashi to around 3,000 guests in an open-air tea ceremony.
244 - Japan Travel Guide