Thanks to our special connections in Kyoto, we can open doors to the mysteries of geisha culture, even granting you a private audience with a maiko.

Few foreigners realise that the iconic image of a geisha in elaborate kimono with striking white make-up, red lips and an ornate hairstyle is actually the dress of a maiko, or trainee geisha! Fully qualified geisha usually sport natural make-up, wear their hair in a simpler style and don kimono in subdued colours.

It is a common and unfortunate misconception amongst foreigners that geisha are courtesans. This is false - geisha are highly accomplished artists, entertainers and performers. During her lifetime, a geisha will become a master of music, dance and perhaps also the visual arts - practising her skills every day, even decades after her debut.