Glimpsing Geiko in Gion

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

JAPAN | Saturday, 12 January 2013 | Views [182] | View Larger Image

As the sun begins its descent, the streets of Gion burst to life in a frenzy of activity as geisha emerge from their living quarters — like rabbits from their dens — to attend the first of the evening’s appointments. Visitors travel from far and wide to Gion hoping to catch a glimpse of these rare and romanticized figureheads of Japanese culture. This apprentice geisha, or maiko as they are locally known, glances about anxiously, anticipating the overly eager entourage of strangers that will soon swarm her.

Kyoto, Japan: In the Gion district, a chef washes the pavement in front of his restaurant in preparation for the evening crowds. This age-old tradition continues throughout Japan today, symbolizing that a shop is clean and making it more inviting to passersby. The lazy tranquility that currently enrobes Gion belies the frenetic energy that will soon course down its cobbled lanes, as the neighborhood is one of the few remaining areas where geisha continue to live and work.

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Despite her popularity, the life of a Kyoto geisha (known locally as geiko) is a lonely one. Considered the ultimate hostess, she says goodbye to her family and commences her training at the tender age of 16. After a rigorous apprenticeship spanning half a decade, a maiko becomes a full-fledged geiko. With this, she earns the right to her own home, but it will be an empty one, for a geiko may never marry.

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Glimpsing Geiko in Gion

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

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