World-renowned columnist and fashion editor, Diana Vreeland, once said: “The first rule that a geisha is taught, at the age of nine, is to be charming to other women…Every girl in the world should have geisha training.”

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What makes Geisha so special? They have been part of Japanese culture for 400 years, but many westerners remain in the dark about the life and role of a Geisha. Often mistaken for prostitutes, the women, in fact, sell their talent for entertaining and not their bodies to the rich and powerful. Their world is often closed to outsiders, and tourists may only catch a glimpse of them in passing.

Unlike Samurai, Geisha are still alive with their white-painted faces, traditional Japanese hairstyles and fabulous kimonos. If you have a chance to meet one, it will definitely be the highlight of your trip to Japan.

Women in their Okiya – a Geisha house – where they live and train.

What Is The Difference Between Geisha And Geiko?

A Geisha (芸者) or Geiko (芸妓) are both traditional Japanese female entertainers who act as hostesses and whose skills include performing various Japanese arts, such as classical music, dance, games and conversation, mainly to entertain male customers. The only difference is where they come from. In Kyoto, these women are called Geiko, whilst in Tokyo they are known as Geisha. If you ever forget the difference between Geisha and Geiko, don’t worry – Geisha is a widely accepted term.

And Maiko

Maiko (舞妓) is an apprentice Geiko in Kyoto. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or the koto (traditional Japanese instruments) for visitors during feasts. In Tokyo, an apprentice Geisha is known as a Hangyoku.

The women are taught how to be a perfect hostess and how to keep conversation flowing.

How To Meet A Geisha

Here are some tips for you to actually meet a Geisha. It may sound like a dream, but it is possible. What’s more, there are several choices, ranging financially from reasonable to expensive.

For budget travelers who want to see Geisha but don’t want to spend much money, Gion Corner in Kyoto is the best place to go. It is a theater where they play a digest version of seven Japanese traditional performing arts: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto (Japanese harp) playing, gagaku (court dance), kyogen (comic play), Maiko dance and Bunraku (puppet play). At the end of the show, a Maiko or two will show up and dance a traditional Japanese dance. You can experience all the performances for only 3,150 yen! The shows are held from March to November, though recently they also tend to have special performances only on weekends during winter months.

If you want to meet Geisha privately, or you want a more authentic experience, why don’t you try Ochaya-asobi – visiting a real tea house (traditional banquet house)? For a long time, tea houses didn’t accept guests without references from other clients, because of security and to maintain their service level, which meant that it was very hard for tourists or foreign guests to get in. But they have started to open their doors to guests recently.

If you have a chance to meet a Geisha, it will definitely be the highlight of your trip to Japan!