Kyoto, Japan | Maiko Dance
A Maiko is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto, trained in performing songs, dances, and playing traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen during banquets and parties known as ozashiki where I was invited to attend.
The origins of maiko trace back to women who served green tea and dango (Japanese rice dumplings) to visitors in teahouses of Kyoto around 300 years ago. Throughout their career, maiko adopt various nihongami (traditional Japanese hairstyles), chosen based on rank, formality, and occasion. These hairstyles are adorned with seasonal and occasional kanzashi (traditional hair ornaments).
Unlike geisha who often wear wigs, most maiko use their own hair supplemented with extensions. Their hair is restyled weekly, and they sleep on special pillows called takamakura—raised wooden blocks with pillows—to maintain their elaborate hairstyles.
Official Kyoto city guidelines emphasize proper etiquette around geiko (the regional term for geisha) and maiko in the Gion district: refrain from stopping, touching, following, or taking unauthorized photos or videos of them.
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