Experience the kitsune no yomeiri makeover in Kyoto, Japan, done by professionals at Studio Kokoro! They also offer maiko and oiran packages as well!
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First and importantly, Studio Kokoro have English speaking staff, so don’t feel nervous about visiting if you are interested! The studio offers plans in which customers can don the kimono of a maiko (apprentice geisha) and have their hair and makeup done in the style of the traditional cultural entertainers. However, the studio also gives the opportunity for a makeover/photo service unlike that you’ll find at any of its rivals.
The fox bride (kitsune no yomeiri) package draws inspiration from Japanese folktales of fox spirit bridal processions. But while maiko makeovers are a tried-and-true line of business for Kyoto photo studios, no one was sure how well a fox bride variant would go over, and so initially the package was offered for only a limited time.
The response from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and Kokoro has now made the fox bride package a permanent part of its service lineup. So positive in fact that some customers have even come back for repeat makeovers.
Different to the geisha makeover, lighter makeup is used, and the use of bold red accents around the eyes help to create the alluring mysterious aura. Also of note is the fox bride makeover wardrobe. Instead of the colorful kimono used for the maiko photo shoots, the fox bride is dressed in a snowy white wedding kimono, complete with a wataboshi headdress.
Striking as the finished look may be, transforming into a fox bride doesn’t take all that terribly long. It takes about an hour to style your hair, apply your makeup, and dress you in the kimono. After that you’ll spend time with the photographer taking the pictures and choosing your prints, with the entire process taking about two and a half hours.
And if neither the fox bride nor maiko packages are quite what you’re looking for, there is also the oiran (courtesan) package as well.
W E B S I T E
S O C I A L M E D I A
Facebook: @kokoro.maiko
Instagram: kokoro_hanashizuku
Twitter: @kokorohanashizu
H I S A Y O I N A M O R I
Instagram: inamori_hisayo
Twitter: @hie_piyopiyo
#ThingsToDoInKyoto #GeishaMakeup #KitsuneNoYomeiri
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A B O U T U S
The KON’CHA! team is a small crew of 4 people dedicated to showing you all the fun things you can see & do while on your trip in Japan! We try to feature unique experiences that you may only find on Japanese travel blogs and websites.
F A C E B O O K
AloJapan.com