A Brief Introduction To The Insights Of The Life Of A Geisha

One word: Geisha. No, a geisha is not a prostitute. That rumor is just a myth. The truth is, a geisha is a professional performing artist and entertainer who specializes in classical Japanese art forms in dance, singing, and music. She normally works at social events and tea houses, engaging guests in stimulating conversations.

What is a Geisha

A geisha (芸者), which translates to an “art person,” is a highly trained Japanese entertainer or hostess outside the Kyoto area and she is typically 20 years of age or older. Around the Kyoto area, she is known as a geiko (芸子). Her fundamental goal is to entertain guests at tea houses, inns, and other social events.

The appearance of a Geisha

• Wears minimal makeup, with black eyeliner and a touch of red around the eyebrows and eyes
• Both of the lips are painted red
• Covers her natural hair with a wig that has a decorative comb and an elegant, simple hairstyle
• Wears a simple kimono with short sleeves, a white fabric collar, and a short sash
• Walks in “zori” (草履), low wooden sandals shorter than those a maiko wears

Geisha Districts or Hanamachi (花街)

Tokyo: There are six hanamachi in Tokyo:

• Asakusa, Akasaka, Kagurazaka, Shimbashi, Mukōjima, and Yoshichō

Kyoto: Famous for upholding geisha history; known here as geiko (芸子):

• Gion Kobu, Ponto-chō, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi, and Miyagawa-chō