Transform into a Beautiful Maiko and Have a Photoshoot!

【OUTLINE】

Transform into a Maiko and enjoy a real teahouse in the Gion district which was establish in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). The main sightseeing spots in Higashiyama, Kyoto are within a 10 minute walk so you can explore the Kyoto townscape when you leave the teahouse. 

You don't need to prepare anything! Leave it to us! You will receive four 2L-size (127-178mm) photos. 

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Transform into a Maiko with Japanese makeup, a gorgeous kimono, and a brilliant hair arrangement.  
• Our photographer, who understands the essence of the beauty of Maiko, will take pictures of you in a Japanese tatami room. 
• Walk around in Kyoto with special sandals that only Maiko wear. 

【SCHEDULE】 

Arrival→Turn into a maiko→Photography・Walking→Pick up・Receive the photos→End

【DETAILS】

We are located only a 1 minute walk away from the South Romon gate of Yasaka Shrine. We used to be a real teahouse where Heiko entertained their guests. Our teahouse was established in the Gion district during the Taisho Era (1912-1926). The main sightseeing spots are within a 10 minute walk from our shop. 

When you come to our shop, you will be immediately turned into a Maiko. After putting on the special undergarments for kimono, we will put Japanese makeup on you. Lastly, you will change into your favorite luxurious kimono. After that, you can choose a hair accessory that matches your style. Your photoshoot will be in a tatami room in a Japanese house. Our professional and experienced photographer, who understands the essence of the beauty of Maiko, will take the best photos of you. After the photoshoot, your makeup, clothes, and wig will be taken off. After you receive the album you're done!

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Gion AYA
  499-8, Shimogawara, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto  [MAP]
• Access：
  【Taxi】（recommended）
  From Kyoto Station, it takes around 15 minutes. (1,200 yen）Let the driver know that you want to go to Ryotei Hamasaku.
  【Train】
  1.  Take the number 7 exit at Keihan Honsen Gion Shijo station and take the Shijo-dori Street in the direction of the Yasaka Shrine.
  2.  At the intersection in front of the Yasaka Shrine, cross the street in the direction of the Gion Koban (Police box) and turn left. Cross the crosswalk in front of Tsuruha drug store in the direction of the Yasaka shrine.
  3．Turn right in front of the Yasaka shrine and walk 100 meters. Turn left at Hotel Sunline and walk 100 meters.
  4．Turn right in front of Cafe Jouvencelle and walk 35 meters. Turn left on the road between the Japanese-style confectionery shop and Ryotei Hamasaku and the shop is on your left side.
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included ：
  ・Kimono rental
  ・Hair and makeup
  ・One Japanese hair ornament
  ・Photography
  ・3 2L-size pictures
  
• Excluded ：Makeup products to use after the Maiko makeup is removed
• Participation requirements ：
  ・10 years and above
  ・Height：145㎝ and above
  ・Gender：Female
  
• Free Wi-Fi ：Yes
  

【FUN FACTS】

The job of a Maiko is to entertain guests with traditional arts, such as singing, dancing, playing the shamisen, etc. They work in the Go-kagai (5 geisha quarters) in Kyoto. After 5 years of training as a Maiko, girls can become a "geiko" (a geisha in Kyoto). Originally, in the Edo period (1603 – 1868), there was a teahouse in Higashiyama where the Yasaka Shrine is. Women who worked at the teahouse sang songs and performed for the visitors of temples and shrines and people traveling on the road. This is the origin of the geiko/maiko. In accordance with the strict tradition of the geisha world around Gion, they are still working.  But most of the Maiko you see on the street may be tourists dressed up. Even the locals rarely see Maiko, so if you see one, you are really lucky. Besides Kyoto, there are also other places where women entertain their guests, but the name geiko or Maiko is only used in Kyoto.

【NEARBY AREA INTRODUCTION】 

The shrine in the Higashiyama area is famous for holding the Gion Festival. It is the headquarters of Yasaka Shrines and the affiliated 2,300 shrines all over Japan that enshrine the Shinto god,  Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine is also called "Gion-san" endearingly. They say it was founded in 656 by Irishi, the messenger from Goguryeo, Korea. The number of worshipers during the first 3 days of the New Year exceeds 1 million, second in Kyoto, after Fushimi Inari Shrine. You can also visit the shrine at night. Here you find the main building built in Gion style (covering the main hall and the hall of worship with one roof).  It houses the Utsukushi-gozen-sha Shrine and natural spring water that will make your face and heart beautiful and also the Okuninushi-sha Shrine, which houses the gods of marriage.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price