49/50.- Kyoto, Geisha

Geishas are female entertainers that perform traditional arts and accompany male customers in restaurants. To become a Geisha girls have to complete a rigid apprenticeship, during which they learn singing, dancing, and playing traditional instruments. Geisha students are called maikos, and they also have to be good at conversation.

Geishas wear kimonos, and their faces are whitened with make up. The best places to spot geishas and maikos are Gion, Pontocho and the Higashi Geisha District, in Kanazawa. Note that most geishas do not like being photographed.

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