Comments on: Discover the 5 geisha districts of Kyoto

By: Ryan Biddulph

Ryan Biddulph — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 15:45:24 +0000

Hi Toni,

I have never been to Japan but find the geisha culture fascinating.

My wife told me about it after she spent 9 months in Hiroshima, teaching English. It is well known, but so secretive and private too, like many aspects of Japanese culture.

Ryan

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 10:30:36 +0000

In reply to Paul van der Veer. Thanks Paul, I'll recheck this years dates for the geisha dance at Kitano Odori and update, that was based on our visit a couple of years ago. What a fabulous experience you had to visit and photograph inside the hanamachi, that is very special.

By: Paul van der Veer

Paul van der Veer — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:36:56 +0000

I graduated last year for my photography course with my project on the Kyoto and Nara hanamachi. Been very lucky to have been able to shoot a geisha and maiko in Nara inside their okiya. Going back this year to further the project. Last year I missed the Heian shrine maiko dance so this year I decided to skip the hanami and travel a bit later so that I will be able to see that. Also booked my ticket to the Miyako Odori dances already. The Pontocho are only going on sale 5 days before the start of the festival – while I am in Kyoto, so fingers crossed that I can also attend that one since it starts on May 1st, and that will will be my last day there.
The Kitano Odori in Kamishichiken is not held late April (as you mentioned in another blog post) but late March early April (I'm gonna miss it this year, but saw it last year).

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 21:51:39 +0000

In reply to Lia. Oh wow, wish I was back there now. Isn't it just the most wonderful city to visit, I can't wait to get back.

By: Lia

Lia — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 18:09:02 +0000

I was just in Kyoto! I loved Gion hagashi and Pontocho. I went to watch the Miyako Odori too. Absolutely loved it!

By: Sarah Chirstie

Sarah Chirstie — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 07:53:29 +0000

Oh wow I have only just finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha, I know so late to the party! But it is just like I imagined it in my mind, and wow all that cherry blossom is just stunning. So sad that all those young children were brought here against their will its was such a beautiful story, great post this is somewhere to would love to visit.

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 02:28:53 +0000

In reply to Maya. Thanks Maya. We've been lucky enough to see them dance a couple of times both in the theatre for the spring dance and in a shrine, if you have the chance it's well worth trying to fit it into a visit to Kyoto.

By: Maya

Maya — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 00:29:18 +0000

Such a unique experience. I've seen so many movies about geishas that I would love to see them perform live. Your pictures are beautiful!

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 00:59:08 +0000

In reply to Ross. Thanks Ross. You did have a good night in Gion with 5 sightings, it can vary so much with just needing to be in the right place at the right time - well done!

By: Ross

Ross — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 12:18:49 +0000

Wow! This is the most comprehensive post I've ever come across on the Geisha districts in the Japan. Thank you for all your work putting this together 🙂

Personally we had luck in Gion as we spotted four Geisha and one Maiko in the area. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Something we missed which you highlighted was watching the traditional dance which I've heard is absolutely worth the money.

Cheers guys