Mystery of Maiko

Where to find a Maiko

Looking for a place where you can see a “Maiko?” Gion district is a very popular place to spot a Maiko which is in Kyoto, some call these places “Hanamachi”. You will definitely have a chance to see a Maiko everyday during early in the morning or sometimes late in the evening, that is if you are lucky enough of course. Their beauty is timeless. Such kissable, red vibrant lips and white as snow skin, there’s no way to escape their charm. These traits make men of any age flock around them, regardless of their age. Falling in love with a Maiko is normal in Japan. Who wouldn’t? Many women wants to be an attractive Maiko.

The Reason Why Girls Want to Become a Maiko

There are a lot of TV shows nowadays, even in animes, manga or any famous Japanese shows that showcase the beauty of a Maiko. To be exact, there was once a TV show and the topic is about a little girl, about 15 years of age who wanted to become a Maiko. In that specific program, the girl wanted to live in the mysterious society in a traditional way. She always had this drive and compassion to be a part of something so meaningful, something that has been passed down to the next generations, including her. After that show, I came to a realization point that girls who felt the same way as she did were destined to become a Maiko and live their lives in Hanamachi. At the end of the day, I was overwhelmed and felt happy. The fact that there are still people out there who want to become a part of the a rich tradition is quite moving.

Be a Maiko in a Day

Actually, getting a transformation to be a Maiko for a day is considered as one of the tourist attractions in Kyoto. If you dream of being as pretty as a Maiko, you should definitely visit Kyoto soon! This experience is a remarkable one, thanks to the tradition and culture in Japan that they have taken cared of over the centuries. Imagine being a part of something they have cherished over the years, I personally wonder how cool it would be. In Japan, if your age has reached 16, it is already too late to a Maiko, but if you’re a tourist, you can for a day. It is definitely worth the try.

While many of us are curious about how to become a Maiko, some wonder what a Maiko is and what they do. Maiko actually means “dance child”. It is basically learning how to become a Geisha. After they graduate, their ranks will be higher through a ceremony they called “Erikae”.

source http://kyotocollection.com/blog/mystery-of-maiko/