Hello! I am MINAMI, a make-up artist at “STUDIO KOKORO ARASHIYAMA”.
Do you know the difference between “MAIKO” and “GEIKO“?
If you are considering visiting our store, I would like you to know it! That is why I am writing this blog.
I will try to explain using photos of our wonderful guests who have enjoyed having their photos taken in both styles!
First of all, please see the photo.
This photo is MAIKO.
This photo is GEIKO.
If you compare the photos, do you see the different atmospheres?
If anything, maiko are more cute and geiko are more mature.
That’s because MAIKO is an apprentice GEIKO!
MAIKO starts training as an apprentice at the age of 15, and is recognized as a full-fledged GEIKO around the age of 20.
Therefore, most MAIKO are between 15 and 20 years old, and most GEIKO are 20 years old or older.
Which means, “No one over the age of 20 should have the MAIKO experience?” Some people may think so.
That is not true! Our makeover photos have no age limit!
People have had MAIKO photos taken for various age commemorations (e.g. 60th birthday, etc).
MAIKO and GEIKO differ not only in the types of hair accessories and wigs they use, but also in the types of kimonos and obis.
MAIKO use kimonos with long sleeves called “Furisode”.
The obi is also very luxurious, using a long, thick obi with embroidery all over, and tied so that it hangs long on the back, called a “Darari-no-obi”.
This “Darari-no-obi” is only allowed to be tied during the period of a maiko, and changes to a different knot when a geiko becomes a geiko.
GEIKO wear “Tomesode” or “Irotomesode”, a kimono with chic colors and short sleeves.
“Furisode” is very beautiful with long sleeves, but originally only unmarried women were allowed to wear it.
For this reason, GEIKO, who are adults, also use short sleeve kimonos instead of “Furisode”.
The obi is also tied in the more common “Otaiko” knot.
Unlike the glamorous attire of a MAIKO, the appearance of a GEIKO changes to one that is more mature and beautiful.
Don’t you think that knowing even a little bit about these differences will make the experience more enjoyable :)?
If you like kimonos with gorgeous colors and patterns and pretty seasonal hair accessories, the MAIKO style is for you.
For those who prefer a more relaxed black or white kimono and mature makeup, the GEIKO style is recommended.
MAIKO and GEIKO experiences are available in a variety of plans, including indoor and outdoor photo shoots.
The most popular is still! The most popular is the outdoor shooting with Arashiyama scenery!
We offer two types of plans for outdoor shooting.
Sagano-no-kokoro A Plan (26,950 yen including tax)
*Prices are after September 1, 2024 due to a price revision.
This plan includes shooting at either one location near the Togetsukyo Bridge (along the river) or in a bamboo forest.
This is a standard plan recommended for those who are not confident about their physical strength to shoot at two locations.
Sagano-no-kokoro S Plan (32,450 yen including tax)
*Prices are after September 1, 2024 due to price revision.
This plan includes shooting both near the Togetsukyo Bridge (along the river) and in the bamboo forest.
This is a gorgeous plan recommended for those who can’t choose between the two!
Indoor photography is available with the Maiko-no-kokoro Plan (14,850 yen including tax).
*Prices are listed after September 1, 2024 due to price revision. The amount until August 31, 2024 is 13,750 yen including tax.
This plan is to take pictures in a Japanese-style room, which is an indoor studio.
It features many variations of posing for the shoot, as you can take pictures sitting down, which is not possible in an outdoor setting!
Because the average temperature in Kyoto in summer exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, we have stopped accepting outdoor photo shoots until August 31.
Indoor photography can be done in the store, which is cooler in summer, so if you are considering visiting during August, please choose the indoor photography “Maiko-no-kokoro Plan”!
After September, we will resume accepting outdoor shootings, so please wait a little longer if you would like to have an outdoor shoot.
Our staff recommends the period from around November 20 to December 10, when the autumn leaves are beautiful!
The trees in Arashiyama turn bright red, and it makes for a beautiful scenic shoot🍁
Kyoto is a place where you can feel Japanese traditional culture in buildings, clothes, scenery, and various other places.
If you have come all the way to Japan on a trip, why not take pictures as a maiko or geiko, a traditional Japanese culture?
We welcome not only Japanese customers but also foreign customers! Let’s enjoy taking pictures together 🙂
We are looking forward to seeing many of you💗
