The very first time you see a Geisha floating down the street its…..Well, it looked like this.
I’m in Kyoto Japan. I’ve chosen to stay in Gion because I wanted to see a bit of the old capital of Japan. I’ve also read that “Memoirs of a Geisha” was filmed in the streets of Gion. I’ve told my lovely wife this, and she seems unconvinced about the presence of Geisha, until the first sighting. I’m pretty amazed myself, as a photographer (yes I’m on holiday) the chance to try to capture real life Geisha on the traditional Lantern lit streets of Kyoto is a bonus on my first trip to Japan. I’ve got a fast 50mm f 1.8 lens and a Giggling excited wife to share the experience.
Ok, so what are Geisha? From the dictionary; noun: geisha; plural noun: geishas; plural noun: geisha; noun: geisha girl; plural noun: geisha girls. A Japanese hostess trained to entertain men with conversation, dance, and song.
My definition. “Geisha are captivating, speedy and mysterious beautiful Artisan Japanese women.”
I’ve read there is a place called Gion corner. Some how, when out for a stroll at night to see a temple, We’ve stumbled across prime Geisha spotting territory!
We are on a corner when a very speedy Geisha appears, my wife chases asking for a photo, I am embarrassed, until a spanish women says “Que Bonita” and clamps the geisha by the arm for a photo.The Geisha is trapped and smiles. The wife is not happy and glares at me, I refuse to use my powers for evil.
somewhere about the centre of the map, and down the street to the right,also along Hanamikoji dori St, at around 8:30 to 9 pm is where you’ll see the beautiful Geisha of Gion.
The mission is now, capture beautiful photos of Geisha and satisfy frothing wife with a picture that contains her and at least one Geisha, whilst not using my powers for evil! I always love a challenge, so night two, despite the rain I’m poised like a paparazzi waiting for the Royal family. At first I notice a few well dressed Japanese men and friends are disturbed by my lurking. I’m not the only one. A french man with two cameras does the 100m in 8.5 secs to get a shot. I lower my weapon whenever businessmen are leaving establishments. My cunning plan, and instructions to wife are, stand in one spot for me to get focus and don’t move. When geisha are in sight you will need to move left or right so I can get you in shot. For once , she does not question this, must be the magic of Kyoto.
The sequence above is what it took to get the shot which satisfied her, and let me go and drink beer and eat some fried chicken and ramen. It was worth it for this.
Who would have thought wandering around the streets of Kyoto and not spending 1000’s of Yen could provide so much Fun!
The Geisha of Gion are mesmerizing and beautiful. If you get a chance, take a little time and just watch them move gracefully down the street. It will make the old capital Kyoto magical, and help you celebrate the #festivaloflife.
I stayed at; Ms Inn Higashiyama.
My Ramen recommendation; Musoshin Ramen
#festivaloflife 