Things Not To Do In Japan
4. Don't... pay to dress like a geisha
This is an activity many Kyoto guesthouses and hostels offer for the ladies (maybe the men too?).
For about 10,000-30,000 yen ($125-370), depending on services offered and time allowed, your face will be painted pale white, your hair arranged in traditional geisha style and your body stuffed and folded into a slim silk kimono.
Why? For photos to send home and the chance to see what geisha experience. Sometimes you're allowed to take a short walk outside in full regalia and watch the reactions of startled Japanese men and tourists thinking, "Wow! A real geisha! Get the camera!"
Unfortunately, it's just not worth it; with foreign noses, eyes and facial features, we simply look ridiculous.
Really? Honestly, I don't agree at all. Being dressed as a maiko gave me a very memorable experience. Especially as an American, 'traditional clothes' are foreign to me, so getting a chance to experience being dolled up in a way that's still very profound in Japanese culture was pretty cool.
& yeah, I'm going to guess those same "Wow! A real geisha!" tourists are the same ones who still believe samurai walk the streets. Unless you have Asian facial features already, it's pretty obvious that you're not a real geisha. (BTW, maiko! Not geisha!)
I just really hate it when people point out facial/body features as a reason cultures can't dress like each other. :[ People living in the same area may have different facial features - does that mean they can't dress alike or put on similar styles on make-up? Whatever you think is right for you IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Geez, the article makes it sound like it's such a tourist trap. If you've never been to Kyoto before & you get the chance, do it! If I had the chance, I'd do it again. :)
This is an activity many Kyoto guesthouses and hostels offer for the ladies (maybe the men too?).
For about 10,000-30,000 yen ($125-370), depending on services offered and time allowed, your face will be painted pale white, your hair arranged in traditional geisha style and your body stuffed and folded into a slim silk kimono.
Why? For photos to send home and the chance to see what geisha experience. Sometimes you're allowed to take a short walk outside in full regalia and watch the reactions of startled Japanese men and tourists thinking, "Wow! A real geisha! Get the camera!"
Unfortunately, it's just not worth it; with foreign noses, eyes and facial features, we simply look ridiculous.
Really? Honestly, I don't agree at all. Being dressed as a maiko gave me a very memorable experience. Especially as an American, 'traditional clothes' are foreign to me, so getting a chance to experience being dolled up in a way that's still very profound in Japanese culture was pretty cool.
& yeah, I'm going to guess those same "Wow! A real geisha!" tourists are the same ones who still believe samurai walk the streets. Unless you have Asian facial features already, it's pretty obvious that you're not a real geisha. (BTW, maiko! Not geisha!)
I just really hate it when people point out facial/body features as a reason cultures can't dress like each other. :[ People living in the same area may have different facial features - does that mean they can't dress alike or put on similar styles on make-up? Whatever you think is right for you IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Geez, the article makes it sound like it's such a tourist trap. If you've never been to Kyoto before & you get the chance, do it! If I had the chance, I'd do it again. :)