The Kagai, or Hanamachi, literally translated as “Flower Town” is the term Kyoto people use for the districts where the geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice) practice the high-class arts that have made their beauty and refinement legendary the world over. There are five Hanamachi in Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Miyagawa-Cho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken and Gion Higashi — these are known as Kyoto’s Gokagai.
Here are a few galleries of photos taken around these five Hanamachi, Flower Towns or Geisha Districts, as well as during special photo sessions, either public ones organized by various organizations or private ones.
Photos of the beautiful Geiko Kimiaya of Miyagawa-Cho in the old Nijo Jinya, a former inn used by feudal lords (daimyo) who were visiting Kyoto during the Edo Period.
Twice a year, the PPK association organizes a public photo shoot with Maikos and Geikos. These events take place in temples and are a great opportunity to take special photos of such models. Here are the ones I took in November 2016
In March 2017, I participated to the large PPWest photo shoot in the beautiful Heian Jingu Shrine. A large garden was specially open for the occasion. There were five maiko and one geiko for three separate sessions and several hundreds photographers. The well organized event is always a pleasure and a great opportunity to take photos in a very special location.
The Kagai - the so called Hanamachi or Flower Town. A few photos taken here and there around Kyoto's Geisha Districts.
At the beginning of the year, Kyoto's Maiko and Geiko wear their most formal kimono for three days, exchanging new year greetings and participating to ceremonies.
These photos were taken during public events that took place at the Kyoto National Museum and the Shôsei-en Garden. It was a great opportunity to take special photos of beautiful maiko and geiko in a very special setting.
I have just heard that maiko Kimisaki (Honjo Okiya) has retired from the Kagai. I'm so sad about it. I have put together a small gallery of what I think are the best photos I captured of maiko Kimisaki.
Many encounters with Maiko or Geiko start with an "Aisatsu" or greeting. The maiko will seat on the tatami mat and bow deeply. This is done as an introduction or at the start of a dance during an Ozashiki.
Geiko Toshiemi san (Komaya Okiya) performing "Kyo no Shiki" (the four seasons of Kyoto) on the day of her retirement, Miyagawa-Cho, Kyoto
