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elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

I know it is incredibly cheesy and touristy but cant help but be a bit interested in dressing up like a maiko for a few hours and getting some pics to send home to mother who will love it.....bless.

But wondered if anyone else has done it? was it good and worth it? or a rip-off tourist con? am going to Kyoto for Christmas so thought I might do it then... any experiences or opinions on it?

Thank you

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

You should definitely do it!
I have never had the opportunity but if I did I would do it for sure...what a cool keepsake and experience... Wink

flyingkiwi · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 2:35 pm Post subject:

Nah, better just to get pics of a real one, which me and my parents were very lucky to get when we saw one in Kyoto during summer vacation.

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

If you have the opportunity, why not do it? Just have fun.

ws365

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

I was in Kyoto a few weeks ago and saw three women all dressed up a maiko in front of a store that does the whole dress up/photo thing. I was interested in doing it, but the price was a bit too high for my liking. Something like 30,000 yen. Shocked

elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

Yeah I have looked at lots of websites - and can see basic prices from 6,500 up to 20,000 if you want pics outside and fancy stuff. But there seems to be a decent option at around 12,000.

I wonder how many of the "geishas" that people see and photograph in Gion are actually just tourists dressing up! Lots of the studios give you an option after pics to walk around for 30mins dressed up!!!! I am not so keen on that...

Just hoping someone might have actually done it and be able to tell me about it...

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

My friend and I got the Maiko package in Kyoto a few years ago. It was one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. As I recall, it was about 5000 yen at the time which included a set of five beautifully-taken 5 x 7 glossy prints. I have always regretted not paying the extra 2500 yen for the negatives.

The whole process took about 2.5 hours. First I got into a dressing gown. Then to the makeup room. They pulled back and net up my hair. Then cleaned my face and applied this very cold and runny, white liquid base all over, including over my eyebrows and lips. Kind of looked like liquid white out. Then they puffed on a white matte finish. After that, they did my eyes, eyebrows, cheeks and lips. Everything was applied extremely precisely. I don't know how they would've fixed a mistake, if I had moved.

Then I went into the kimono room to pick out the one I wanted to wear in the photo shoot. There was a selection of about 50 different styles. Then into another dressing room to have the many layers of undergarments cinched on. They didn't use any buttons, zippers or snaps. Everything was tied on using belts and sashes - and very snugly I might add! Then the kimono was put on, secured by yet more belts and sashes. Then into the wig room. All the wigs came with accessories already attached, so I tried to get one that complimented the colours in my kimono. The wig fit very tightly around my face because the imitation hair line on the wig was meant to look seamless against my skin. It hurt a bit, especially around the temple area.

Then my kimono socks and platform shoes were put on for me, as there was no way that I could have bent down to do it myself. After this was the first time I was able to sit down, since having had my makeup applied. It was only then did I realize exactly how constricted my body was. You kind of begin to breathe like a kitten in little short spurts! Word of advice . . . don't drink any liquids before doing this, 'cause I have no idea how you'd manage going to the bathroom.

Then into the photo studio. The photographer instructed me into pre-arranged poses with props, like an umbrella and a ball. The lighting and focus for these shots had already been set, so all I had to do was stand on the mark and not smile. Don't smile too much with a closed mouth, as it looks kind of like your cheeks are storing something for a long hard winter. Above all, don't show your teeth as they don't look appealing against your very white makeup. My friend and I had the option to have photos taken just of ourselves and also together.

Afterwards, we were allowed to waddle outside in full gear to take photos of each other using our own cameras. We were allowed to do that inside as well but it was difficult, 'cause we were so preoccupied. Then back inside to de-gear, which was done incredibly quickly. We had to remove our own makeup in the bathroom. It took about 20 minutes to get through all the layers. If I had to do it again, I would bring my own cleanser and moisturizer. The stuff they give you is pretty harsh.

By the time you're back to normal, your photos are ready and off you go!

Definitely do it! Have fun!

chirp · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

I know someone who did it in Tokyo recently and loved it.

Here is their website: http://www.henshin-maiko.com/en_index.html

There are tons of places in Kyoto, so it is much cheaper there. Get photos of the real thing, but hey, do it yourself too!

elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

Wow thank you for taking the time to tell me about it .... sounds great...not a con! will do some more research on the websites then. Thank you.

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

Wow. I must have run across one of the more expensive ones! If it was more in the 10,000yen range I would have done it! And thanks for the link chirp. I might have to check that place out the next time I'm in Tokyo.

Florizalll · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 42

I sent pictures home from my "Maiko photo shoot" in/near Harajuku. We couldn't walk around all dressed up, but the price was really reasonable and we could take unlimited photos with our own camera in addition to the professional ones. Dita Von Teese was there twice!

elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

Brilliant, if Dita can do it, then so can I!

chirp · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

So I did it! after asking all the questions, thought I should say thanks for the advice... i went to this place...
http://www.maiko-henshin.com/english/read/index.html

It was great... not too cheesy at all! They take great care and pride over making sure everything is right. And I loved walking around dressed up. It was a really memorable experience, especially as I did it on Christmas day. After getting the professional pics, me and my boyfriend walked around and took stupid photos, and got asked by lots of tourists to have my pic with them. Was very weird, and in some of the pics I look more like a pantomime dame than a geisha girl... but i would definitely recommend it just for the experience!