What is the cultural significance of geishas in Japan?

Japan is a true treasure trove of deep and fascinating culture. From temples and Shinto shrines dotting the corners of every city, to the flashing high-tech stores and many themed cafés, you’ll never get bored. But a piece of Japanese culture and history which has fascinated many from all over the world are geishas – and with good reason! The history of these elegantly painted women is rich and intricate and clings to many areas of Japan.

Dive into the cultural significance of geishas in Japan here in preparation for your next trip to Japan.

What are geishas?

The exact role of the geisha has evolved over time, but first and foremost geishas have always been professional entertainers and artists. Usually their skills include dancing, singing, playing the samisen (a sort of lute), conversation, and hospitality; though the variety of skills extends well beyond that into fields like flower arranging, calligraphy, and the performance of tea ceremonies.

You’ll see geishas characterised by the traditional kimonos they wear, the elaborate and ornate hairstyles and hairpieces, and the bone-white makeup painted on their faces. 

There is a false conception that geishas are sex workers due to the history of the role and certain sex workers dressing in the same manner. But the two professions were strictly separated decades ago by government decree. 

What does the word geisha mean?

The word geisha can be translated to ‘art person’ in English and speaks to both the ins and outs of the profession which includes many artistic pursuits, as well as their beautiful appearance. Geisha makeup is delicate and precise, and the clothing and accessories they wear are exquisite pieces of art in and of themselves.

The history of geishas

The first geishas appeared in Japan around 1730 during the Edo Period and were actually men! Originally, the role of a geisha – or taikomochi, as male geishas were referred to – was to be the assistant of high-class courtesans. Female geishas only emerged 20 years later and they were called Odoriko which means ‘dancer’, and by 1780 female geishas all but dominated the industry.

Patrons of the courtesans began gravitating towards geishas more and more because they were cheaper and more socially accessible and, over time, geishas became the main providers of entertainment and hospitality at things like upper-class dinner parties and events. 

Geishas prospered over the centuries until World War II when the lack of leisure time and resources made it financially very difficult for hanamachis – where geishas work – to stay in business. Furthermore, the American occupation of Japan in the post-war era led to the common misconception of ‘geisha girls.’ Faced with Japanese culture for the first time, American soldiers conflated female night club hostesses, geishas, and female sex workers as being the same, a confusion which was exacerbated by the fact that certain sex workers would dress up in the style of geishas to entice clientele.

In modern day Japan, seeing geishas is a far less common occurrence as the craft has been subject to a slow death. However it is fiercely upheld in certain areas, specifically Kyoto, where geisha culture still exists and can be experienced at tea houses and luxurious restaurants called ryoutei. 

Geishas are an intricate part of Japanese culture and often regarded as a physical representation of Omotenashi, the Japanese concept of seen and unseen hospitality.

What is the difference between a geiko and a maiko?

Since becoming a geisha requires a lengthy training process to learn all the necessary skills, apprenticeships are a regular part of the profession, and these apprentices are called maiko, whereas a geisha who has completed her apprenticeship is called a geiko – or simply geisha.

The difference lies simply in their level of expertise, though maiko and geiko wear slightly different attire. Maiko usually wear elaborate and colourful kimonos with high-heeled wooden sandals (known as okobo), whereas geiko wear more subtle kimonos and lower sandals with a simpler hairstyle.

What do geishas do?

Geishas are entertainers and their skills extend into many different areas. They are often hired as entertainment for events and parties, even banquets and galas, and they delight by showing off traditional Japanese arts like dancing, music–notably singing and playing the samisen–calligraphy and performing tea ceremonies. 

Their primary role is to entertain and provide hospitality, so geishas are also required to be intelligent and witty conversationalists. Ultimately geishas are elegant and dedicated cultural performers speaking to an older and traditional side of Japan. 

So, what is the significance of geishas today?

While geishas are not as widespread as they once were, they serve as living cultural ambassadors and artists who preserve a portion of Japan’s cultural heritage. While Japan certainly boasts technological advancements and ways of life which are ahead of the curve, there are many pockets of the country that still cherish the traditional aspects of the culture and work diligently to keep them alive. 

Where can you see geishas in Japan?

The most likely place to see geishas in Japan is in Kyoto, specifically the Gion District which is located on the east side of the Kamo River. The Gion District is characterised by traditional homes and streets made of wood and stone which wind around in quaint streets, complete with temples and shrines nestled throughout. 

You can also explore the Kagurazaka and Asakusa districts in Tokyo alongside visits to the gorgeous Seno-ji temple.

The best way to see geishas in Japan is by booking various experiences like tea ceremonies or dinner shows at private tea houses. This will ensure you get to see real professional geishas and it’ll also let you experience real Japanese culture. It’s definitely something you have to do in Japan!

Can you take pictures with geishas?

There’s a lot of muddled advice on whether it is appropriate or not to take pictures of geisha, but as a general rule: time and place matters. Geishas are professionals, an important fact to remember, and if you see them walking down the street they are most likely making their way to work, so just like you wouldn’t stop someone on their commute to take a picture, you shouldn’t do that here.

Tourist paparazzi actually got so bad in the Gion District that Kyoto had to state an official ban on photographing geishas in Gion. So, don’t do that. The proper geisha etiquette includes the following fairly common sense rules: do not stop, touch, take pictures or videos of, or follow geishas walking around Gion. 

If you book an experience like a tea ceremony with a geisha present, you can ask them to take a photo and they will most likely happily oblige. This is about the only appropriate setting, so make the most of it.