GION

八坂神社の門前町として開かれた花街で、四条通りの南北にかけて鴨川の東に広がる京の顔。四条通りと交差する南東角には忠臣蔵で有名な一力亭が、他にも紅殻格子によしずを垂らした京の町家が続いています。

Geisha

Geisha,referred to in Kyoto as Geiko,are entertainers who play the shamisen or taiko,and dance to entertain their guests. Maiko are Geisha trainees. They wear pokkuri geta and elaborate kimono and obi. The Maiko pose, play parlor games, light customer's cigarettes,and pour sake while the Geisha make witty conversation. Geisha help keep many of the traditional performing arts of Japan alive. According to one Geisha,"the advantage of being a Geisha is that you meet VIPs from all over the world!"It goes without saying that the Gion Geisha are not prostitutes.