Geisha for a day. Wear a Kimono

I could not be in Japan and not experiment to try a kimono, an outfit of “geisha”, or “maiko” to be more accurate.

Kimonos are one of the typical attires in Japan. We are more accustomed to talk about “Geisha” than “Maikos”, but the difference between these, is that the “Maiko” are the youngest apprentices.

So in Japan most teenagers wear more colorful attire, because the “Geishas”, who are older women use sober, neutral colors.

I’m going to tell you a little bit about this famous outfit.

What is a Kimono?

The kimonos are made of silk and the color goes depending on the season of the
year.

Before the kimono you wear a garment as underwear, like white tapes that cover the chest and the hips.

On top of them, you put a cotton garment with the shape of the kimono’s neck, which measures approximately from neck to knees.

Then, on this garment is put the “Nagajuban”, which is a kind of skirt a little shorter than the kimono and is tied under the bust.

After all of this goes the kimono which is then fastened by a cord called “datejime”.

Here this one the “obi” is fastened, which is a belt that comprises from the lower part of the chest to the abdomen, its function is purely decorative and serves to maintain a correct posture.

Then it’s attached to a cord called “Obijime”. Here you wear a brooch of obi, called Pocchiri for the Maiko.

The socks are called “Tabis“, they are always white with separation between the fingers to make it more comfortable to use the sandals named “Hakimono”, of which there are different models and different colors.

Accesories

Geishas also use a bag shaped like a bubble, which is called “Ozshiki-Kago”.

In order to dress the kimono, Geishas and Maiko need help from another person. Years ago, this wardrobe assistant was a man. Nowadays, they are usually middle-aged women, although there are still men.

These helpers are called “Otokosu”. It is one of the few trades a man can exert in this world.

The “Otokosu” are usually children of women who work in the okiya or children of old geishas or Okasan. Currently, there are only five in Kyoto.

Time to show it off!

In Japan you can use a kimono in different places, one of the most popular is Kyoto, but I chose Arashiyama because it is a smaller city, less crowded and very original and picturesque.

And the truth is that I also took a few pictures with my geisha suit in the bamboo garden and in a Japanese palace. I had so much fun!

Always with respect

It is very satisfying to see how the Japanese and even some Japanese who dress like this, are flattered when they see you on the street wearing this outfit, and many older ladies even bow.

Of course I took it very seriously, and respecting all its traditions. I was very honored to wear it.

If you visit Japan do not hesitate to get one, it really is an experience.