Through Gion

Last night we wandered among Kyoto's night entertainment district, Gion. There, it's not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a Geisha. Geisha are women entertainers — usually for men — specializing in dance, singing or music. They dress in heavy kimono laden with ornate decoration, their faces painted in white make up, red lips blazing in contrast. Their hair, or wig, is pulled back into high loops, and and they wear traditional shoes that resemble flip flops.

Their mystery is a common tourist draw. At one point, one of the paper and wooden doors next to me slid open, and two Geisha stepped into my path. Like celebrities, these two were chased down the street, cameras flashing like Christmas lights.



Later we were walking the other direction when one came running down the street. As she ran, she dropped her shawl. It was like something out of a movie. A tourist nearby grabbed it and called for her. In trade, she agreed to pose for a picture with him. He raised his fists in celebration after the flash went off. Another woman was bold enough to ask her to pose, and she complied. I was able to get in a few shots before she ducked behind a door.

Lesson learned: You just have to be in the right place at the right time.