Memoirs of a Geisha
On a trip to New Zealand a few years ago, I read “Memoirs of a Geisha
When we arrived at our guesthouse in Western Kyoto, we were given a map of the city. As I examined the map more closely, I saw the Gion area of Kyoto. Then I saw a little handwritten note “Geisha Area”. Ahh….just like looking for Matt Lauer in Buenos Aires, it was time to look for a Geisha.
I think I had some sort of fantasy Kyoto in my head from the movie, but when we got off the train in Central Kyoto, it looked like a big, big city to me. Sigh….. How would I find a Geisha in a city this size? As we headed towards Gion, it was shops, lights, and piped in Japanese music over your head. But as we crossed over a bridge, I looked to my right at an area that just looked different than the rest of Kyoto. “Let’s go down there” I said to the ever patient WS.
It turned out this was Gion. As we made our way into Gion, it was like another world. Narrow streets, ryokans, tea houses, lanterns….now this is what I had pictured. We started to get ourselves wonderfully lost down one of the alleyways when we heard yelling from the main street. We looked back to see people running. A Japanese woman passing us in traditional dress said “Maiko “. Now this meant nothing to us, but we thanked her, and headed into the commotion.
It turned out that the commotion was a Geisha Maiko, an apprentice in Gion we later learned. And the yelling running tourists were falling over themselves to get a photo. It was at that moment we learned of the Geisha-razzi. Tourists were stalking the area, looking for Geisha. All of a sudden, you would see people running in a direction with flashbulbs popping and sure enough, there would be some poor Geisha trying to walk to work.
It was insane!! And I soon got sucked into it myself. Please know I did not go tearing off after these women to take their photo, but if one passed close by, I was telling the cameraman (WS) he better get a good shot. We were Geisha spotting for a good two hours (it was a bit addictive).
I was mesmerized by these women. Their kimonos were like nothing I had ever seen. Their hair and makeup were perfect. And to me, they symbolized a beauty that I had never known. There is nothing in the US to compare them to as far as their job, and their whole demeanor screamed old world elegance to me. I really could not leave Gion.
Finally, it started to get dark, and the Geisha-razzi was starting to die down. I left the area (or more like WS dragged me from the area) smiling that this kind of beauty and tradition lives on.
To see more photos (until our server problem is resolved) click http://flickr.com/photos/wanderwhy/sets/
2leftfeet said:
I love all the photos so far, but I think that the Japan photos are my favorites just because they reveal a culture that is so different from out own. The Geisha shots are great ( I read the book too and saw a great Nat Geo special on geishas) and I can’t even imagine how wonderful it would be to see one of those ladies in person. No wonder that they attract crowds!
As always, stay safe. I look forward to traveling vicariously through your blogs and pics! I took some of your advice and picked up a pacsafe daypack and fannypack for myself. I’m very happy with the products. BTW–what kind of camera did you use for the GBR photos?
Til later—Denise
WanderingSean said:
Yes, I totally agree! Japan is the most fascinating country we have been in so far. There are no references in our own culture to draw from to even begin to understand things here. It’s fantastic.
I rented a camera with a waterproof housing for the GBR dives. It was a Canon powershot… one of the A series I think. I would never by one since the A-series uses AA batteries which I think is a pain in the ass. The dive cases canon makes are expensive but really fantastic–and most of their cameras have an underwater mode which works very nicely.
Theresa said:
Wow, that’s really cool. I also read the book, and it’s amazing to me that you saw a geisha in person. The paparazzi stuff is hilarious.
Brian said:
Look! I’m commenting on your blog.
Japan looks really cool. It seems like the language barrier would be really difficult, but I bet most people there speak English. That makes it easier.
The GBR looks awesome. However, I’m glad that you guys stuck to your skill level. If it was too uncomfortable for WD, then I’m glad that you didn’t push it.
Stay safe, and keep posting. Nina and I really do read it, even though we don’t comment very often.
Cristina said:
I loved this post as much as the photos!
The Geisha are still real!!
I can imagine why people are so fascinated about them, they seem to be coming from a fiction book or another era.
WanderingWhy… » Japan Reflections said:
[...] every single little thing, where refinement is a never ending process, where people still respect tradition, and where elegance is taken to an art practiced by everyone. It all adds up to one of the most [...]