Just a Glimpse

IMG_0445
Originally uploaded by me-spirit.

We arrived in Kyoto later in the evening and wandered around a bit aimlessly to get our bearing and find a bite to eat. We ran into 6 maiko (geisha/geiko in training) on different occasions this evening, yet this was the only picture I was able to capture. This was probably because I

1. was too self-conscious to try and ask to take a picture
2. did not practice the phrase ("something something anata wa something shashin something something")
3. did not want to be a rude and really dumb gaijin
4. thought we would see maiko and geisha over the next 4 evenings

It was around ten o'clock in the evening and most of the maiko were heading home from appointments - hailing cabs and walking home in the Pontocho district; leaving the exclusive ochaya -- the uber-expensive and 'by referral only' dining and entertainment establishments -- in the Gion district.

This particular maiko (squint hard or click to enlarge) had a very sharp and attractive blue and white kimono. I was close enough to notice the nape of her neck, which was made-up with powder.

And as quickly as we saw them, just as quickly they disappeared.

For more images, visit thse sites:

http://www.whatever.net.au/~amaya/geisha/

http://phototravels.net/japan/photo-gallery/geisha-maiko.html