Geishas are associated with many fantasies and stories, but what do you know about them? What if you could learn about their arts and their history? In some rare places like Kanazawa, there are still actual geishas and you can meet them during a show.
In the beautiful old centre of Kanazawa, you can stroll in the ancient streets and see geisha-looking women walking. Many are tourists wearing traditional clothes, but there really are geishas in that area. Spending time with a geisha can be pretty expensive, because it took them years to learn their art. They know music, dance, games, and have the greatest conversation skills.
Lady Baba, A Colourful Character
Owner of Kaikaro, an ochaya (traditional tea house), Lady Baba gives to tourists the opportunity to meet geishas and learn about them during an evening show. The show doesn’t happen every day, so be sure to check their calendar before going. You can buy your ticket online or at the entrance. I bought mine in the evening at the entrance, a few hours before the show, because the online tickets were not sold anymore. Here is the website: http://geishaevenings.jp/. It costs a little bit of money: from 60 to 90 euros (it might vary, check online), but it’s still affordable compared to the private services of a geisha. And it’s a unique experience.
Lady Baba is funny and charming. When she introduces herself, she spells her name and tells you to be careful and not confuse her with Lady Gaga.
Discrete Geishas And Fun Games
The two other geishas rarely spoke and were more discrete, but I think that it’s part of the show. They explained many things about the dressing code and hairstyle (these are wigs), and they danced, played music and ended the evening by playing drinking games with members of the audience. Don’t trust their fragile appearances, they usually won the games and only once had to drink.
I had a fantastic evening there and I will remember it all my life. Kanazawa was different from the typical touristic cities I had visited during my first trip. I definitely recommend going there and meeting geishas (among many other fantastic things).
Here is, for your information, the length of a geisha belt, an obi:
To see more photos of Japan, you can visit the gallery Japan.
