Maiko Makeover & Photo Shoot Experience Kyoto

The maiko studio in Higashiyama, below Kiyomizu-dera

The studio sits in Higashiyama, the historic eastern district of Kyoto, on the lower slopes that lead up to Kiyomizu-dera, one of the city's most famous temples. The streets around it, such as Gojo-zaka, Kiyomizu-zaka and the stone-stepped Sannen-zaka, are lined with traditional shops selling pottery, sweets and crafts, and they are among the most atmospheric in the city.

Arriving is easy: take a city bus from Kyoto Station to the Kiyomizu-michi stop, about 20 minutes, and walk around 10 minutes to the studio. Because the makeover takes a good part of the morning or afternoon, it fits well with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera before or after. If you are asking how to get to Kiyomizu-dera, it is the same bus stop and a gentle uphill walk, so you can plan your day around both.

Who are the maiko of Kyoto?

Maiko are the apprentice geisha of Kyoto, young women who train for several years in dance, music, conversation and etiquette before becoming fully qualified geiko, as geisha are called in Kyoto. They live and work in the city's historic geisha districts such as Gion and Pontocho, and they are instantly recognisable by their bright, colourful appearance.

A maiko wears a vivid long-sleeved kimono, an obi sash tied so its ends hang almost to the floor at the back, tall wooden sandals and elaborate hair ornaments that change with the seasons, all set off by white makeup and red lips. Seeing a real maiko in the street is rare, which is why so many travellers love this experience: it lets you wear the look yourself, respectfully, and understand the craft and detail that go into it, from the layered collar to the delicate makeup around the eyes.

Your maiko makeover: kimono, hair and makeup

The makeover begins with the most enjoyable decision of the day: choosing your kimono from around 100 options in every colour and pattern, from soft pinks and lilacs to deep reds with cranes, cherry blossoms or maple leaves. A pair of Japanese split-toe socks is included with the plan, and the staff help you pick an obi that suits your kimono.

Professional makeup artists then create the maiko look. The classic white base makeup is optional; if you prefer a natural face, simply tell the staff. You can choose a natural wig styled with ornaments or keep your own hair, and false eyelashes are optional too. Finally, the dressers fit the kimono and obi layer by layer. The whole transformation is careful and unhurried, and many guests say watching themselves change in the mirror is one of the best moments of their trip to Kyoto.

The photo session in a Japanese room

Once dressed, you move to a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats and sliding paper screens for your photo shoot. The photographer guides your poses, hands and the angle of your head, the small details that make maiko portraits look graceful, and takes a full series of pictures. Afterwards the photographers select the best shots for you.

You leave with a folding photo mount holding 3 prints of 195 by 195 millimetres and digital files of every picture from the shoot, so you can share them later. You also get 10 minutes of free time in the studio to take photos with your own phone or camera. Outdoor photography and extra prints are not part of this plan. Is a maiko makeover in Kyoto worth it? For anyone who wants a beautiful, unique souvenir of Japan, it is one of the most memorable experiences in the city.