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👘 Gion 祇園

When we think of Japan, Geishas often come to mind, but who really are they?

The origin of Geishas dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, when they began to emerge as professional entertainers in "hanamachi," areas dedicated to entertainment and nightlife. Initially, Geishas were men, but gradually women began to dominate the profession.

Over time, specialized schools were established to train young women in various disciplines. These young entrants into the Geisha world are known as "hangyoku." The process of becoming a Geisha is long, costly, demanding, and can take years. Being a Geisha is no simple feat; in fact, they are rigorously trained in various forms of Japanese art, including music, dance, singing, tea ceremony (Sado), conversation, hospitality, dressing, makeup, literature, poetry, etiquette, social protocol (Keigo), philosophy, spirituality, as well as the ability to participate in wordplay and wit. This prepares them to serve as educated and entertaining conversational companions. Their training is mainly focused on the arts and Japanese culture, but their role as hostesses and skilled conversationalists motivates them to broaden their knowledge, mainly in Kyoto or Tokyo, where Geishas often interact with tourists and business clients from around the world. Talking about international topics, including the arts and history of other cultures, can be part of their repertoire.

Walking through the Gion district in Kyoto is to hear a constant tapping from the wooden shoes of the Geishas, and it's normal to see them walking through its streets. Gion maintains its traditions intact, even referring to Geishas as “Geiko” and their apprentices as “Maikos.” The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, consisting of a tunic tied with an obi (wide belt), complemented by special underwear (nagajuban), split-toe socks (tabi), and sandals (zori or geta). It is adorned with accessories like the haneri (decorative collar), obijime (decorative cord), and obiage (silk scarf), as well as kanzashi (hair ornaments). Made from materials ranging from silk to cotton or synthetic fibers, the kimono stands out for its aesthetic designs that often reflect nature and carry symbolic meanings. For men, the traditional Japanese attire, consisting of the montsuki and hakama, is a formal outfit composed of a kimono decorated with family emblems and a skirt-trouser.

If you visit Kyoto, you definitely have to go to Gion. For unique experiences, head to Maikoya [https://bit.ly/-Sado] where you can dress in Kimonos and have a tea ceremony experience with a professional Geisha, at Aya Maiko Makeover [https://bit.ly/-Geiko] you can transform into an authentic Maiko, as it allows you to dress, apply makeup, and style your hair yourself, but if you're just looking for a Geisha show, the Geisha show at Maikoya awaits you [https://bit.ly/Geisha-Show].

📍Gion - https://bit.ly/-Gion
👘 Kimonos - https://bit.ly/-Kimonos

⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha

The Torii gates ⛩️ are traditional Japanese portals easily recognizable by their distinctive structure and are iconic symbols of Shintoism (the native religion of Japan), such structures are the direct entrance to Shinto shrines, marking the threshold between the physical world and the spiritual one. Their intense red color is believed to have protective and purifying powers, and their history goes back to more than a thousand years of tradition.

The Shinto priests, known in Japan as "Kannushi" (神主), venerate the "kami", which can be spirits of nature, deities, ancestors, or phenomena that inspire deep respect. The set of garments in a Shinto priest's attire is called Shōzoku, generally white, and symbolizes purity. A Shinto priest is an intermediary between the kami and people, facilitating harmony and mutual respect through rituals and ceremonies. But it is not as simple as it sounds, the training of a Shinto priest is complex, this training includes the study of Shinto rites and ceremonies, sacred music and dances, and classical Japanese literature, such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, which narrate the mythology, the history of the kami, and the origin of the Japanese archipelago.

At the heart of Shintoism lies the concept of "musubi", an idea that emphasizes the interconnection and generative energy between all beings and phenomena. Every individual, every element of nature, every moment, and every decision in our lives, make up the symphony of a universal whole.

📍 Fushimi Inari Taisha - https://bit.ly/-Fushimi-Inari-Taisha