Before i start going deep into this post i would like to say a special thanks to my make up artist/ dresser, Takazawa-san who did an amazing job preparing me for the shoot, she was really a friendly staff who explained the make up application process to dressing me me almost 5kg++ worth of clothing. If you guys didn't know the history of Geisha/ Maiko, dressing are usually done by a man because their strength is needed to pull and wrap the sash in place, and for a woman to be able to do that, means they are very strong!
Also nice working with Mark-san, all the best in your photography studies!
Don't keep it in your bucket list, Just do it!
Dressed as a Maiko (ticked off my bucket list), though i'm technically too old to be one lol (guess my actual age haha) as Maiko(s) are usually between the age of 15 to 20 years old. It's alright, let me pretend to be under legal age for one 3 hours to be exact lol.
Do hope more Malaysians will come here after this to try something this daring for their Japan trip :)
I ensure you that you'll definitely get tons of Instagram worthy photos for this.
About GION AYA
Gion Aya specializes in Kimono and other traditional costume rental services providing not only costume but also a full make over by their skilled make up artists and professional in-house photographers. So if you are looking to make your trip to Japan a memorable one by dressing up as a Geiko/ Maiko/ Samurai or even just donning a normal kimono to stroll around Kyoto, then Gion Aya is a great place to go to! This place actually used to be a proper performing tea house but it is now converted into a costume studio, and the authentic traditional setting still remains till today!
The choices of of kimonos are amazing, every one of them was beautiful that i had a difficult time choosing one lol, if i could i don't mind spending everyday of my life just wearing a kimono at this rate. That's how much i love Japanese silk designs 💖
Men & Children Costumes Available as well
Guys if you are worried that you'll be left out from all the fun then you are wrong because they too have samurai costumes for you to put on and pose for photos together with your girlfriend dressed as either a maiko or a geiko. Makes a fun and creative pre wedding photo opportunity too, something you can proudly show your kids and grand kids in the future haha!
They have children clothing as well and kids would surely love to join their mothers for a mom and daughter pairing session or can easily do a full family portrait here as well.
There are a few packages you can select from starting as low as only 11,500 yen, depending on your preference you can either shoot indoors/ outdoors or both.
View the full package rates here: kyoto-maiko.com/plan
Total Duration
I came here alone which was a big mistake, how i wished i came with a friend because that would make things more fun (two is always better than one lol), that's why i had limited photos of my time outside during the 1 hour stroll nearby *sobs*.
The whole entire experience took roughly about 2 hours + from dressing up to shooting indoors and outdoors, and i added on an 1 hour stroll nearby, so total 3 hours. Was stopped so frequently for photos and people even asking me for directions T_T i'm a 外国人 not a local.
Makes me want to come back for round 2 with some friends and a photographer next time but i'll most definitely drag my friends here to try at least once! You can't say you have really experience Kyoto without walking a mile in a Geiko/ Maiko's shoes for a day (Not kidding), it isn't easy wearing the whole costume with the heavy weight and walking in an Okobo (high platform wooden sandals) is difficult as well without tripping and falling over. After taking off the costume i have mad respect for these traditional artists, they are truly inspiring people who strive to keep the tradition alive in this current modern world.
Lockers & Basic Amenities provided
Upon arriving they assigned us with individual lockers to put our bags and clothes in, and people like me who always has their phone and camera at hand, they even provide a small pouch for me to carry with me at all times, so thoughtful of them!Was worried about washing up afterwards, but Gion Aya basically thought of everything, from gentle oil based cleansers to remove the thick white foundation, shampoo and conditioners to hair dryers (for those of us who used half wigs would need to wash parts of our hair). There's also a make up shelf for you guys to use as well.
Wahh 5kg clothing?? Really looks different! Bestnya. Btw, susah tak nak remove make-up?
ReplyDeleteyou look so cute..heheee
ReplyDeleteyou had an awesome experience ! Love the look, the painter, and all stuff from Japan @ I should go there too
ReplyDeleteI love how it turns out! Very nice and pretty. By the way, how long did it takes for you to remove your make up?
ReplyDeleteWow the makeover is superb. Thinking about how you remove the makeup? Is that take much time?
ReplyDeletetetiba teringat pada cerita Geisha hehehe, btw, look nice !
ReplyDeleteU look nice
ReplyDeleteDefinetly a dif experience that will be remembered by u
Wow such a good experience..never get a chance to visit here..but definitely will be in my list soon lol
ReplyDeletewow salute you! and you look stunning in those!
ReplyDeleteYourFinanceDoctor
Oh, my! You really looks good in those make up and kimono!
ReplyDeleteI love seem you dress up in Kimono. You really looks like Japanese Doll. Kawaii neh.
ReplyDeleteI'll really like to try this out when I visit Japan in the future. Btw you look great in the pics.
ReplyDeleteTeringat cerita oshin. Haha.. Tak sangka baju ni berat sampai 5kg.. Nampak simple ja.
ReplyDeleteYou look pretty! The dress is 5kg Heavy? How you manage to wear it? Did you feel hot?
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