geiko

Geiko is the Kyoto dialect term for a geisha, a professional female entertainer in Japan. Geiko are trained in traditional Japanese arts such as music, dance, and conversation. Their role is to entertain guests at banquets and other gatherings, typically in traditional teahouses known as o-chaya. The training to become a geiko is rigorous and begins at a young age, often as an apprentice called a maiko.

The life of a geiko is steeped in tradition and etiquette. They are skilled performers and conversationalists, able to create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere for their patrons. While their image is often misunderstood, geiko are not prostitutes. Their services are purely for entertainment and companionship in a refined setting. The geiko world is a distinct cultural institution, with its own hierarchy, rules, and customs. Kyoto's Gion district is famously associated with geiko and maiko. The training period for maiko can last several years, during which they learn the intricacies of their profession and develop their artistic talents before graduating to become a full geiko.