Male alternatives to dressing up as a geisha in Kyoto

In Kyoto, there are plenty of maiko henshin (or maiko makeover) studios where (presumably) female tourists can pay to be made up and dressed to look like a maiko (apprentice geisha).

What options are available for men in Kyoto? Are there any commonly available options apart from dressing up as a samurai?

Studio shoot versus going outdoors isn't a major consideration - either's fine.

Best Answer

It seems that many of the kimono rental shops that cater to women also carry men's kimono.

For example:

Okamoto Kimono offers large selection of kimono including formal, long-sleeved or hakama for rental.

Kyoto Kimono Rental and Yumeyakata also offer similar plans.

There are other shops that may fit your needs better, I encourage you to search online.

Note: I am not affiliated with any of these sites, nor have I ever used their service. Make sure to contact them to make sure that the service is in fact available.

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Can you dress up as a geisha in Kyoto?

MAICA is one several places in Kyoto where they'll dress you up and make you up as a geiko (fully-fledged geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) for a fee. MAICA has been in business for years and is comfortable with foreign guests and enough English is spoken to get the main points across.

Can you dress up as a geisha in Japan?

To really get under the skin of Asakusa, Tokyo's remaining geisha district, you need to dress-up as a geisha! InsideJapan can arrange for you to get a full geisha makeover including the iconic white make-up, black wig and an elaborate kimono. Professional portrait photos are included; a great souvenir.

How do you dress like a maiko?

Maiko likes to wear flower kanzashi that ties into the different seasons or holidays. The final accessories include shoes, a bag, and a fan. A kimono should be worn with a pair of sandals, of either the geta or zori style. The bag chosen is also typically more traditional as well.

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