maiko

geisha apprentice

The geisha profession originated in 17th century Japan. They are considered professional entertainers, but sexual services are performed by some, especially at onsen. In Kyoto there are maiko, apprentice geisha. They have some unique characteristics that set them apart from geisha. She wears hair ornaments that are tied to the seasons, an obi that hangs down in the back, a special type of tall clogs called koppori, an embroidered collar (rather than white like geisha), and she leaves the back of her neck free of make-up in a scallop pattern.

Eyewitness Travel Guides: Japan
Rosalyn Thiro