Another famous culture in Japan is that of the Geisha. Common misconception makes many believe that these girls were in fact part of the prostitution trade, but this really was not the case.  The word “Geisha” means quite literally “Artist”.

Geisha girls are recognisable by their costume – with brightly coloured kimonos and obi’s, white painted faces, and their sleek black hair tied up in the traditional Shimada hairstyle. Combs and pins are used to decorate the hair and kimonos change according to season and the type of event the Geisha is attending. The kimono’s are intricately embroidered and can take 2-3 years to make. [Read more...]