This is a subject that comes up quite often, and since most people don’t know where to turn to for said information in English I figured that I’d write it out here. The information for this came from various photographers, so I will link to some of their guides at the end as well.



Step 1: Where Should I Take Pictures?

Always avoid taking images along Hanami Koji as it’s constantly packed with tourists who are always getting in the way of maiko and geiko going to work. Please remember that they are professionals who are paid for their time, so making them late is very rude.

NEVER FORCE A MAIKO OR GEIKO TO STOP FOR A PICTURE.

The gokagai are filled with smaller streets, so just waiting patiently will usually reward you with a quieter experience. Pontocho itself is a long and narrow street, so it’s advised that you don’t really photograph around there as you will likely become an issue for foot traffic if you just stand around. For the best spots it’s recommended that you go to Miyagawa Cho as there are almost never any tourists and the maiko and geiko usually have more time to stop and chat.

Step 2: Is It The Right Time To Ask For A Picture?

This is probably the most important step of them all. You MUST be able to read the body language of maiko and geiko before you can even ask them for a picture.

IF THEY ARE LOOKING AWAY FROM YOU AND/OR LOOK NERVOUS THEN DO NOT ASK THEM TO STOP FOR A PICTURE.

They are clearly on their way to work and should not be bothered. Some maiko and geiko also don’t feel as comfortable taking pictures as some others, so if they aren’t making eye contact then they should not be bothered. Also, if they are with a client then do NOT stop them; that client is paying for their time whereas you are not, so do not stop maiko or geiko when they’re working. If a maiko or geiko looks your way and smiles then it’s usually a good opportunity to ask for a quick picture.

An example of how NOT to take a picture:

Image courtesy of Evachelmeckaart.

Step 3: How Do I Ask For a Picture?

ALWAYS ASK TO TAKE A PICTURE BEFORE YOU DO SO. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE CONSENT THEN DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE.

The only exception is if maiko and geiko are performing on stage or at some kind of public event (see below). The quickest and most polite way is to ask, “Sumimasen, shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?” (soo-mee-mah-sen, shah-sheen oh toe-teh moh eee dess-ka). It can take a bit of practice if you don’t know any Japanese, but you can learn it pretty quickly. For those who will likely forget what to say on the spot you can usually point to your camera and say “Sumimasen” or “Onegai” (oh-ney-guy). Maiko and geiko are used to being asked for photos, especially from tourists, so if language becomes an issue then you can try to resort to pantomime.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS THANK THE MAIKO OR GEIKO FOR TAKING THE TIME TO POSE FOR A PHOTOGRAPH.

They took the time out of their busy schedules to allow you to take that picture, so it’s only natural to reciprocate their kind gesture with words of thanks. A simple “Arigato” will suffice; it doesn’t take much to mind your manners!

An example of how to take a picture correctly:

Image courtesy of Ktellusastory.

Step 4: Should I Publish My Picture?

If you followed the above steps then usually it should be fine. However, if any of the following appear in your pictures then you should NOT post them ANYWHERE:

-Bare skin below the waist. A flash of skin from walking is considered indecent, so never share photographs where you can see the skin of a maiko or geiko’s leg.

-An “oops” moment: These can include tripping, having a hair ornament fall out, or some other embarrassing pose.

-Maiko or geiko with another customer: This rule usually only counts if you are taking images of maiko or geiko from in a crowd, so if they’re talking to someone then don’t take a picture.

Extra Step: What About Misedashi and Erikae?

For the advanced photographer who wants to take pictures of important events there’s a few more rules that should be observed:

1) Arrive Early: Most misedashi and erikae start around 12pm or 12:30pm, so it’s recommended that you arrive at least an hour early to get a good spot.

2) Take Pictures When They Stop: Since maiko and geiko are aware of the mass of photographers who are taking their pictures they will usually stop and pose every so often so that everyone can get a good picture of them. Try not to take pictures while they’re walking or entering/exiting ochaya as you’ll likely get in the way.

3) The Return: When their walk is finished and they return to their okiya they will thank everyone who is there, so you should also be thanking them for tagging along! Again, an “Arigato” will suffice, but you can also say “Omedeto” (Oh-may-day-toe), which is “Congratulations”!

The above rules also apply to thanksgiving rounds, such as Shigyōshiki and Hassaku, minus the last part. Remember to be respectful so as to not impede their rounds.

A great example of a misedashi picture:

Image courtesy of Ktellusastory.

Additional Step: What About Performances?

Whether they’re taking place on stage or even performing in a venue, try to get there early for a good spot and don’t publish any pictures that break the above exclusion rules. Public performances are going to be full of people taking pictures, so also watch out as not to harm any other photographers.

A good example of a performance picture:

Image courtesy of KWC Photo.

Extra Credit: What About Obi Shots?

Obi shots are images taken of maiko from behind while they’re walking down the street in order to get a picture of their obi. These kinds of images are usually okay and are often considered “artistic,” but if you don’t want to take them because you don’t have direct permission from the maiko then that’s fine too. Some photographers dislike any images taken without permission, but there’s just something about seeing a maiko walking the streets of Kyoto with a beautiful obi that just makes for the quintessential Kyoto picture. Maiko know that it happens and are okay with it (I specifically asked a former geiko about this).

An example of an obi shot picture:

Image courtesy of Rubomiro.

For additional information check out the following series by John Paul Foster, which was the main inspiration and source for this PSA:

On Where To Photograph Maiko And Geiko

On How To Read Body Language So As Not To Offend Or Harass

On How Not To Justify Rude Actions

On When Not To Take Images