Kyoto: Gion Kobu

Well, here we are at the top. The strong identity this district displays as well as its rich history fill whole books. I can’t even touch on the Noh-influence on their dance style, on the Inoue school that shapes the atmosphere and day to day life, on the incredible people that keep this machinery running, an aesthetic presence that is felt even on a national level. All these vital points deserve their own highlighting by authors with a deep understanding of Gion Kobu’s vast importance… But today we will only look at what my humble self thinks looks cool…





Ninben’s Legendary Maneki Neko Obi

If i haven’t lost you after the dramatic intro, please take a look at this obi! You’ve probably seen it before as it has become a part of the iconic image of Gion Kobu’s Maiko. In this case it was worn by retired Mamehana of Ninben a few years ago but it has since been worn by Mamesome and Mamesumi too, always during the cherry blossom season, when all eyes are on the karyukai. The beckoning cat figurine is a lucky charm present in many establishments and shops, oftentimes at the entrance, and invites you to come in and spend your money. Some sources say Kyoto is the home of the maneki neko, the figurine has been recorded since the Edo period. When it holds up its left paw, it’s an indication of a drinking establishment (like an ochaya) and when its holding up the right paw, it’s meant to bring good luck to the home (the okiya).

Photo by fuyou-hime on Flickr







Hiroshimaya’s Kuromontsuki as Worn by Koeri on Her Misedashi

The first of the kuromontsuki trilogy in this post features Koeri on the day of her debut wearing such a beautiful hikizuri. The orange and yellow pines promise her a long lasting career and are such a cheerful pattern, just perfect for a young debutante. It’s very childlike in character, bold, cute, round shapes… Adorable outfit for an adorable girl. She is doing very well, our Koeri-chan, thanks to her hard work and dedication.

Photo by miko1948 on Yahoo blogs





Tama’s Iconic Wave Kuromontsuki

Tama’s wave swirls kuromontsuki gets an outing every year during Hassaku. It’s worn by their senior Maiko and i think it’s just fitting that i would feature my favorite kuromontsuki with one of the most popular Maiko ever as the model: Mamefuji! Sadly you can’t really see the stunning lining of cream and corals but it’s an amazing balance to the splashing water swirls on the outside. Since Hassaku is celebrated during the extreme heat of early August, it’s such a treat to see this refreshing and cooling motive while the Geimaiko make their rounds.

Photo by kuumill on Instagram





Mameroku’s Classic Make-Up Style

Mameroku has been my favorite Maiko for years and when she became an equally lovely Geiko, i was so happy for her. Her look is certainly a factor in her success: She has a perfectly oval face that radiates vintage elegance. From her onesans at Arai okiya, Mameroku picked up a distinct style of make-up and the most prominent trait is the omitting of eyeliner and minimal mascara. Her personal look is marked by a soft and fresh youthfulness which contrasts with her personal strength and determination to overcome any obstacle, even her own daemons, like a fighter.

Photo by Masanobu Kido on Instagram





Satsuki’s Erikae Ensemble

Wasn’t it only a question of time until Satsuki would be featured on this blog? Yes indeed, here she is on one of the most important days of her career: Her erikae. I chose this because, of course you know, i love kuromontsuki but i also love when their wearers have emotional connections to the garnment. As Satsuki was Japans top Maiko for almost her entire apprenticeship, when time came for her to graduate, she spent a fortune on her own ceremonial hikizuri. It features the water waves that her okiya is known to prefer on their own hikis but it also has delicate gold leaf representing the lights of the moon reflecting on the stormy sea. Since her own name and her geimei are both either inspired by the moon or include the moon kanji, she opted it to be an element of her outfit. She looked so beautiful and was the perfect ambassador of her district.

Photo by Naoki + Eyes on Instagram

As the first and foremost Geisha district of the country, Gion Kobu stands its ground in terms of high quality entertainment and luxurious kitsuke. Their Geiko are among the best the trade has to offer and this image comes with the steep price of looking perfect in every situation. This discipline is to be commended as a lot of work and money goes into it every day. Not only from the artists themselves but from the whole community of kimono designers, kanzashi manufacturers and nihogami hairdressers who cater to them and provide an insight into the world of timeless beauty of the icons of Japanese traditional culture.