Kyoto: Gion Higashi

As Kyoto’s lowest ranked kagai Gion Higashi has a very unique atmosphere and feel to it. The quality of its entertainers is extremely high and these Geimaiko absolutely keep up with the other kagai in with their luxurious kimono, flawless hair and makeup and exceptional accessories. The small size of Gion Higashi promotes an intense familiarity and relaxed friendliness amongst the few Geimaiko registered and so you will find less adventurous and more classic looks are favoured. Some standout Geiko on the other hand will sport some unique pieces while the okiya dress their Maiko in treasured hiki’s, obis and kanzashi, so here are my favorites:

Kanoya’s lush shibori hikizuri

This hiki is spotted during setsubun and it rightly deserves the spotlight on the open stage: A spectacular example of textile art, it represents the high quality of Kyoto Maiko.

Photo by Teruhide Tomori on Flickr





Tomikiku’s gorgeous crane hikizuri

It’s hard to see, i know. But many of you already know this amazing hiki from March 2015 when Tomitae was spotted wearing one of the blue hiki her okiya is famous for. There are geometric cranes in warm orange, cream and blue flying across this stunning piece, she looked perfect! Tomikiku okiya provides so many gorgeous items of clothing and accessories for their Maiko, it’s obvious that the okasan really wants their girls to look amazing at all times.

Photo by Daisuke Kondo on Flickr





Tsunemomo’s iki coordinate

She looked perfect here, as always. Her stripey hiki and the monochrome obi with the kamon inspired obi match so well, the different hues of red pop and accentuate her red beni. This photo is so striking, it’s one of my favorites. This coordinate is totally something i would wear in real life if i ever had the chance to, but Tsunemomo is a unrivaled beauty of course! On a side note: Tsunemomo-san got married recently and she looked beaming! I wish her all the best and hope to see her dance again one day as her talent and radiance were one in a million.

Photo by Kind of Blue. on Flickr





More Tsunemomo fabulousness

I love her tortoiseshell obi! It also features many cute little auspicious motives (like the magic wishing mallet) in the hexagons that make up the kikko pattern.

Photo by Kuumill on Instagram





Man okiya’s and Tomitae’s gorgeous obi

Geiko Tomitae is wearing a warmly glowing obi with shippou pattern which stands for the seven jewels of Buddhism: Gold, silver, lapis lazuli, clear quartz/rose quartz, agate, pearl/coral, and giant clam shell. These correspond to faith, perseverance, humility, good deeds, mindfulness. It complements her burgundy hikizuri. Maiko Masano on the other hand is wearing an equally charming obi with dharma wheels in a lush colour scheme, reflecting the buddhist theme perfectly!

Photo by Vogue

The bottom line is: Gion Higashi hosts very elegant ladies who are super hard working and display great taste! They can easily hold their own when compared to the bigger kagai and still rank under the highest kagai of the country.