Have you ever wondered why geisha paint their faces white? The traditional colors used for makeup are black, white and red, all of which provide a striking contrast to the colors in their kimono. However, Peter Macintosh, who teaches geisha culture at Kansai University, adds: “They started wearing white makeup so their faces would reflect in the candle light.”

Also, the younger the woman, the more red she wears.

While geisha (also called geiko in Kyoto) apply their own makeup, otokoshi have the skilled task of dressing them.

Decorative obi (belt) ornaments, called pochhiri are often studded with precious or semi-precious jewels and start from US$5,000.

The pressure and expectation to be models of proper manners never abates. “If I want to just lie on my side and watch TV I can’t because I am always supposed to sit up straight,” says a geisha in the documentary Real Geisha Real Women. “If I go up to my room, my younger sister is there. She would remind me that as her senior, I am setting a bad example.”

Ryotei or ochaya (members-only tea houses) are places where VIPs can go to make deals and know they are in complete privacy.

Related Stories:
The Ozashiki Cafe — Japanese restaurant offers chance to spend time with real-life geisha!
Forget geisha and samurai, experience Japan by dressing up as an Osaka Obachan
Maiko beauty secrets: Skincare tips from Japan’s apprentice geisha