Getting Made Up As A Geisha Maiko Henshin

Dressing like a geisha for a day is a fantasy shared by both Japanese and foreign ladies and MAICA, in the Miyagawa Geisha district, is one of the best places to do it.

MAICA is one several places in Kyoto where they’ll dress you up and make you up as a geiko (fully-fledged geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) for a fee. MAICA has been in business for years and is comfortable with foreign guests and enough English is spoken to get the main points across.

They offer various packages, including some where they’ll take you around to several famous Gion sightseeing spots and have a professional photographer take a few commemorative shops. Be prepared to be stared at like never before in your life.

Alternatively, you can also book the maiko transformation in advance through GetYourGuide — there are several different companies offering the service to choose between.

See also our detailed review of dressing up in a kimono and having a professional photographer take photos on Kyoto’s streets — this walks you through the whole process so you know what to expect.

[Tourists make-up like a Maiko: FCG / Shutterstock.com]

Name in English:
Special dress up Geisha & Maiko Style Experience MAICA

Name in Japanese:
変身処 舞香

English address:
4-297 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku

Japanese address:
東山区宮川筋4丁目297

Opening hours:
9am-7pm

Fee: from ¥6500 for “geisha conversion”

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest Transport:
3min walk from Gion Shijo Station Exit 1, Keihan line

Telephone: 551-1661

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Kyoto map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Near To Here:
Maiko Style Experience MAICA is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Kyoto Walking Tour: Gion Evening Walk

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