The compound word “geisha” (sb: art and person) in Japan is an educated woman with special studies. In the West, their appearance is typical, with their kimonos and hairstyles. Geishas and maikos (in-training) keep traditional arts alive, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, to entertain citizens at gatherings and meals.
Many work and live in Gion, a historic district of Kyoto and one of Japan’s most popular tourist towns. Geishas are an animated tourist attraction when they move around the city, but foreign tourists seem to have no understanding of Japanese customs and etiquette, and many follow – often annoyingly – the women and photograph them. Their “action” earned them the nickname “geisha paparazzi”.
Protection measures
In 2015, Kyoto created brochures and pamphlets that used images to depict disturbing activities of travelers such as littering, using selfie sticks, smoking in prohibited areas, and photographing geisha and maiko.
In 2019, however, the situation seems to have gotten out of hand, when there were reports of cheeky visitors teasing their kimonos, chasing them with their cameras and cellphones, and pulling their hair accessories (kanzashi). Last year, it was finally forbidden to photograph them, otherwise there is a fine of 67 dollars, a penalty that is, however, rarely imposed.
The local council of Gion intends to make the narrow little side streets completely closed to tourists from April 2024, so that the geishas can walk safely through them. The same does not apply to the main street of the city. However, experts admit that in the age of digital photos and social media, it is very difficult to stop paparazzi, even with the imposition of restrictions, fines and bans.
Some recommend that tourists visiting the neighborhood have a Japanese tour guide who can educate them on etiquette and manners towards geisha. Others note that tourist “meetings” could be organized with geishas so that they have time to ask questions and photograph them.
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