Hello everyone. I’m Saki Ono, a make-up artist!
Do you know someone called Maiko?
Maiko is one of the traditional cultures of Kyoto, and refers to young women who perform dances and serve customers at places called “Ozashiki”.
In fact, they are special people who are difficult to meet even if we live in Kyoto like we do!
However, even among Japanese people, she is so famous that “when you think of Kyoto, you think of Maiko.”
This time, I would like to share some fun facts about Maiko’s makeup and kimonos while showing you some wonderful photos of people who came from overseas to experience Maiko.
There are lots of wonderful photos so please read to the end🥰🥰
Let’s get started!!
How beautiful…!!😍❤️
She herself had a very mature personality, so she was just like the real Maiko.
Maiko’s makeup involves applying a foundation-like substance called “oshiroi” that is whiter than her skin on her face and neck.
It may be easier to understand if you imagine the white color of paint.
If you actually try it, you might be surprised at how white the foundation is.😮
Do you know why Maiko makes her skin so white?🤔
It is said this makeup actually started as a way to paint the skin white so that the face could be seen clearly in dark places, and this makeup remains a tradition to this day.
In the past, Japanese people lived by candlelight, so inside buildings it was dim even during the day and almost pitch black at night.
In order to make faces visible in such dark places, a foundation called “oshiroi” was used.
In addition to “Oshiroi”, Maiko’s makeup also uses a red eyeshadow called “Yakuyoke.”
It has long been believed that pure white things attract evil spirits in Japan.😈
And these evil things are called “Yaku” and the name “Yakuyoke” has the meaning of “exorcising” the “Yaku”.
The reason why “Yakuyoke” is red is because red has long been considered an auspicious color in Japan and has been used to ward off evil spirits.
Next up is this photo with a Japanese umbrella!
The full body photos are also great, and the pink kimono suits her very well!
At our shop, female staff help dress customers in kimonos, but real Maikos are dressed by men called “Otokoshi”.
They dress about 10 Maikos in kimono a day.
Dressing a Maiko requires a lot of strength, so we have a lot of respect for the people who are able to dress so many Maikos.👏👏👏
Also, did you know that Maiko’s obi is about 7 meters long?
Maybe it’s because it’s long or because it’s heavy, but it takes a lot of strength to tie this obi.
The obi is so heavy that I still get muscle pain sometimes.😭💪
And in fact, this customer came with his family to have their photo taken.
We also have kimonos for boys, so you can take photos like this with your brother and sister!
Everyone looks so great in their kimonos!!
And boys can also take solo photos like this!!
Everyone looks so cool, like a samurai.
The most popular item Most of our overseas customers, both adults and children, is the katana(Samurai Sword).⚔
When you think of Japanese samurai, you think of Katana!
Besides Katana, I also recommend taking photos with a Japanese umbrella, as it will give a cool, Japanese feel!
By the way, Their mom and dad did a photo shoot using Oiran’s plan.
We recommend taking photos of the whole family together using the same plan, which is very popular, but it’s also possible to take photos using different plans like this!
No matter which plan you choose, the photos are sure to be amazing, so be sure to discuss with your family what kind of photos you’d like to take!🥰
And currently, STUDIO KOKORO ARASHIYAMA is offering a Family Pack Plan for a limited time until September 12th, 2025!
This plan is available for 3 or more people and is a great deal, so if you’re interested, be sure to check out our website!
Well, summer has begun in Japan.
Summer in Japan is very hot, with the maximum temperature sometimes reaching nearly 40°C.🥵
There is also the risk of heatstroke, so if you come to Japan in the summer, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks while enjoying yourself!
✼••┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈Plans introduced in the blog┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈••✼
＞Maiko Plan
[Maiko-no-kokoro Plan]
Price: 13,500 yen (14,850 yen including tax)
Time required: 2.5 hours or more
Includes: Hair and makeup(pure white), dressing Kimono, taking 28 shots, 4 printed photos(127x178mm)
>Children’s Plan
[Boy’s Plan]
Price: 12,000 yen(13,200 yen including tax )
Time required: +15min
Includes: Dressing Kimono(boy’s hakama) , + taking 14 shots, + 2 printed photos(127x178mm)
*This offer is for children between 100cm and 140cm in height; children over 140 cm can be dressed in an adult’s kimono.
＞Oiran Plan
[Gekkabijin Plan]
Price: 27,000 yen (29,700 yen including tax)
Time required: 2.5 hours or more
Includes: Hair and makeup, dressing 1 Kimono, 2 uchikake, taking 42 shots, 6 printed photos(127x178mm), all data(JPEG)
＞Men’s Plan
[Kimono Couple Plan]
Price: Each plan for women + 12,000 yen (13,200 yen including tax)
Time required: +30 min
Includes: Dressing men’s kimono (kimono or haori hakama), photo shooting + taking 14 shots, + 2 printed photos(127x178mm)
*Men’s plans do not include hairdressing and makeup. If you need them, please do them before your visit.
>Limited Time Package
[Family Campaign Plan]
Price: 11,000 yen(tax in) per preson
Period: 2025 June 26 – 2025 September 12
Eligible Style:Maiko, Oiran, KIMONO coordinate plan A, Men’s kimono, Children’s Plan(Excluding Kogitsune Plan)
Deliverables:2 printed photos per person (with retouching)
Photobooth:1 photobooth per group
[Family Campaign Quick Plan]
Price: 13,200 yen(tax in) per preson
Period: 2025 June 26 – 2025 September 12
Eligible Style:Maiko, Oiran, KIMONO coordinate plan A, Men’s kimono, Children’s Plan(Excluding Kogitsune Plan)
Deliverables:All data (No retouching)
Photobooth:1 photobooth per group
*These Family Campaign plans vailable for a minimum of 3 persons.
*Please select one of the plans at the time of reservation.
*Discounts and other offers cannot be combined.
