FAQ

Generally yes, but same-day bookings are possible if space is available. For weekends, long holidays and tourist seasons, we recommend booking early.

We accept bookings up to three months ahead.

For cancellations, a fee of 50% applies the day before and 100% on the day.

Yes, though it may be difficult depending on that day’s bookings. If you wish to change, please contact us in advance.

We provide everything — juban, tabi, makeup remover, basic skincare, towels, a hairdryer and so on — so you only need your own makeup for the trip home. For the Maiko experience, guests using hard contact lenses remove them during makeup, so please also bring a contact-lens case.

Come in your usual, comfortable clothes. You may arrive with your makeup already on.

For plans that do not state a limit, you may bring up to three items in total. If you would like to bring items, please contact us in advance.

See Rules on bringing items for details→

We take care with hygiene so you can receive makeup with peace of mind. Staff disinfect their hands before makeup, and a new foundation sponge is used for each guest. Puffs and makeup brushes are cleaned between guests. Liquid foundation and lipstick are dispensed onto a spatula in the amount needed. Mascara uses disposable screw brushes; false lashes are new and discarded after use. If you are especially concerned about hygiene, or wish to use your own products, you are welcome to bring your usual makeup.

We have no dedicated parking, but there is the Arashiyama tourist parking nearby. Roads around us get very busy, so please allow plenty of time. Note that in peak season the tourist parking may be reserved for tour buses.

Of course. Many guests visit on their own, so please feel at ease.

Yes, though waiting times for shooting grow longer, so we may split you into several groups.

Our services for women are run on the premise of changing and preparation facilities for women only. Given our current facilities and operations, we therefore guide those whose physical characteristics are female.

See About our services for women for details→

For safety we do not recommend it. If you still wish to, please contact us.

Of course. We communicate by writing and gestures, and our staff take sign-language lessons to communicate better.

They may wait in the reception lobby. However, this is limited to one companion per group, and entry may sometimes be declined. As waiting takes over two hours, we recommend sightseeing around the studio.

We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay cards. For QR-code payment, PayPay and Alipay are available.

Copyright in the photo data belongs to us. Data you purchase may be used freely for non-commercial personal use only. For commercial use a fee applies, so please apply in advance.

The powder room has cleanser, basic skincare, towels and more. As we use a natural-hold spray, you can fix your hair with the studio’s reset water, hairdryer, curling iron and flat iron.

The Japanese-hair style is arranged with your own hair, so it may not be possible if your hair is too short. It is possible if your hair reaches about the shoulders.

Generally no problem, but for a Japanese-hair style the extensions may show, so if you are concerned it is safer to remove them beforehand.

Yes; we attach the false lashes so as not to touch them.

Yes, you may keep them in.

False lashes are provided free. Nail-tip rental is a separate option (¥500 excl. tax). If your nail shape does not fit or your hands perspire easily, they may not stay on, so if you would like them, please bring your own.

We do not provide them, so if you would like them, please apply them yourself before your visit.

All kimono are free-size M–L, but for the Oiran experience we dress you in a deliberately loosened style, so it is possible even for somewhat larger guests. If the size does not fit, you can shoot in a kimono you bring, so please consult us in advance.

They are provided in the studio and free to use during your shoot.

Shooting is basically one at a time, but guests in the same booth take a commemorative photo together at the end. The number of people depends on the booth.

Cameras are not permitted inside the shooting studio. Snapshots in the free-shooting space are fine.

We are sorry, but only the guest being photographed may enter the shooting room during the shoot.

We do some retouching where we judge it necessary. If you have specific requests, please consult us.

The photographer basically decides, but we accommodate requests where possible.

Not particularly. Guests from about age 4 to their 80s enjoy it.

Unfortunately not. In rain we ask you to switch to the studio-only “Maiko Kokoro Plan,” or the “Kokoro Rickshaw Plan” with a covered rickshaw.

On the stroll plan you walk around Arashiyama freely on your own. On the outdoor-shoot plan our own photographer accompanies you and shoots on location with our camera.

The half-wig has no net at the front and is finished with your own front and side hair, so the hairline looks natural and beautiful, like a real maiko wearing her own hair. The full wig is put on over the whole head and can be seen at the hairline. For guests with very short hair we use a full wig.

If you wish, we can temporarily darken it with a black spray.

We use natural cosmetics also used by real maiko, so even guests with atopic or sensitive skin have not had skin trouble from the transformation. Please ask our staff how to remove the white powder.

It comes off easily with baby oil, so please rest assured.

The dresser room has shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, basic skincare, a hairdryer, towels and more, so please rest assured.

Unlike the simple “sashi” or pre-made obi, we tie a “darari” obi with a real maiko’s obi, over 7 m long. Enjoy the back view too, with the darari obi that symbolises a maiko.

All our kimono are pure silk.

The kimono are about 120 cm wide, so most guests are fine, though rarely dressing may not be possible. Please consult us once.