A hanamachi is a district where geisha live and work in Japan. Each hanamachi typically has its own name, crest, and distinct geisha population, with geisha not typically working outside of their own district. Hanamachi usually contain okiya and ochaya.
The Kitano Odori, a kabuki dance performed annually by the geisha of Kamishichiken
Geisha (芸者), also known as geiko (芸子) or geigi (芸妓), are female Japanese performing artists and entertainers trained in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts. Their distinct appearance is characterised by long, trailing kimono, traditional hairstyles and oshiroi make-up. Geisha entertain at parties known as ozashiki, often for the entertainment of wealthy clientele, as well as performing on stage and at festivals.
Profile of a Miyagawa-chō geiko (geisha) Kimiha wearing a formal black kimono (kurotomesode) and a chū taka shimada-style nihongami wig
A shikomi (left) accompanying the maiko Takamari of the Kaida okiya in Gion Kobu
Minarai Katsunosuke wearing a short obi and a large, colourful set of kanzashi hairpins
Ukiyo-e scroll depicting a Gion geisha, 1800–1833