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Yumekoubou-Maiko Makeover Studio

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jenae567
jenae567
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5 out of 5
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But I Bet You Didn't...

  • August 29, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by jenae567 from Okinawa City, Japan
But I Bet You Didn't...

Whenever anyone comes back from Kyoto, most likely they will tell you about their trips to famous temples and shrines, and maybe even how they spotted a Geisha or two.

"But I bet you didn't get to BECOME a Geisha!"

I've earned the rights to say these words! Okay, so maybe I didn't actually become a REAL Geisha - and my terminology is incorrect when I say "Geisha" at all. What I mean is "Maiko" - an apprentice Geisha, bearing the familiar image that comes to mind when somebody says "Geisha".

I had done a little bit of research before I left for my Kyoto trip. I found a few studios that offered a "Maiko Transformation". So once I arrived at my hotel, I promptly checked with the concierge about my own Maiko transformation. He booked reservations for me at Studio Yumekoubou for the very next morning.

I awoke for my appointment very excited. Studio Yumekoubou was within walking distance of my hotel, adjacent to Kyoto Station. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a nice lady that worked for the studio. She helped me fill out the appropriate paperwork, and then put me into the hands of another lady.

In the dressing/makeup room, I was handed a tiny robe that would make a hospital gown look like a 3-piece suit. Potential Maiko-wannabes should be warned: The lady (very clinically) tells you to strip down to your undies and put the robe on - and she is darting back and forth gathering supplies while you do so. Not recommended for the shy ladies!

After I put on the skimpy robe, I was seated in a hairdresser chair in front of a vanity mirror. In a flurry of paint and makeup brushes, I opened my eyes and suddenly realized that I was bearing the famous white skin and red lips! The process was so fast! And the lady was very proficient and skilled in the realms of Maiko makeup - I looked exactly like I had seen in the movies, and just like I had imagined I would. (But better!) Not to spoil all of the Maiko's secrets, I can only say that a mere 5 minutes later, my hair was also done. Little chimes and bright flowers adorned my hair. Now all that was left was the kimono.

The lady motioned for me to choose a kimono from an entire rack of rich, vibrant cloths. (She spoke very little English.) I had always heard I looked ravishing in red, so I chose a bright red Kimono covered in beautiful lotus flowers. The lady removed it from the rack and proceeded to first put on the appropriate furisode (kimono) undergarments. 3 layers later, the kimono went on. More wrapping was involved, and soon I felt like I was wearing a corset! She then grabbed a bright green obi (the wide belt) and wrapped that around the other small ribbons enveloping my waist and holding everything in place. Now I looked like a true Maiko! But she put on two more pieces and my transformation was finished! She took escorted me out of the dressing room, and I made my own Maiko debut to the world. (Or at least the photo studio.)

As I stepped out of the room, I noticed my own husband walked right by me. "Heyyyy!" I cried. Apparently, he didn't even recognize me! After re-acquainting, a friendly photographer showed me into the studio for portraits!

The photographer spent about 45 minutes snapping photos in various poses with a handful of different props. Closeups, headshots, full-body shots. With umbrellas, with a fabric ball, with my husband, with the infamous scary Geisha shoes! It was a lot of fun and the photographer was energetic. He "posed" me beautifully.

When I got my proof sheet, I saw the skill of the photographer. The poses he put me in seem so natural, so... Geisha-like! I couldn't have been happier. The first lady greeted me once again, and had me pick out 3 of the proofs to be put in an album as part of the package I had purchased.

Unfortunately, the photos are air-mailed to your home, so you cannot take them home with you. However, once the photographer is finished, he allows you to take photos with your own personal camera in a small corner outfitted with some quaint props. (A footbridge, trees, and a small Japanese-style window, painted in the auspicious red color found throughout Japan.)

If you would like a Kyoto keepsake that is far more unique than a picture in front of a temple, and an experience that most ladies only imagine, make reservations for Studio Yumekoubou! They also photograph small children and friends, and offer a variety of different photo packages. A sightseeing photo package is also offered! Prices start at JPY 9,975 (Or about $90 USD depending on exchange rate). Reservations are highly recommended.

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