The Apprentice

Japan - Day 10: Kyoto

Geisha-spotting can almost become a sport in the Gion district of Kyoto. I struck photographic gold today when I chanced upon a couple of maiko, geishas in training. Let's get one thing straight .... geisha are not exotically painted hookers. In essence, they are highly skilled entertainers who are paid handsomely for enlivening Japanese social occasions.

These maiko allowed me to take a photo of them, and I had one taken with them (this almost became today's blip for pure comedy value). But, again, I preferred this unposed shot. I also like this one of them retreating down one of Kyoto's picturesque streets.