Oiran Makeover Experience in Kyoto, Japan
If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, it’s safe to assume that you must’ve heard about Geisha and Maiko. Due to its exclusivity and mysterious nature, a lot of foreigners all over the world visit Kyoto for a glimpse of them in person. Traditionally though, you’re only able to meet and dine with a Geisha or Maiko by invitation-only. Even the procedure of how to get invited is not entirely clear to both foreigners and Japanese locals a like (which only adds to its mysterious allure). However, there are now an increasing number of “ochaya” (teahouse), that allow foreigners to dine and meet a real Geisha and Maiko. Unsurprisingly, it comes at a very expensive price. (ranging from $500 to $1000 per person. NOT including the cost of food) Sometimes more! If like me, you don’t have that kind of budget. You’ve come to the right place! On here I’ll be sharing an alternative experience similar to meeting a real geisha/maiko. I'll also be talking about a very unique experience I came across recently. Specifically, an Oiran makeover experience. *Hence, the title and the true purpose of this article. Don't get me wrong, we're not entirely pushing the idea of meeting a real geisha on the back burner just yet! But for now, let's talk about the next best budget alternative. Geisha and Maiko Makeover Experience
Have you heard of Geisha/Maiko Makeover Experience? Well... if you're discouraged by the high costs of dinning and meeting with a geisha, theres actually an experience where you can get dressed from head to toe as one! Most foreigners are still unaware of this experience. So they assume they've seen a real geisha/maiko in broad daylight! People have a hard time distinguishing them because they are quite literally dressed like the real one. The experience consist of professionally done make-up, fixing your hair, dressing you into a sophisticated kimono, doing a photoshoot and even allowing you to walk around Kyoto! (Please be aware though that there are restricted areas that you cannot go to. Make sure to ask the shop you go to) If this is something you'd like to do. I highly recommend Gion AYA Maiko & Geisha Makeover. Unexpected Turn of Events: Learning about Oirans
In the process of searching for other shops that offer Geisha/Maiko Makeover, I stumbled upon Kokoro-hanashizuku and Studio Kokoro. Thats actually where I first learned about an "Oiran". Which is entirely different from geisha and maiko. To briefly clarify the difference; Oiran are high-ranking courtesans while Geisha and Maiko are artists. Despite the westernized negative connotation of courtesans, Oirans are actually not common prostitutes. Unlike regular protitutes, Oiran play an active role in the selection of their customer. A customer must meet with an Oiran for at least three times and go through the approval of herself and her Ochaya. Again, Oiran are high-ranking courtesans. Their customers are normally from a noble family and the rich. In fact, Oiran held a higher status and prestige than Geishas in the entertainment district. Before the decline of Oiran profession, Geishas were viewed as lower-class. Truth be told, we've barely scratched the surface. There are so much more intricacies to discuss about Oiran and their history. But for now, lets circle back to modern times. The Oiran Makeover Experience
Unforgettable Oiran makeover & photoshoot by Kokoro Hanashizuku
For this article, I'd like to share with you my experience in getting an Oiran makeover and photoshoot. While of course, sharing tips along the way. Just in case you're considering replicating this experience for yourself. I went to Kokoro hanashizuku and Studio Kokoro for this experience. Kokoro hanashizuku and Studio Kokoro are sister companies but offer different plans and photoshoot experience. I did one photoshoot in Kokoro hanashizuku and 2 more photoshoots in Studio Kokoro. *Note* Something to be aware of is that you’re NOT allowed to record, film, take photos anywhere inside the studio other than the designated "selfie room". There are signs everywhere. Even in the locker rooms. Please be respectful and follow their rules. I don’t think this takes away from the experience but it’s something to take note of. Anyway, let me walk you to the process I experienced in Kokoro Hanashizuku. My experience with Studio Kokoro will be discussed in another blog post. Arrival
Upon arrival for my appointment, I was immediately greeted by their friendly staff. I was handed a paper to fill out and an iPad to select an outer kimono to choose from. There was a large selection of kimonos so it was definitely hard to choose! But I opted for a gold and red kimono. After that, they guided me to the locker room where they give you a white robe to change into and a basket for your personal items such as your phone, wallet or keys. (You bring the basket with you). As for your clothes, shoes and other items, they provide a locker with a lock so no worries!
Hair & Makeup
When you’re done changing, you’re led to the makeup room. Where you get to choose the type of hairstyle, makeup and hair ornaments. It can get a bit overwhelming but your makeup artist can give you recommendations if needed. They ask you what type of concept you’re looking for ,whether it’s sexy, cool or cute. Then they can go off on that if you don’t have a preference. As far as what I choose, I went for a traditional Oiran hairstyle, red eyeshadow makeup, and the oshiroi (white foundation). I wanted to keep it as traditional as possible so it was important to me that they used the white foundation. But you can request a foundation closer to your skin tone if you want to. I also opted for the circular shaped date hyogo topknot (the wig they put on your head). I have to say that I was so surprised on how fast they did my hair and makeup. Kimono
After they finish your hair and makeup. They have you select an inner layer kimono and obi. I choose a purple kimono and golden obi. They helped me put on my kimono and obi then I was led to the photoshoot area. Photoshoot
And finally, the photoshoot! This is where the magic happens. If you’re worried about how to pose, your photographer will guide you. You’re also able to request a pose if you want but they’ll guide you every step of the way. The plan I reserved for was in a japanese-style room with an additional roji (alley) photoshoot. We did the roji photoshoot first then went inside the japanese-style room for the next part of the photoshoot. If you’re worried about how to pose, don’t be! Your photograher will guide you every step of the way. **Pro Tip** I recommend practicing your facial expressions beforehand to get the best outcomes!Post-Photoshoot
After the photoshoot, your photographer or staff guides you to the selfie room. Where they have a selection of cute backdrops, a mirror and even a tripod that will hold your phone! My photographer stayed to take a few videos and pictures for me on my phone. Then he respectfully left me alone to take my fair share of photos and videos as much as I wanted. Once I was satisfied, I left the selfie room and went to the makeup room where they gave me makeup remover and helped me take off the kimono. I was then led back to the locker room to wash off the makeup completely, get dressed and went to their waiting room. 
*Images were taken with my iPhone from the Selfie Room.
When you get to the reception area, it’s time to pick your photos! There was no way I was gonna leave with only 5 photos so I opted to pay extra to get all the data. My plan included 5 digitally printed and retouched photos which we received in less than 20 minutes. They gave us our 4x5 physical photo album that included 5 photos. And all the data was sent via email. I downloaded the WeTransfer app on my iPhone to be able to quickly download a copy to my phone. You can download it to your computer instead if thats easier. *Make sure to download photos within 7 days! or theres no way to retrieve them. They remind you this before you leave. End of the Experience
For our departure, all the staff went above and beyond! They actually followed us all the way to the exit and surprised us with a printed wallet photo of my best photo taken as souvenir. They then respectfully bowed and thanked us as we walked away. I left fairly happy and satisfied for the photoshoot!Below are my absolute favorite images from the photoshoot:
Plan overview with price breakdown:
*I like to be completely transparent with my readers. So below are the photoshoot plan, add-ons and exact prices I paid for my experience.Oiran Makeover & Photoshoot in a Japanese Room 26,950 yen-Includes 3 poses, 3 photos retouched, 3 photo prints and 30 total raw imagesOff-season fee 11,000 yen- additional fee for requesting an off-season type of photoshootAdd-on: Roji (alley) Photoshoot 3,850-Includes 1 pose, 1, photo retouched, 1 photo print and 10 raw cutsAdd-on: All Photo Data fee-40 total raw images total
Total cost was 52,800 yen. So about $361.26 USD i know what you must be thinking, like whaaaaaaaaaat? yes unfortunately, these types of professionally done photoshoots are by no means cheap. (Even with the lowered yen exchange rate post covid-19). I do, however think that they are worth it. Afterall, when would you really get the chance for a professional Oiran photoshoot similar to this? I have been saving for this experience and was very happy with the results. If the photoshoot is something you want to replicate but want to adjust it to your budget, check out their website for more affordable photo plans. They do have cheaper alternatives. Just be careful of all the additional add-ons when selecting a plan. It will add up quickly! Especially if you want to get the all photo data. Overall, I can say I loved the experience in Kokoro Hanashizuku! I simply can’t wait to tell you all about the next photoshoots that I did with their sister company, Studio Kokoro. Spoiler alert! I was able to walk around the famous bamboo forest as an Oiran! ;)