It is very hard for Westerners to understand Japanese culture. Hard for any foreigner in fact. Many foreigners who have lived in Japan all their lives, come to the conclusion in the end that it is impossible. This might explain why we Westerners see Geisha as some kind of exotic prostitutes. They are not. Geisha are high-class women trained in the art of pleasing their clients - usually men but not always. Pleasing does not mean sex although it can.
Pleasing means serving tea, singing or playing music and reading haiku. Discussing literature and other arts. They are extremely knowledgeable, educated and tasteful. Yes perhaps after a long period of time, a client may develop a sexual relationship with a Geisha, but it will not be a one night stand.
Neither can a genuine Geisha be bought for money, sexually. In my mind this is not a prostitute. So where can you see Geisha?
The place to see Geisha is mainly in Kyoto - more specifically in the Gion, which is an old area of Kyoto not far from the centre. Here one will find the Yasaka shrine, which is well worth seeing on its own. There is no sure place to see Geisha. They are most shy creatures and do not show themselves for the attention of tourists. They are elusive. You may spend some time before seeing one. However, there are ways to increase your chances. Firstly they can often be found near to traditional tea houses.
Many of these are by the river. You need to hang around casually in this area between the hours of and This is the time when they are coming and going. They will not hang around to be photographed or agree to have their picture taken with you like Beefeaters or Guardsmen at Buckingham Palace in London. They will be there for a few seconds and then gone. If you get a photograph you will be lucky.
