Hanami 2016 at Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Hanami or flower viewing is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of springtime flowers. Yesterday Miyagawacho Hanamachi hosted hanami celebrations for its humble patrons.
Our Hanami celebrations involved eating and drinking, and playing and listening to music. Some special dishes were prepared and eaten during that special occasion, like dango and bento. As refreshment maiko-san poured houjicha and sake, as part of the festivity. Also, to entertain guests, Maiko Kikutsuru and Maiko Kikumaru danced  spring dances with fans and sakura branches, while shikomi Kokoro continued to serve refreshments to guests.

Enjoying the kabuki performance with sisters :)

Ladies of Hanafusa okiya on their trip to the CCB kabuki performance in regards of their 1st anniversary. It was amazing and enjoyable performance :)
(sitting from right to left: Atatori Sr Maiko Kikutsuru, Sr Maiko Kikumaru, Jr Maiko Kikuyumi and shikomi Kokoro)

Last ozashiki of March

Enjoying incredible guests during last ozashiki of March. Okasan Kikuyu entertained guests with her skillful play on shamisen while Maiko Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and Maiko Kikuyumi served famous Miyagawacho sake along with hot houjicha. Maiko Kikumaru was especially delighted to serve lady Inkmancer-san, famous and talented hikizuri painter.

Shikomi Atsuko

        Watashi no namae wa Atsuko desu

My name is Atsuko. I am 16 years old, born and raised in the small fishing village of Funaya in the Yosa district. My Obāsan (grandmother) was all I had. Sadly she suddenly fell ill last autumn and passed away in December. She left an empty place in my heart that can never be replaced. Obāsan told me exciting stories about the Edo period and the beautiful geisa and maikos living in the okiyas. The culture captivated me. I used to paint my face and dress up as a geisha dreaming away many afternoons in the house of my beloved Obāsan.  Before her death she encouraged me to follow my dream and apply for shikomi. She knew I would be provided for by the Okaasan if I got accepted. In March I started my training as shikomi under the strict guidance of Okaasan Kikuyu at Hanafusa Okiya, Kyoto. During the probation period I am not allowed to leave the hanamachi.  A new journey has begun and I am excited and ridden with fear entering the mysterious 'flower and willow world'.

Hanafusa Okiya training application open

Have you dreamed of becoming a Geiko ?

or maybe you know us as Geisha?

Are you interested in Japanese culture and performing?

Hanafusa Okiya is now open to look at your application!

You will find a application form at the posted that say Hanafusa in the landmark below.

*GMT timezone

For any questions please contact Kikuyuu resident - Okaasan Kikuyu or Miehina resident - Maiko Kikutsuru

Higashiyama Hanatouro in Miyagawacho Hanamachi

Yesterday, Miyagawacho Hanamachi held a very special event called Higashiyama Hanatouro.
Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru and maiko Kikuyumi presented three elegant Kyo-mai traditional dances to welcome newly arrived Springtime.
Participants: Maiko Kikutsuru(pale blue hikizuri with pinwheels in the waves), Maiko Kikumaru(bright green hikizuri with flower circles, petals and butterflies) and Maiko Kikuyumi(purple hikizuri with plum blossoms bosoms and branches, and small snowflakes)

(All pictures were taken by Isoldel san, owner of IsoMotion)

Happy Hina Matsuri!

Hina Matsuri, or Doll Festival, is a very special event during which families pray for their daughters' happiness, growth, and good health. Hanafusa Okiya isn't an exception! On March 3rd, they had a small, closed celebration inside the family okiya house but on the next day they had big ozashiki, celebrating Hina Matsuri, full of important patrons and clients. In the banquet room Okaasan Kikuyu placed several doll displays so that the guests could admire the beautifully crafted dolls and accesories! After ozashiki everyone gathered for the photo.

"Happy Hina Matsuri!"