#kamishichiken
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roger1952.bsky.social
Kamishichiken Bon-Odori, Japan. Photography by Onihide on Flickr.
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM
shinhangadaily.bsky.social
Clifton Karhu - Kamishichiken - Kyoto
February 28, 2026 at 1:30 PM
roger1952.bsky.social
Maiko Umehina (Okiya Umeno) from Kamishichiken in 2018. Japan
Maiko Umehina of the Umeno okiya (geisha house) in Kamishichiken—Kyoto's oldest hanamachi (geisha district). The medium close-up portrait frames Umehina-san as she adjusts her elaborate hair ornaments while gazing into a small handheld mirror. It offers a spectacular, real-world window into the living artistry of the geisha world, beautifully balancing the brilliant colors of traditional silks with a quiet, focused posture of modern craftsmanship. The upper portion of the frame focuses on her traditional, sculpted waremoko or ofuku hairstyle, crafted entirely from her own oiled black hair to expose the classic porcelain-white makeup of her face and neck. Her face is meticulously painted with traditional oshiroi (white pigment foundation), accentuated by softly arched black eyebrows, a touch of red-crimson eyeshadow at the outer corners of her eyes, and perfectly defined red lips. Her right hand is elegantly raised to her temple, her fingers lightly touching a dazzling array of silver and silk seasonal hair ornaments (kanzashi). A cluster of delicate, white and pink silk plum blossoms (ume) cascades down her left side, while silver fluttering metal strips (bira-bira) catch the light over her forehead, anchored by a vibrant red silk ribbon (kanoko) tied through the top of the chignon. Umehina-san is dressed in a magnificent, multi-layered ensemble characteristic of a senior apprentice geisha. She wears a lightweight, textured lime-green furisode kimono adorned with a continuous stenciled pattern of trailing white wisteria and stylized plum blossoms. Beneath the main kimono, a heavily embroidered white and red collar (eri) frames her neck, while a bright crimson silk inner lining peek out from her swinging sleeves. Wrapping her torso is a wide, vibrant orange obi sash decorated with bold white geometric grids, over which a smaller red silk sash (obiage) patterned with white fans is neatly tied.
June 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
lushminda.bsky.social
Last odori of the year 🥹 we love repping kamishichiken!!
November 18, 2024 at 1:42 PM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
Kamishichiken (上七軒) is the oldest of Kyōto's Hanamachi (花街 'geisha districts').
The name translates as '7 Upper Houses' and is thought to be a reference to the 7 teahouses constructed with leftover material from the rebuilding of Kitano Tenman-gū in Muromachi times.
#Kyoto
A geiko walks through Kamishichiken. A maiko poses for a picture. The crest of Kamishichiken. The spring geisha dances.
February 27, 2026 at 6:53 AM
roger1952.bsky.social
Zuiki Matsuri 2013 - Maiko Katsune, Maiko Satohana, Geiko Naokazu, Kamishichiken (by Tamayura)
A beautiful vertical photograph by Tamayura captures a radiant group of geisha district artisans gathered during the 2013 Zuiki Matsuri festival in the Kamishichiken hanamachi of Kyoto, Japan. This image provides an extraordinary, close-up look at the highly codified dress history and material culture of contemporary geiko and maiko. The women are standing in a graceful diagonal line on the stone pavement outside a traditional building, framed by a dark slatted wooden fence (inuyarai) and a large paper lantern (chōchin) hanging to the far left. In the foreground, a woman stands in profile wearing a soft, cream-colored silk kimono tied with a white obi, her hair elegantly pinned into a modern, sophisticated twist. Next to her stands Maiko Katsune, anchoring the center of the frame in a spectacular pale orange furisode adorned with a dense, stippled geometric pattern. She holds the long, sweeping sleeve of her robe forward, revealing a lining decorated with large olive-green abstract leaf roundels, layered over a bright crimson under-kimono (nagajuban). Her midsection is wrapped in a black obi woven with golden floral crests, and she is elevated on high, traditional wooden clogs (okobo) fitted with pale pink straps. Her hair is coiffed in the elaborate momoware style, embellished with seasonal autumn kanzashi hairpins. Just behind her, Maiko Satohana looks toward the camera, wearing a striking cobalt blue furisode that creates a vivid color block against the warm oranges around her. Her hair features a vibrant, yellow pom-pom style floral ornament, characteristic of a junior apprentice's festive attire. Bringing up the rear of the procession is Geiko Naokazu, whose maturity and elevated rank are denoted by her full shimada wig and a deep burnt-orange kimono. Her ensemble features more restrained, classical styling, including a white collar and an obi that lacks the long, trailing sashes worn by her younger apprentice colleagues.
July 10, 2026 at 1:17 PM
roger1952.bsky.social
By the photographer Watanabe-san, this image features Umewaka, a prominent Maiko from the historic Kamishichiken district in Kyoto. She is affiliated with the Umeno Okiya, one of the most respected houses in Japan’s oldest geisha district.
This elegant portrait by photographer Watanabe-san features Umewaka, a prominent maiko (apprentice geiko) from the historic Kamishichiken district in Kyoto. Affiliated with the respected Umeno Okiya, she is captured in a moment of quiet poise that reflects the centuries-old traditions of Japan’s oldest geisha district. Umewaka is dressed in a formal black hikizuri (trailing kimono) adorned with vibrant seasonal motifs. The lower portion of the garment features a striking arrangement of pink and white plum blossoms (ume) and lush green bamboo, rendered in the traditional yuzen painting style. Her ensemble is completed with a high-waisted obi featuring intricate golden patterns. Her hair is elaborately styled in the wareshinobu fashion, decorated with seasonal kanzashi (hairpins) that include delicate floral ornaments and silver fluttering accents. Her face is traditionaly painted in white shiro-nuri makeup, with a touch of red at the eyes and a partial red lip, a hallmark of her status as an apprentice.
March 12, 2026 at 7:33 PM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
A geisha from Gion Shirakawa saved the statue from destruction, but this same year she died and was buried at Nittai-ji. The statue went with her.

Originally a Jōdo temple called Kannon-ji (観音寺), in 1721 Nittai (日體) converted the temple to Nichiren and named it after himself.
Maiko and Geiko from Kamishichiken gather for the Baikasai festival at Kitano Tenmangu. Maiko and Geiko from Kamishichiken gather for the Baikasai festival at Kitano Tenmangu. Snake omikuji holder from Sui Jingu. Snake statue at Otoyo-jinja.
October 31, 2025 at 2:23 AM
roger1952.bsky.social
Katsuya, who was a maiko (apprentice geisha) in the Kamishichiken district of Kyoto. The photo was captured in 2005 during the Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) at the Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine. At the time, she was an active maiko serving tea to visitors.
This striking profile photograph captures Katsuya, an active maiko (apprentice geisha) from Kyoto’s Kamishichiken district, during the 2005 Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) at Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine. Her face is meticulously painted with traditional white shironuri makeup, accented by vibrant crimson lipstick and a subtle touch of red around her eyes. Her hair is elegantly styled in the wareshinobu fashion, characteristic of a junior maiko, and is adorned with elaborate seasonal kanzashi featuring "shimmering" silver fans and silk plum blossoms in shades of red, pink, and turquoise. She wears a formal white kimono with a delicate floral collar, embodying the refined grace of her craft as she serves tea to festival visitors.
February 10, 2026 at 12:58 PM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
Kamishichiken (上七軒) is the oldest of Kyōto's Hanamachi (花街 'geisha districts').
The name translates as '7 Upper Houses' and is thought to be a reference to the 7 teahouses constructed with leftover material from the rebuilding of Kitano Tenman-gū in Muromachi times.

#Kyoto #hanamachi #Kamishichiken
Image thanks - https://www.maiko3.com/
February 25, 2025 at 7:21 AM
geishaartist.bsky.social
A purple radial painting with my eyes closed in Infinite Painter. To me, this painting looks like a flower that a Japanese geisha/geiko woman wears on her kimono. Also, the five geisha districts in Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawa-Cho, Kamishichiken, and Pontocho.
A purple radial painting with my eyes closed in Infinite Painter. To me, this painting looks like a flower that a Japanese geisha/geiko woman wears on her kimono. Also, the five geisha districts in Kyoto: Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawa-Cho, Kamishichiken, and Pontocho.
June 4, 2026 at 5:54 AM
roger1952.bsky.social
Maiko Umehina (Umeno Okiya) of Kamishichiken in the entryway of her okiya. Japan

Source: Kyoto Insider on Instagram
March 15, 2025 at 4:09 AM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
To celebrate Baika-sai at Kitano Tenman-gū (北野天満宮), geisha and maiko from the Kamishichiken district (上七軒) serve hundreds of eager guests in an outdoor tea ceremony.

laughing politely
while tea is served...
Buddha
摂待のあいそに笑ひ仏かな
-Kobayashi Issa.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
Maiko and geiko serving tea at Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko serving tea at Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko serving tea at Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko serving tea at Baika-sai.
February 27, 2026 at 6:32 AM
torstil.eurosky.social
Kamishichiken Kyoto
Alt: Kamishichiken Kyoto
static.klipy.com
September 11, 2026 at 8:33 AM
japonismo.com
Mañana se celebra en el santuario Kitano Tenmangu de Kioto el festival Baikasai en el que maikos y geishas de Kamishichiken realizan una ceremonia del té y sirven té a los asistentes entre ciruelos en flor 🌸: https://japonismo.com/blog/viajar-kioto-santuario-kitano-tenmangu
February 24, 2026 at 9:03 AM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
🎎PLUM BLOSSOM FESTIVAL🌸

In the Kyōto calendar there are a few times each year when the public is able to rub shoulders with maiko and geiko for a small fee.
During 'Baika-sai' they serve tea beside Kitano Tenman-gū's plum orchard.

plum blossoms-
singing Tenjin's sutra
a sparrow
梅咲や天神経をなく雀
-Issa.
A maiko serves tea at Kitano Tenmangu's Baika-sai festival. Vivid pink plum blossoms in bloom at Kitano Tenmangu. One of the most stunning ume are the two-toned 'sakiwake' (咲き分け 'variegated flowers'). A geisha from the Kamishichiken hanamachi serves tea at Baika-sai.
February 25, 2025 at 2:36 AM
camelliakyoto.bsky.social
To celebrate Baika-sai at Kitano Tenman-gū (北野天満宮), geisha and maiko from the Kamishichiken district (上七軒) serve hundreds of eager guests in an outdoor tea ceremony.

laughing politely
while tea is served...
Buddha
摂待のあいそに笑ひ仏かな
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶).
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
#Japan #梅花祭 #北野天満宮
Maiko and geiko mingle with guests during Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko mingle with guests during Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko mingle with guests during Baika-sai. Maiko and geiko mingle with guests during Baika-sai.
February 25, 2025 at 4:39 AM
cuppachabanashi.bsky.social
Well actually I lived in 4 different places during my 6 years
1 year in Kamishichiken
1 year in front of Shinnyodo
1 year near Shimogamo shrine
3 years in Demachiyanagi with the best view ever
cuppachabanashi.bsky.social Rebecca @cuppachabanashi.bsky.social · Mar 16
Kitanotenmangu, one of the first places I started my Kyoto life 🥺 (I lived in the maiko district next to it)
March 16, 2025 at 5:59 AM
geekybones.bsky.social
New computer means NEW STICKERS! A few of these are going on the car (namely the red mitsudomoe, legalize skooma, and the kamon of Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, and Kamishichiken), but most of them are going on Tremere’s new case.
February 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
cosmic-faerie.bsky.social
北野天満宮での節分の祝い、上七軒の舞妓さんたちもいる。

Setsubun Celebrations at Kitano Tenmangū with Maiko from Kamishichiken in attendance!

www.facebook.com/share/v/19hi...
February 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
gaijintacle.bsky.social
El 6 de febrero, en el histórico distrito de Kamishichiken (上七軒) en Kioto, se llevó a cabo una sesión fotográfica previa al Kitano Odori (北野をどり), la tradicional danza de primavera interpretada por geishas y maikos www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/kyoto/... #Japón #Kyoto
February 7, 2025 at 7:20 PM
nipponnavigators.bsky.social
Kyoto with four guests from Australia looking to get off the usual routes. Myoshin-ji and Taizo-in, then Yokai Street exploring Japan’s folklore spirits, finishing at Kitano Tenmangu and Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, Kamishichiken.

#Nipponnavigators #tourguidesofjapan #kyoto #japan #geisha
April 4, 2026 at 11:14 PM
geekybones.bsky.social
oh yeah Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, and Kamishichiken are my top three favorite hanamachi (geisha districts) in Kyoto and the kamon are their crests.
February 2, 2025 at 7:44 PM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Setsubun at Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. #setsubun #節分 #japan #risshun #立春 #mamemaki #豆撒き #shinto #matsuri #festival #kitanotenmangu #北野天満宮 #maiko #舞妓 #kamishichiken #上七軒 #visitkyoto #japantravel
Today, I visited the Kitano Tenmangu shrine in Kyoto’s western district. By the time the setsubun play commenced, a sizable crowd had gathered around Kagura-den, the Sacred Music Hall. The entire event spanned nearly 45 minutes. It was an incredible experience.
February 3, 2026 at 7:35 AM