A new Tayu photo experience begins at Kokoro Hanashizuku in Gion, Kyoto, on Monday, August 17, 2026. Reservations are open now.
About the Tayu
The tayu was the highest rank of Kyoto’s Shimabara flower district — celebrated not only for her beauty, but as a woman of learning, versed in poetry, calligraphy, tea, and incense. In earlier times she was granted court rank and received even in the imperial court.
While Edo’s highest rank came to be called oiran, Kyoto and Osaka kept the name tayu. The tradition endures in Kyoto to this day, more than three centuries on.
The Experience
The skin is prepared with white oshiroi powder, the hair set with a Yoshino-mage half-wig, and an ornate uchikake layered over the kakeshita. With each added layer, one naturally stands a little taller. In a traditional tatami room, lit softly through shoji paper, we capture the quiet dignity of the tayu.
A modern-makeup version, without white powder, is also available — a lighter way to wear the look.
Plan details
- Price
- ¥24,500 (¥26,950 incl. tax)
- Duration
- approx. 3 hours
- Photography
- approx. 21 shots by a professional
- Retouched data
- 3 images
- Costume
- uchikake & kakeshita, 1 set
- Hair
- Yoshino-mage half-wig
- Makeup
- white oshiroi (modern makeup also available)
- Set
- traditional tatami room
- Access
- 1 min from Gion-Shijo Station
The experience begins on Monday, August 17, 2026; earlier dates cannot be accommodated. As a half-wig is used, hair must be long enough to blend the fringe and sides. Reservations are available online.
