12 Things You Didn’t Know About Geisha

Geisha are one of the most captivating symbols of Japan. Their iconic appearance is unmistakable thanks to the elaborate makeup, hairstyle, kimono, and more. Yet much of a geisha's lifestyle and responsibilities remain shrouded in mystery, with many misconceptions about the profession spoiling its image. To help shed light on this secretive world, we’ve put together 12 fascinating geisha facts sure to surprise!This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.What Is a Geisha?A geisha is a Japanese female performance artist, traditionally hired to entertain guests at teahouses and social events. During such events, a geisha will sing, dance, perform music, host tea ceremonies, and serve food and drinks - all while engaging in lively conversation. The meaning of “geisha” comes from two kanji characters, “gei” (芸), meaning arts or entertainment, and “sha” (者), which means person. The word translates as a “person of the...