A geisha is a woman highly trained in the arts of music, dance and entertaining. Geisha is Japanese for “person of art.” She spends many years learning to play various musical instruments, sing, dance and be the perfect hostess in a party of men.

What exactly does a geisha do?

Geisha (or geiko) are professional entertainers who attend guests during meals, banquets and other occasions. They are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and music, as well as in the art of communication.

How much does geisha training cost?

Hori estimates that a two-hour session commonly costs the customer around 50,000 yen (about US$450). That impressive sum pays not only the geisha’s salary, but it also goes toward the expensive, resplendent kimono and hairstyle that she wears. Sessions also require full makeup.