Geisha or Not?

This photo was taken in 2007 in Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto was the capital of Imperial Japan and was so from 794 until 1868. Upon becoming the capital in 794, Kyoto became home to the Geisha. Also known as Geigi or Geiko, Geisha were originally skilled dancers called Oiran who also provided sex to their patrons. In the 1700's, many Geisha stopped dealing in sex and became exclusively entertainers; mostly actresses, dancers, and musicians. While some Geisha still offered prostitution, Geisha was seen as a respectable and desirable occupation for women. The women in this picture are Japanese tourists who have paid to be dressed and made up as Geisha.