Kyoto Maiko Makeover and Samurai Dress-up Experience with Optional Stroll Plan
Overall Rating
4.63
Turning Japanese, I Really Think So
Reviewed by: K Haling & Y Lucas, 2020/02/16Overall, our Maiko Makeover was truly unique, very special and simply unforgettable. The makeover was transformational and the end result was exceptional.
When visiting foreign countries, we always like to dress up, whenever possible, to experience traditions of the past. In the case of our Maiko Makeover, we got to experience a tradition of both past and present as this is a tradition that continues to be practiced.
Advice for future participants:
1. Come wearing a normal bra and not a racerback or criscrossback bra. The reason for this is that your neck and upper back will be painted with the same white makeup as your face. If you are wearing a racerback or crisscross bra, you will have to lose the bra altogether. If you are top heavy, especially, you will want the support of your bra because wearing a traditional kimono has its tricks and you won’t want your breast to get in the way nor will you want them to be squeezed during the wardrobe part of your makeover.
2. Bring your own white tabi socks (traditional Japanese socks worn with thonged footwear). If you don’t, you can buy some there. But bringing your own can save you time and money.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/11 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Great Maiko Experience!
Reviewed by: Nat W. , 2019/11/02I had a fantastic time transforming as a Maiko! The location of the place is fantastic, right in the heart of traditional Kyoto City giving you a nostalgic vibe. The facility is nice and clean. The welcoming lady was so nice and pretty. I’ve always been obsessed with geisha and so grateful for this experience. I got to walk around the area for a while and so many people wanted to take pictures of me. I’d be so excited too to see ones walking on the street even though they might not be the real ones. Thank you so much for fulfilling my wish and a wonderful experience!
Dear Nat W.
Thank you for your message.
We are very glad you spent the special time at our studio.
Maiko is one of the traditional Japanese culture.
So Maiko transformation is very special experience for foreign tourists and also Japanese ladies.
I hope you had a wonderful experience in Kyoto.
And please keep your beautiful Maiko pictures as a nice memories!
If you have a chance to visit to Kyoto again, we would like to see you someday.
Thank you very much.
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2019/11/02 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
A fantastic experience!!!
Reviewed by: Victoria , 2019/10/30When we arrived to the studio the place was lovely, super clean and the personnel was very nice and professional. The atmosphere was welcoming we were treated very well, the lady that did my makeup was careful and very nice, same thing with my hair.
I loved to see me becoming a legendary Maiko ibthibk the process is beautiful, fulfilled definitely a dream, I got yo choose from tens of Kimono options of a really good quality and variety of colors I could not decide!!!
Finally I picked up my favorite lila tone and the process of dressing is also super exciting, plus you are in front of a big mirror and you almost think it is the real deal, you are like in a Geisha training house!!!! ai think it is really magical.
The photo session was great, very professional and super cute with adequate lighting and good advices I enjoyed that very much the interior location was perfect and the exterior one in a little garden was fantastic.
Finally we had around 45 minutes to walk along the street taking care that the kimono is not damaged or wet of course, and i was a bit shy in the beginning but everyone's reaction was so nice that i just let go and enjoyed the whole experience to the most i took like a hundred pictures with my phone and people were asking to take pictures with us it was so nice.
When we came back the photo book was ready and the quality of the pictures were fantastic. Recommended 100% to everyone this is a very beautiful experience.... once in a lifetime experience!
I didn't want to leave I think, the location is fantastic on the center of the Gion district. Do it, I would actually do it again if I have the chance!!
Dear Victoria.
Thank you for your message.
We are very glad you spent the special time at our studio.
Maiko is one of the traditional Japanese culture.
So Maiko transformation is very special experience for foreign tourists and also Japanese ladies.
I hope you had a wonderful experience in Kyoto.
And please keep your beautiful Maiko pictures as a nice memories!
If you have a chance to visit to Kyoto again, we would like to see you someday.
Thank you very much.
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/10/18 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Fantastic experience with a high quality service
Reviewed by: Marta, 2019/08/16Fantastic service, with high quality make up, impressive premises, clean and modern but in an old building renovated, wonderful kimonos and photography of excellent quality.
Very good products to remove the make up. Kimonos at the higher level!
I would recommend it 100%. Just one advice, be in advance because the location is not so easy to find, even if it is one of the more authentic places in Kyoto.
Perfect service at the level of my high expectations, thanks!
Dear Marta
Thank you for your message.
And I’m sorry to have taken you a long time to find our store.
Maiko is one of the traditional Japanese cultule.
So Maiko transformation is is very special experience for foreign tourists and also Japanese ladies.
If you enjoyed at our shop, we are very happy.
I hope you had a wonderful experience in Kyoto.
And I would like to see you again if you have a chance to visit to our shop someday!
Thank you very much.
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio Shiki
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2019/08/14 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Exciting experience
Reviewed by: Darivette, 2019/06/01The whole experience was amazing, the staff is super nice and professional, I went with my whole family and we all laughed and enjoyed the photo session, the selection of kimonos is beautiful, along side wigs and accessories, I highly recommend this place, they have also great products for when it’s time to take off the makeup, other places make you pay for unnecessary products, this company provides anything you need in order to perk up and take off :)
Dear Darivette
Thank you for your message.
We are very glad you and your family spent the special time at our studio.
I hope you had a wonderful experience in Kyoto.
And please keep your beautiful Maiko pictures as a nicememories!
If you have a chance to visit to Kyoto again, we would like to see you someday.
Thank you very much.
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
| Activity Date: | 2019/05/30 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Courteous staff and professional work!
Reviewed by: Stephen N., 2019/03/25I decided on this studio based on their fair price, high quality, and positive reviews, and I'm glad I did! While my wife was getting dressed as a Geisha, I decided I'd take part in the experience with her and do the Samurai plan. On the way to the dressing room there was a small outdoor area with a very unique looking duck and a good number of impressive looking koi - truly beautiful and relaxing. Upon arrival, the room was very well kept and the material of the clothes were obviously quite high. When we got to the shooting room and they handed me the katana, I was relieved to discover it had proper weight and they did not save on expense with a cheap, fake sword of weak material and poor quality.
For those wanting to try this out, I'd definitely recommend opting into the stroll/outdoor options for some truly fantastic pictures. Also important is timing! If you want to have pictures on your free stroll time with few to no people in the background, go at the earliest appointment available (that's what we preferred), however, if you'd like it to look like a bustling city in that era, an afternoon shoot will have a good crowd of other people from various shops who are also dressing up!
Enjoy!
Dear Mr. Stephen N，
Thank you for your message!
And also thank you for coming our store with your wife.
Maiko and Samurai are Japanese traditional cultures. We hope that more people will know it through this experience.
The strolling plan is one of the most popular
plan. because you can take your favorite photos outside. We are so glad that you and your wife are satisfied with this experience.
We look forward to seeing again someday.
Thank you very much!
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2019/03/20 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Fantastic makeover!!!
Reviewed by: Pippa, 2018/06/06Fabulous makeover fir Maiko staff were professional and the photos are excellent !
Booking was so easy through veltra and this offer was brilliant
No hesitation in recommending them and would order other experiences and trips !!!
Excellent trustworthy and efficient
Thankyou x
Pippa ( a very satisfied customer !!)
Dear Pippa
Thank you for your comment.
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed taking your maiko pictures.
There are many maiko transformation studios in Kyoto, but I think our shop is the best for foreign tourists.
It is because we have many reservations from overseas, so all staff is studying English now.
Besides, we have English staff, Chinese staff and Spanish staff.
If you have a chance to visit to Kyoto again, we are looking forward to see you someday.
Sincerely,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/04 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Dream come true
Reviewed by: Chloe, 2018/04/15The ladies of Maiko Henshin Studio efficiently transformed me from everyday Jane to beautiful Maiko!
The process took me about an hour, and it's a constant flurry of activity - from makeup, hair, and kimono fitting. There was a few ladies in the queue but I felt that I did not wait too long.
The transformation was astounding. My husband couldn't believe his eyes!
We were given 45 minutes to stroll around Gion, and I was issued a bag with a map so I knew where I was going. My makeover looked so awesome a few people thought I was a legit maiko.
Thank you Maiko Henshin Studio for making my dream come true!
Tip - don't eat a heavy meal prior to doing this! Once the kimono is on, you can't go to the restroom!
Dear Chloe
Thank you for your feedback.
We are very happy to hear that from you.
If you have a chance again, please come to our shop someday!
Sincerely,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/11 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Unforgettable Experience!
Reviewed by: Post-Uni Tourist, 2018/03/28My sister and I completed this activity together. We loved the location of the facility. It was located in Gion along some streets with beautifully built buildings. It is very much a tourist area with many shops catering different souvenirs and foods (which we happily explored after our time in Geisha attire.
The women were very efficient with the makeup and putting on the kimonos. The whole dress-up took about an hour and since we went early, we didn't really have to wait for others. We opted for the half-wig option (which you pay for in addition in studio) and it was cool, although I think it should be called more as "wig with your fringe." Most of your hair is kept underneath the main wig piece but then they take the first inch from around your forehead area to help cover up the would-be seems. Definitely cool, but I don't know if it was worth the extra amount.
We absolutely loved the walking aspect of our plan. The studio shots were really nice (we paid extra for a group shot), but being able to walk a ways away to take shots outside made it so much more worth it. Plus, with the other people on the street, we took photos with some other people in kimonos (and were also asked for pictures ourselves).
We would do this again in a heartbeat.
Dear Post-Uni Tourist
Thank you for your good feedback.
We are very glad you enjoyed photo shooting and walking around our shop on free time.
All our staffs are very professional to make geisha transform, so you felt the traditional culture in Kyoto.
We are looking forward to see you again.
Have a nice day,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Activity Date: | 2018/03/22 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Geisha Experience in Kyoto
Reviewed by: Ana Cabral, 2018/02/18The experience itself was well worth the money. The staff is very professional, the studio is beautiful and centrally located in old Kyoto and they have a nice selection of beautiful kimonos.
Expect to be asked if you’d like to add any “extras” at an extra cost: a better wig, fake eyelashes, change of kimono, pictures in the garden, extra pictures, etc.
The only constructive critic i’d like to add is that the staff could explain while doing the make up, hair and dressing the kimono, the meaning of each step and each piece of clothing.
Dear Ana Cabral
Thank you for your coming several days ago.
Also thank you for your advise, I would like to talk with all our staff.
But I am sorry about our many options.
There are many requests before, so we offer them nowadays.
When you visit to Kyoto again, I would like to see you someday.
Have a nice day,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2018/02/16 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Incredible transformation
Reviewed by: Fran, 2017/04/14This experience has been the highlight of my trip. The transformation was incredible, and every step of the way was carefully executed with the utmost precision. I was so impressed with how the studio dealt with a high number of clients and yet still made me feel well looked after. I was so delighted with the final results, I felt like a lifelong dream had come true. The staff's professionalism and kindness are stellar, and the make up, wig and dressing artists are incredibly talented. The photographer really knows how to bring out the best in you, and she was so lovely she offered to take some pictures of me with my camera during my free photo time since I was travelling solo. There even was a make up artist in the wash room to help me clean the make up on my shoulders - they truly thought of everything and cater to all circumstances. I did not feel uncomfortable for one second. Pricing was a very good deal thanks to booking through Veltra, I got 50% off which meant I could happily add on a photo book and some other extras. I would recommend the half wig, it looks much more natural and it's worth the extra money. I will truly cherish this as one of my most treasured memories from Japan. Transforming into a Maiko in Kyoto is a beautiful dream come true, and I will not hesitate to come back to studio Shiki again for a Geisha makeover next time.
Dear Fran
Thank you for your feedback.
We are very happy that you could experience at our studio.
Our photographers are very professional to take geisha pictures, so I hope you enjoyed photo shooting with them.
I would like to ask you to recommend our studio to your friends.
We are waiting for you and your friends someday.
Cordially,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Activity Date: | 2017/04/11 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Fantastic pictures
Reviewed by: Amanda , 2017/03/21It was a dream come true to experience the full maiko experience and to walk out fully dressed (which was quite an exciting experience sitting for full makeup and then being dressed) to show off to my fiancé who was waiting for me dressed as a samurai. The photographers were kind, gentle, and encouraging. They were surprisingly fast and efficient which made me nervous at first but the pictures came out fantastic. Wonderful experience and I highly recommend!! Great place with everything you need.
Thank you for your comment.
We are very glad your dream became a reality at our shop.
I hope you will visit to our shop someday.
Cordially,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2017/03/17 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Fun and Memorable Photoshoot Experience
Reviewed by: Heather, 2016/07/12It was a very fun experience! I was glad I was able to buy more poses and the backgrounds they used were very nice. You definitely need to plan for ample time before and during as it may take longer than expected.
As a side note, not against the company per say, but I would have liked that on the Veltra website they would have listed the various upgrade options they had for each package.
Dear Ms. Heather
Thank you for your message.
To transform geisha takes long time, but I hope you could transform beautiful geisha at our studio.
Please keep your pictures forever.
I would like to see you again someday, if you have a chance to visit to our shop.
Cordially,
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/07/04 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Nice experience for Stroll Plan
Reviewed by: Oradee, 2016/04/30Professional and friendly staff. The staff can speak English. I have enjoyed the stroll plan for walk around and get some nice photo and compliment from tourist. Nice experience and memory in Kyoto. The photo which taken from studio only 3 photos are good out of 9 photos. I am lucky with the weather and have a good photos with students and surrounding. This was my 2nd time so I would recommended to anyone come in Kyoto to try this.
Dear Ms. Oradee
Thank you for your coming to our shop.
The Strolling plan is one of our popular plan.
You could take many pictures with tourists.
I would like to see you again in Kyoto as the third time someday.
Wishes,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/13 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Amazing! So much fun!
Reviewed by: Johanna , 2016/04/12We both loved it! Yay! Dressing up was awesome and we loved posing. We were treated very well and it was super fun.
Thank you for your comments.
Our studio have many poses for photo shooting, also we have over 100 kimonos!
You could choose the best kimono for you.
If you have a chance, I'd like to see you again someday.
Have a good day,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2016/04/10 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Geisha make over
Reviewed by: mubson@msn.com, 2016/02/07This was a truly a once in a life time experience. My daughters and myself just loved it. There is so much that goes into preparing the look. It's was amazing
Thank you for your comments! There are Japanese room, Japanese tea room. We're glad you could take pitures in these rooms. If you have a chance, I'd like to see you again someday.
Have a nice day,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Fun, unique, cost friendly.
Reviewed by: Jenny, 2015/09/30This was a really neat thing to experience. It was fun and unique and I'm glad I did it. It was wonderful to have the final 10minutes outside for personal photos so that I could share some of the experience with my husband and have photos for social media.
I wish they would have had a package for the professional photos to be emailed with a link to the shots. Most people don't need printed photos these days and I won't use mine.
It would also be helpful to have a little more support for those who don't speak Japanese but if you're fluent in charades, it was worth it under the sale price (around 6,200 yen with a few worthwhile additions).
Ps- pay the extra for the "half wig" (looks way better) and bring your own straightener!
Thank you for your comment.
We're glad that you experienced wonderful time at SHIKI.
About print of picture, we have to think other nice idea.
If you have a chance, I hope you will come to Kyoto someday.
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2015/09/27 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Nice experienced in kyoto
Reviewed by: Oradee, 2015/09/11I arrived about 9am for dressed up instead of 10.00am for an appointment as not sure the direction but it was easy to find once my husband look on Google Earth. The staff was very friendly and professionally. They will ask if I would like to do additional photo shots in studio on arrival. I choose to do more photos as the set up in studio look nice and suitable for the Maiko dressed up. The dressed up and make up took about 1 1/2 . My plan was a stroll plan which I allow to walk in Kimono for 45 minutes but there was a mistake so after they found out the mistake the studio told my husband that they will not charge extra for an additional photos make in studio as I did not walk around in Kimono as booked. I would returning to Kyoto again next year and would recommended anyone come to Kyoto try Maiko dressed up experience.
Thank you for your message.
We're so sorry you could not stroll outside.
If you have a chance, please come to Kyoto again.
I'm glad you came to our shop.
I'd like to see you someday.
Have a nice day,
Maiko transformation studio SHIKI
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Activity Date: | 2015/08/12 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
great experience of traditional japan dressing but costly....better you pay online for album too
Reviewed by: samuel, 2015/07/30enjoyed the maiko dress up with good makeup....for an hour...and the clicks were amazingly wonderful...great photoshoot...couldnt recognise ourselves after the makeup
you need to pay for socks and for CD again
Thank you.
Please also come.
maiko studio shiki
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/09 |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Worthwhile experience
Reviewed by: Yukiko, 2015/02/02I wanted to try this, but was a little bit embarrassed to dress as a maiko at my age...but I and 3 of my friends booked it anyway!
It was great! It was so interesting, shooting at the studio was quick and the pictures they gave us were instant.
I think it wouldn't be perfect for those who just want pictures, but
our main wish was to wander around and take pictures by ourselves.It is in a very nice historical area, so we really enjoyed ourselves.
However, there are many tourists who will want to take a picture with you, so keep that in mind.
There are lots if people from other countries and all generations at the studio, so I felt relaxed about the experience. It was really fun. I recommend it.
<Translated by Veltra.com>
Thank you for your coming and comments.
We glad to see your comments.
Thank you so much!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
|
Was this comment helpful?
[Yes]
|
|
Dear K Haling and Y Lucas.
Thank you for your message.
We are very glad you spent the special time at our studio.
Also Thank you very much for your advice to future experiences.
Maiko is one of the traditional Japanese culture. So Maiko transformation is very special experience for foreign tourists and also Japanese ladies.
I hope you had a wonderful experience in Kyoto.
And please keep your beautiful Maiko pictures as a nice memories!
If you have a chance to visit to Kyoto again, we would like to see you someday.
Thank you very much.
Have a nice trip!
Maiko henshin studio SHIKI